Specific duties

• The successful candidate is expected to:
• Contribute to scaling of beneficial insects for pest management, biodiversity conservation, pollination, and improved yields of key food security crops.
• Contribute to BRAINS project management and linkage with partners (Universities, national research organizations), policymakers, and development partners.
• Design and implement training programs for local stakeholders to enhance their understanding of climate resilience and sustainable agricultural practices in the context of the BRAINS project.
• Spearheaded data collection and analysis from different studies and published research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Disseminate research findings through field days, workshops, and conferences.
• Conduct novel cutting-edge scientific research to develop, adapt, and optimize insect symbiosis for integrated pest, vector, and disease management.
• Develop a tractable symbiont-based system for bioprospecting for one health.
• Supervise research assistants, technicians, field assistants, interns, and mentor MSc and PhD students.
• Participate in resource mobilization through research grants.

Requirements/qualifications

• PhD in Entomology, Agriculture, or related discipline from a reputable University with postgraduate experience in integrated pest management and insect symbiosis.
• Experience in microbiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology.
• At least 3 publications on integrated pest management or related areas in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to mobilize resources for effective research.
• Ability to create and foster an innovative work environment including team building to deliver on project goals.
• High degree of organization, adaptability, and prioritization.
• Fluency in English
• Willingness to engage in fieldwork in the project-implementing countries.