Research Job/Study Opportunities

1. ECOLOGICAL OBSERVATORY TO STUDY MALARIA-TRANSMITTING MOSQUITOES
2. SCALING UP FOR ROLLOUT: REARING, TRANSPORT, AND RELEASE OF MALE
MOSQUITOES
Target Malaria with Oxford University, U.K. and Keele University, U.K. in collaboration with the
Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science (DABCS) and the African Regional Post
Graduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS) Centre, University of Ghana, Legon is seeking to recruit
personnel for theunderlisted positions in the execution of the projects titled:

 1. Ecological observatory to study malaria-transmitting mosquitoes
 2. Scaling up for rollout: rearing, transport, and release of male mosquitoes

• Post-doctoral fellowships (4 positions)
• PhD studentship (3 positions)
• Technicians (3 positions)
• Driver (1 position)

PROJECT SYNOPSIS
Duration: 4 years (September, 2018-September 2022)
Host Institution: University of Ghana, Legon.
Project sites: University of Ghana, Legon Campus and the Volta Region of Ghana.

BACKGROUND TO THE TARGET MALARIA PROJECTS –

1. Ecological observatory to study malaria-transmitting mosquitoes
The project willcharacterise the relevant community of plants and animals, and their interactions, with the
aim of answering questions about the impact on the ecosystem of eliminating or reducing the numbers of
the malaria vector Anophelesgambiae. The relevant community will be assessed in terms of the importance
of An.gambiae as a prey to insectivorous predators, as a filter feeder in the larval stage and as a possible
pollinator to clearly establish their importance in the environment. State of the art molecular techniques
will be used to establish and quantify the trophic relationships involved in the various components.

2. Scaling up for rollout: rearing, transport, and release of male mosquitoes
The project aims to develop protocols for rearing, transportand release of male mosquitoes that maximise
the fitness of male mosquitoes as part of mosquito release programmes. This ensures that the techniques
developed in the future will be deployed into natural populations in an efficient manner. Although the
outcome of the project will inform the management of modified mosquitoes, the current research will not
be done using any modified mosquitoes.

For more information, please visit https://www.openphilanthropy.org/focus/scientificresearch/ miscellaneous/target-malaria-general-support

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

• POST DOCTORAL CANDIDATES

A. VECTOR COMMUNITY ECOLOGISTS/ INSECTIVORE ECOLOGISTS (2 Candidates)

Qualifications
Applicants must have aPhD in a related field of study (Vector ecology, community ecology,
entomology or other related fields). Having some years of experience with working in any
of the related fields will be an advantage.

B. MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGIST (2 Candidates)

Qualifications
Applicants must have aPhD in a related field of study (Medical entomology, Parasitology
or other related fields). Having some years of experience with working in any of the related
fields, and particularly in mosquito husbandry, will be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the activities of the project to facilitate the successful achievement of the project goals.
• Assist in the development of strategies within the framework of Target Malaria project goals and

objectives.

• Participate in field work and other related activities.
• Present periodic progress reports and other necessary documents to the Principal Investigator.
• Assist with the supervision of PhD candidates.

PHD CANDIDATES
Qualifications

• Prospective applicants must have an M.Phil. or equivalent qualification in the biological sciences (preferably Entomology).
• Experience in vector ecology, community ecology, general or medical entomology and mosquito husbandry will be an advantage.
• Applicants must have first-hand knowledge of molecular techniques.
• A strong knowledge and skill in research design, data collection and statistical analysis is highly desirable.
• Applicants must also be highly motivated and capable of working at PhD level and under pressure.

Applicants must be able to work independently as well as on a team.

Responsibilities

• Carry out field work and data collection as well as report writing.
• Present periodic progress reports and other necessary documents to senior project staff and Principal Investigators.
• Must be ready to assist with any other project-related responsibility.

TECHNICIANS
Qualifications

• Candidates should have a first-degree providing training in general laboratory techniques.
• Must be conversant with general field specimen collection, identification and processing as well as good laboratory practices.
• Experience in mosquito husbandry and vector or community ecology will be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field preparations and field work.
• Assist with sample collections, morphological identification and sorting of mosquitoes of interest.
• Oversee the management and maintenance of equipment and the insectary.
• Assist the Principal investigator in any assigned project-related work.

DRIVER
Qualifications

• Interested applicants should have a minimum of senior high school qualifications (SSCE, WASSCE or its relevant equivalent).
• The applicant must also possess a valid Ghanaian driving license with a safe driving record
• Must also be skilled in minor vehicle repairs.
• Interested applicants must also have good interpersonal and communication skills Responsibilities
• Ensure project vehicle is in good condition and periodic maintenance schedules are adhered to.
• Maintain a log book for project travels.
• Assist in necessary logistic support.

DETAILS OF HOW TO APPLY 

• Application Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal statement of not more than a single page explaining your interest and ability for this project. The skills and expertise of the applicant as well as novel ideas the applicant believes could facilitate the execution of the project could be highlighted. Relevant references should be included.
• Certified true copies of all certificates and other relevant document

Interested candidates should submit their applications by sending e-copies via e-mail to faboagyeantwi@ug.edu.gh, and hard copies in a sealed envelope should reach the General Office of The Department
of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, P. O. Box LG 67, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra not
later than 25th September 2018 at 5:00 pm. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email and text
message, and invited for an interview.