The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is seeking to appoint a Masters Graduate Fellow to work in… Efficacy of selected ear brand against Rhipicephalus appendiculatus on livestock project. The successful fellow will be hosted by the ILRI Health Program.

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve the lives of people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that contributes to equitable and resilient livestock systems to achieve food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research in the developing world. It is co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, and has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia in addition to Central, East, South and West Africa. www.ilri.org

The health program’s goal is to promote the health and well-being of farmed livestock, improve human well-being, and protect the common environment by strengthening control measures for health risks associated with animals and agriculture. The program adopts a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnections between human, animal and environmental health. By addressing disease risks at this interface, the program aims to prevent the spread of animal and emerging infectious diseases that threaten public health and food security. Read more here: https://www.ilri.org/index.php/research/themes/health

Attitude

This study will focus on the control of brown ear mites, Ribicephalus appendix. Prefer the R. appendix Feeding on the ears of its hosts makes this species a prime candidate for control by acaricide-impregnated ear tags. Although this is not the only type of tick commonly found on livestock in East Africa, its presence often limits the number of times livestock are dipped or sprayed (currently up to twice a week with unsafe products) due to damage to the ears due to high tick burdens and the risk of East Coast fever.

The master’s student will conduct field experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of ear branding to control ticks on livestock. The availability of a suitable, safe and effective solution to control these tick species would be a game-changer in the control of tick-borne diseases in East Africa.

Terminology and reference

• Coordinate field data collection activities at the remote field site.
• Follow the study protocol and VICH GL9 guidelines (GCP) to carry out this study.
• Conducting clinical examinations for livestock.
• Administer veterinary medications as required.
• Collect data according to ALCOA+ principles either in hard copy or electronic form.
• Collect biological samples from calves and cattle.
• Conduct hash enumeration and identification.
• Conducting clinical pathological tests including blood smear and hematocrit analysis.
• Data analysis.
• Preparing the thesis.

Minimum requirements for the ideal candidate

• Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine.
• Registered in MSc (Applied Parasitology, Public Health or Epidemiology).
• -Experience in preparing and implementing field work.
• Experience using data capture tools (e.g., paper DCFs, ODK, Medrio).
• Laboratory experience – such as making blood smears and handling samples.
• Experience in conducting studies under VICH GL9 Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

location: Ellery Kenya.

period: 1 year.

Conditions of appointment and remunerationILRI will offer a competitive salary to cover living expenses at the project site, medical coverage, and research expenses. The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by ILRI scholars and an academic supervisor.

All applications must include the following (applications that do not contain the following documents will not be considered):

• A cover letter expressing their interest in the fellowship position and what they can bring to the fellowship.
• The CV includes the names and addresses (including phone and email) of three referees familiar with the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience.
• Certificates/certificates of academic qualification.

Applications must be submitted to the Senior Director of Capacity Development through our portal https://ilri.simplicant.com On or before 10/22/2025. Job title and reference number ILRI MSc GF/Health/03/2025 The subject line of your cover letter should be clearly marked.