icipe Graduate Student (PhD) Career Position - Understanding the role of climate change induced effect on the biology and ecology of avocado insect pests

Graduate Student (PhD) Position

Topic: Understanding the role of climate change induced effect on the biology and ecology of avocado insect pests along altitudinal gradient of Taita-Taveta Hill, Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

icipe is an intergovernmental organisation funded by government aid agencies, UN organisations and private foundations to carry out research and training in environmentally sound and sustainable management of arthropods for improved health and agricultural productivity in the tropics.

icipe has approximately 350 staff to support its research and capacity building programmes, located at various sites in Kenya and Ethiopia.

Project Title: Understanding the role of climate change induced effect on the biology and ecology of avocado insect pests along altitudinal gradient of Taita-Taveta Hill, Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Project objectives

• Determine changes in avocado insect pests richness, composition, abundance and parasitism along altitudinal gradients in Taita-Taveta and Kilimanjaro
• Assess the dynamics and seasonality of key avocado insect pest (as identified from objective 1) and establish the role of existing and introduced natural enemies in suppression pest population along altitudinal gradient in Taita and Kilimanjaro
• Study the effects of different temperatures on life-table parameters of two major avocado pests and one associated natural enemy
• Develop and validate phonological models from temperature dependent life-table statistics for key insects pest and associated natural enemy using past, present and projected climate change scenarios in Mt. Kilimanjaro and Taita
• Expand models to include other spatial data layers such as land cover change set-up, host plants, precipitation and humidity to guide management methods

Qualifications for the position

This doctoral fellowship is expected to run from 2012 to 2014 and is tenable at icipe.

The successful candidate selected out of a competitive process will begin her/his training immediately.

Specific Qualifications

The applicant must have BSc and MSc degrees with a minimum award of upper 2nd class degree or equivalent in Entomology or Horticulture or Crop protection sciences or agricultural agronomy.

Should be a Kenyan

Maximum age of 36 years for men and 40 for women at the time of application [Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply].

Eligible for registration in one of the ARPPIS member universities (visit the icipe website: icipe website or ARPPIS website: ARPPIS website for a comprehensive list of ARPPIS member universities)

Application Requisites

Interested applicants are required to submit the following documents:

• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Two letters of reference
• Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts of degree courses taken;
• A Letter of nomination for training by the employer a must
• A one-page write-up on Why you think you are the right candidate for this position

Send application documents by email to pmachera@icipe.orgwith a Subject line: Avocado Insect Pests PhD Applicatio

Candidates who fail to comply with ALL the qualification requirements will not be considered.

Applications will be accepted up to 18 November 2011.

Only applications of shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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