Junior Research Assistant at icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Overall purpose of the job

• To assist in mass rearing of amaranth Lepidopteran defoliators insect species and their associated parasitoids, plant production and assist students under the AGROVEG project.

Specific Duties

• Assist in mass rearing of lepidopteran moths and their associated parasitoids.
• Assist in plant production for insect-rearing and experimental purposes.
• Participate and support laboratory activities and assist students in the project to conduct bioassays.
• Assist in organizing and undertaking experiments/bioassays.
• Culture and sub-culture of some entomopathogenic fungi and endophytes for experimental purposes.
• Carry out other daily chores and any other activity assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements/Qualifications

• At least KCSE with a certificate in a relevant area.
• At least 6 months of work experience in a related area.
• Expected to have basic knowledge and skills to perform simple tasks.
• Expected to have a strong capacity for understanding.
• At least 6 months experience in insect rearing, crop production, and setting up of field trials or laboratory assays with insects, EPF, endophytes and crops.

Other Desirable Attributes:

• Effectiveness in setting up experiments and maintaining mass production of insects, EPF/ endophytes.
• Accuracy in data collection, laboratory analyses, and management of insect pathogens.
• Timeliness in generating laboratory data.
• Efficiency in maintaining excellent contact/rapport with colleagues, stakeholders, or partners involved in R&D work and project activities.
• Relevant in assisting students in their research projects.

Reporting

• This position reports to the Project Coordinator AGROVEG.