Entomologist

Entomologist I

The Entomologist I supports the biological sciences team in developing and testing indoor and outdoor insect repellent, attractant, and control products. This role focuses on designing and executing entomological assays, generating robust and consistent data to guide product development decisions. The Entomologist I collaborates closely with colleagues in marketing, formulation, and regulatory functions, maintains accurate experimental records, and adheres to established standard operating procedures and safety guidelines.

Work is primarily conducted in a laboratory setting, with occasional field experiments at locations within the St. Louis region.

• Conduct high-quality laboratory and field experiments to evaluate insect repellent, attractant, and control products, ensuring that all trials are carefully planned and executed.
• Set up and take down entomological assays, including preparing test arenas, handling test materials, and ensuring that all experimental conditions are properly controlled.
• Work comfortably with common urban and outdoor pest insects and arthropods, such as cockroaches, spiders, flies, ants, and other relevant species, following appropriate handling and containment procedures.
• Prepare and administer experimental chemical treatments according to product label instructions and internal protocols, prioritizing worker safety and environmental protection at all times.
• Collect both quantitative and qualitative data during experiments, ensuring accurate measurement, observation, and documentation of insect behavior and product performance.
• Maintain an up-to-date, detailed laboratory notebook that records experimental designs, procedures, observations, and results in a clear and organized manner.
• Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs), laboratory practices, and safety guidelines related to chemical handling, insect care, and equipment use.
• Collaborate closely with entomology colleagues and cross-functional project teams, including marketing, formulation, and regulatory partners, to understand project needs and align assay designs with product development goals.
• Assist in the development and refinement of entomological assays that provide robust, reproducible data to support decision-making for current and future products.
• Contribute to routine data entry, data verification, and basic data analysis to ensure consistency, reliability, and usability of experimental results.
• Support ongoing maintenance of laboratory resources, including insect colonies, test materials, and equipment, to ensure readiness for scheduled experiments.

• 2–5 years of entomology experience in an industry setting with a bachelor's degree, or equivalent entomology experience in an academic setting with a master's or PhD.
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Entomology, Agricultural Sciences, or a closely related field, or approximately 5 years of relevant work experience in entomology or biological sciences.
• Demonstrated entomological and experimental expertise, including designing and conducting assays involving insect control products.
• Comfort and proficiency working with common urban and outdoor pest insects and arthropods, such as cockroaches, spiders, flies, ants, and similar species.
• Experience preparing and administering chemical treatments in accordance with product label instructions and safety protocols.
• Strong ability to collect, record, and manage quantitative and qualitative data with attention to accuracy and consistency.
• Skill in maintaining detailed laboratory notebooks and documentation that clearly capture experimental procedures and results.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and laboratory safety guidelines, particularly in relation to chemical handling and insect management.
• Effective collaboration skills for working with entomology colleagues and cross-functional project teams.

• Understanding of urban, medical, or veterinary entomology is a plus and supports work with a variety of pest species and use scenarios.
• Applied research experience, particularly in product-focused or solution-driven environments, is preferred.
• Experience conducting entomological assays on insect control products in an industry setting is highly desirable.
• Experience with routine data collection, data entry, and basic analysis to support consistent and reliable experimental outcomes.
• Experience in experimental design and statistical thinking for interpreting assay results is beneficial.
• Ability to communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

This role is primarily based in a laboratory environment, with most duties carried out at a dedicated biological sciences laboratory in the Earth City area and occasional experiments conducted at other locations within the St. Louis region. The work involves regular handling and observation of common urban and outdoor pest insects and arthropods, as well as the preparation and…