Job Description

Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (KCGEB) has an open postdoctoral position available on the insect model, the red palm weevil (RPW, Asian palm weevil), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, the most destructive invasive transboundary insect pest affecting trees worldwide. The postdoc will be responsible for conducting experiments and developing Wolbachia-based biocontrol translation—suppressing RPW populations in the lab and in semi-field conditions. An important responsibility will be the identification and expansion of Wolbachia stock cultures from other suitable donor insects, which are essential for producing different Wolbachia strains needed for cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) in RPW. The study will be conducted at KCGEB and in international collaborations. The project objective covers the methods, viz., host–Wolbachia interaction; establishing a stock culture of Wolbachia lines from suitable donor weevils; microinjection and transinfection into RPW; confirmation of infection, inheritance, and CI effects; and Wolbachia-driven lab and field experiments to evaluate CI and insect population control. This project aims to finally achieve transgenic expression of cif genes from a successful Wolbachia line that can persist in RPWs and develop a gene-based drive system in R. ferrugineus. Our team will apply this knowledge and research output to develop and provide sustainable RPW management strategies that reduce or eliminate the need for insecticides.

Minimum Qualification

PhD degree in Biology (Animal Science-Entomology)/Life sciences with research experience in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and ecology, as evidenced by publications and patents.

Preferred Qualification

Doctoral/postdoctoral experience on the Insect-Wolbachia model and incompatible insect technique (IIT).

Expected Skills

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc with broad skills and experience in conducting research on insect models and Wolbachia, with a strong background in molecular biology, genetics, and microbiology; interest in ecology, biocontrol, and field testing is highly desirable. Experience in red palm weevil or mosquito-Wolbachia research, insect cell culture, and basic bioinformatics would be highly advantageous for this position. Postdoc must be involved in multiple ongoing projects at KCGEB on palm weevils, including functional validation of gene editing and RNAi, as well as other chemical ecology and synthetic biology research. Salary commensurate with training and experience, as evidenced by publications.

Special Instructions to Applicant

Application includes a CV, PDFs of relevant articles/manuscripts, and a cover letter describing background, skills, and research interests and plans.

Close Date Kindly apply before the closing date.

31/03/2026

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