Specialist, Controls- Biology; Entomology

Position: Specialist, Controls- Biology (Entomology)
We are looking for a
** Biology Specialist
** who will join our Controls R&D team.

This position will be based at The Scotts Miracle-Gro world headquarters in Marysville, a suburb of Columbus, OH.
** Job Summary
** The
** Biology Specialist
** will be responsible for field, greenhouse, and/or laboratory testing of new or experimental products with an emphasis on
** insecticides**,
** biological control agents**, and
** integrated pest management (IPM) solutions**.Although this position reports directly to the
** Controls Product Development Manager**, day-to-day guidance and direction will also come from senior-level biologists and entomology subject-matter experts.

Core responsibilities include preparation and application of treatments (with a focus on insecticide formulations), insect colony/infestation management, maintenance of experimental areas, detailed observation and quantification of insect responses, and statistical analysis of data.

A working knowledge of experimental design, insect biology, and pest management is beneficial. However,
** scientific curiosity, strong communication skills, initiative**, and
** independence
* * remain essential for success. This role will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners in R&D, marketing, regulatory, and supply chain to support the development of innovative insect-management solutions.
** Job Responsibilities**:  
-Prepare laboratory, greenhouse, and field trial areas for insecticide efficacy experiments with moderate supervision from senior biologists.

-Prepare and test developmental and commercial insecticide formulations and related technologies.

-Maintain and handle insect colonies, infest test plants, and monitor pest pressure as needed for controlled studies.

-Record detailed biological and insect-response data during preparations, tests, and ongoing experiments.

-Create designs of experiments, execute trials, and collect entomological and horticultural data.

-Prepare and apply pesticide  treatments using proper techniques and safety protocols.

-Provide recommendations for improving experimental protocols, insect-rearing practices, trial setup, and workflow efficiency.

-Follow all research and development standard operating procedures (SOPs).

-Use specialized tools and technologies such as imaging platforms, image analysis software, insect-counting methods, and drone imaging where applicable.

-Use specialized data analysis software and perform statistically sound analysis of biological and entomological results.

-Support greenhouse, field, and lab trials with added responsibility for maintaining consistent pest populations for research use.

-Detect issues and diagnoses insect, plant health, and environmental problems relevant to experimental integrity.

-Engage with project teams to develop new ideas, plan project execution, report entomology trial results, and inform product design attributes.

-Ship chemicals, manage waste and chemical inventory, maintain insect colony materials, and support environmental health and safety (EHS) programs.
** This person must also excel in:*
* -Use of ARM for data input and analysis  
-Use of field equipment such as gators, tractors, tillers, etc  
-Demonstrated comfort and aptitude for working with insects and engaging in direct contact with them.  
-Ability to perform physical tasks such as preparing soil, mulching, planting, water management, weeding, harvesting  
-Ability to effectively communicate project objectives and trial details to upper management  
-Innovative thinking, willingness to bring ideas and provide consumer perspective to projects & product development  
-Passionate problem solver, willingness to speak up and suggest process improvements, create opportunities leading to new products, publications and intellectual property (e.g. patentable innovations)
** Ideal Candidates will have:
*
* A.
Education/

Experience:

-BS degree in physical science, biology, botany, agronomy or horticulture; and/or comparable skills & knowledge through industry experience in a laboratory, greenhouse or field setting - a focus on entomology is preferred.
-1 to 3 years of related work experience

B.

Skills and Abilities:

-Attention to detail, accuracy and basic math skills    
-Observational skills to identify visual differences in plant performance    
-Ability to follow work instructions and test protocols  
-Personal drive and ability to be a self-starter and work unsupervised     
-Flexibility to deliver on various tasks in support of a wide range of research activity  
-Ability to lift 50lb required  
-Basic computer skills including: use of spreadsheets, word processing and email  
-Capability to be licensed as an FAA drone pilot desired The starting budgeted pay range for this role will generally fall between $52,500.00 - $61,800.00 per year. Scotts will consider various factors in determining the actual pay including your skills, qualifications, experience, and geographical location.

For remote roles where the final candidate resides in Alaska,…