We are seeking one Malaysian PhD candidate at Molecular Ecology and Health (MECOH) Lab (PI: Prof Kozo Watanabe) of Ehime University, Japan, to participate in a newly funded research project on controlling zoonotic malaria in Sabah, Malaysia, under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) program ( https://www.amed.go.jp/en/news/release_20240418.html ). The primary focus will be on field surveys and genetic analysis of vector mosquitoes in Sabah. Application deadline: 10 March 2025.
 
Description of the position
   The selected PhD candidate will conduct mosquito habitat surveys and collections, gather wide-area environmental information using drones and satellite imagery, and apply machine learning to predict risks, ultimately creating a risk map for zoonotic malaria in Sabah. The candidate will also perform genetic analyses of mosquitoes to estimate migration pattern between local mosquito populations, identify mosquito host animals through residual DNA, and determine malaria infection rates in mosquitoes. The candidates will be enrolled as PhD students at Ehime University, travelling between Japan (for data analysis and thesis writing) and Malaysia (for field work).

Experience in field work (sample collections), DNA experiments, and knowledge of entomology will be advantageous. Those with a Malaysian driving license are also at an advantage.
 
Application deadline and start date of the position:

• Application deadline: 10 March 2025 or until all positions are filled - up.
• Start date of the position: Between April – August 2025 (flexible and late start also negotiable)

 
Eligibility:

1. Only Malaysian nationals are eligible to apply for this position.
2. There is no age limit.
3. Master's degree in related fields (e.g., biology, environmental science, ecology) is required before the start date of the said position (not by the time of application).

 
Contract details:

• Duration of contract: Maximum of 4 years and 6 months.

• Full financial support (stipend, tuition, and round-trip ticket) is guaranteed by the SATREPS project, and can also be complemented by additional support from scholarships from private foundations in Japan.
• The candidate should be able to work independently, with very good or excellent English communication skills.

 
Application and selection processes:
   Applicants are encouraged to send the files below to Prof. Kozo Watanabe by email ( [email protected] ).

1. CV (any format)
2. Application letter within 3 pages that explains the applicant’s past research activities and motivation to study in the MECOH lab (any format). At the end of your application letter, please include the names, affiliations and contact details of the two references that Professor Watanabe can contact for an online meeting.
3. PDF of the published paper/s if the applicants have any reviewed Journal publication/s.

 

• Applicants will receive an acknowledgement email from Prof. Watanabe within one week from the application date (not immediate response). If the applicants don't receive any reply, please contact Prof. Watanabe again for your confirmation.
• Shortlisted applicants will be requested for online interview (PPT based presentation and QA). Details will be provided via email.
• Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by Prof Watanabe via email.

 
If you have any questions regarding the said position, please contact the email address above.
 
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Overall framework of the SATREPS project. Please note that the selected candidate will carry out the research described in the "Description of the position" above.
 
Project title: Project for the Sustainable Control of Zoonotic Malaria through an Integrated Approach
 
Project duration: April 2025-March 2030 (5 years)

Participating institutions:
Nagasaki University, Ehime University, Tokyo Women's Medical University (Japan), and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Malaysia)

PI: Kaneko Osamu (Nagasaki University)
 
Summary:
In recent years, cases of "zoonotic malaria" in humans caused by non-human primate Plasmodium species have become increasingly frequent. In Malaysia, in particular, thousands of individuals are infected annually with Plasmodium knowlesi parasites, with reported cases of knowlesi malaria rising rapidly across Southeast Asia. However, conventional malaria control methods have proven ineffective in addressing the zoonotic malaria epidemic, highlighting the need for the development of effective control strategies.
 
This research project will focus on the following activities in Sabah, Malaysia:

• Identifying high-risk areas for zoonotic malaria through ecological surveys of monkey and vector mosquito habitat distributions and population genetic analysis of zoonotic malaria parasites isolated from monkeys, mosquitoes, and humans.
• Developing and implementing a novel rapid malaria diagnostic method capable of diagnosing all forms of monkey and human malaria, including P. knowlesi, using LAMP technology and chromatography methods.
• Developing and applying an automated mosquito larvae control system utilizing drone technology and large-scale data-based machine learning.
• Developing and implementing community risk education programs to promote behavioral changes that reduce the risk of zoonotic malaria transmission, based on collected data, and introducing these programs to the community.

and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS)

Through the support of LaMer, Prof. Janairo spent a week at MECOH and CMES for discussion and networking. Prof. Janairo is from the Department of Biology of De La Salle University, and the Head of the Chemical Ecology Laboratory of the Institute of Biological Control of DLSU. From January 14 – 21, 2025, Prof. Janairo had a glimpse of the various exciting research that are being conducted at MECOH, such as antimicrobial resistance and the application of machine learning to address a diverse range of problems. 

He was likewise introduced with the other research groups at CMES and was oriented to facilities of the center. Prof. Janairo also delivered a lecture about his research on peptide-based nanomaterials and chemical communication nature. 

See you soon Prof. Janairo! Till we meet again.