Entomologist

Assists with the development, design, and evaluation of novel products and application technologies to better protect deployed forces from blood-feeding insects and other arthropods that transmit human diseases.

Responsibilities

• Apply scientific method and technical skills to design, conduct and analyze field or semi-field research to evaluate the effectiveness of current and novel pesticides and pest/vector management tools (including but not limited to truck-mounted, skid-mounted, handheld and aerial equipment).
• Apply scientific methods to design, conduct and analyze complex laboratory tests, determinations, and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches.
• Conduct research individually or in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff.
• Conduct laboratory rearing of insects and general laboratory maintenance duties.
• Perform routine data analysis and basic interpretation and verify and correct data entry.
• Develop technical material and training manuals.
• Assist in evaluations of vector surveillance techniques, tools, equipment, and pathogen diagnostic tools.
• Train junior laboratory staff in laboratory techniques and processes in informal and formal training settings, as needed.
• Document current or new procedures or protocols for sample selection, data collection, data processing, and/or statistical estimation.
• Obtain technical training from subject matter experts (SMEs), as required, to attain proficiency in new pesticide application equipment technology and techniques (work with pesticide application equipment, techniques, and modification projects).
• Prepare weekly project status and completion reports.
• Present project results at professional meetings, symposia, and working groups.
• Attend professional meetings, industry trade shows, technical/scientific symposia, and academic seminars.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor, including attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Reports to Head of the Testing and Evaluation department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree closely related to entomology/public health/biology/environmental science with relevant emphasis required.
• 3 – 5 years of relevant experience with Masters, 5 – 10 years of relevant experience with Bachelors.
• Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) may be considered an equivalent for 2 years of experience.
• Professional work experience in the field of entomological research, development, prevention, or control which included field and/or laboratory work.
• Understanding of pertinent insecticide chemistry, biological sciences, and public health concepts related to the control of insects that carry human diseases.
• Familiarity with technical and administrative requirements for project development, execution, and management.
• Knowledge of scientific methods and techniques concerned with public health insecticide application equipment.
• Demonstrated experience in project design, execution, data analysis, and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in major computer operating systems including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with basic statistical analysis (i.e., Excel, R Studio, JMP, SPSS, etc.) or Weather Caster Weather Station Software or ARCGIS.
• Familiarity with related guidelines including various Federal and State regulations pertaining to safety precautions or pesticide use and the disposal of insecticides.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs.
• Long periods of desk work during the slow season and long field days during field season.
• U.S. Citizenship required; eligibility to obtain and hold Department of Defense issued Secret Clearance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives.
• Compressed work schedule allowing for every other Friday off.
• Hybrid work arrangement with 60% in-office and 40% remote work.
• Paid time off to support work-life balance.
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care, and family formation support.
• Industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan with a 5% employer contribution and matching contributions.
• Tuition assistance for pursuing higher education.

Hazards include a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, or exposure to chemicals.