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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