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:
Eligibility:
Contract details:
Application and selection processes: Applicants are encouraged to send the files below to Prof. Kozo Watanabe by email ( [email protected] ).
If you have any questions regarding the said position, please contact the email address above. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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:
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