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Director Insect Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Raleigh, NC

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

... faculty that direct a varied portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension ... Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand ...

Operation research engineer

Malta, IL · On-site

$156K/yr

Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all ... without direct authority. * Ability to generate strategic insights from complex analyses and ...

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Director Insect Research information

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$15.5K

$120K

$156.5K

How much do director insect research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for director insect research in the United States is $119,966.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Director Insect Research vs Entomologist?

AspectDirector Insect ResearchEntomologist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/Ph.D.), research experienceBachelor's or higher in entomology or related field, often with certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, or corporate R&DUniversities, research labs, agricultural companies
Employer & Industry UsageLeads insect research projects, manages teams, strategic planningConducts insect studies, fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting

While both roles involve insect research, the Director Insect Research typically oversees research programs and manages teams, requiring advanced degrees and leadership skills. An Entomologist focuses on conducting insect studies, often with hands-on fieldwork and data collection. The director role is more strategic and managerial, whereas the entomologist role is more technical and research-focused.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Insect Research, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Insect Research, you need advanced expertise in entomology, research methodology, and project management, usually supported by a Ph.D. and significant experience in the field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, statistical analysis software, and scientific publication processes is typically required. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help in guiding research teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for driving innovative research, securing funding, and ensuring impactful scientific outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Insect Research, and how do professionals in this role typically address them?

Directors of Insect Research often encounter challenges such as securing consistent funding for long-term studies, managing multidisciplinary teams, and staying updated with rapidly advancing research technologies. They address these by building strong relationships with grant agencies, fostering collaboration across research specialties, and prioritizing professional development for themselves and their teams. Additionally, effective communication and strategic planning are key to navigating regulatory requirements and ensuring research outcomes have real-world impact.

What does a Director of Insect Research do?

A Director of Insect Research oversees and manages research projects related to entomology, the study of insects. They lead teams of scientists, set research goals, and secure funding for projects that often focus on pest control, pollination, biodiversity, or disease vectors. This role involves designing experiments, analyzing data, and communicating findings through publications or presentations. Directors also collaborate with other researchers, government agencies, and industry partners to ensure research aligns with current scientific and societal needs.
More about Director Insect Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Insect Research jobs? Cities with the most Director Insect Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Insect Research jobs? The most popular types of Insect Research jobs are:
What states have the most Director Insect Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Insect Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Insect Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Insect Research jobs are:
Infographic showing various Director Insect Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,966 per year, or $57.7 per hour.
Research Assistant

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

390th of 539 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG194723EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Research Assistant Anticipated Hiring Range $55,000 - $58,000 Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm. . As the project involves working with live insects it may be necessary to work outside regular hours as needed. Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Entomology and Plant Pathology About the Department
As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a varied portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension. Collectively, these strengths not only serve our clientele and our science but also provide a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be tailored to the specific career interests of the student, irrespective of whether they prefer training in the basic sciences or are preparing for a career in extension. Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies. Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum with 1.9 million vouchered insects, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences houses 12 Academic departments with 294faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhances our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Research Assistant will support a multidisciplinary research program focused on the development of CRISPR-based genetic control technologies for the New World screwworm and related blowfly species. This includes work on gene drive systems and precision-guided sterile insect techniques (pgSIT). The position integrates laboratory operations, insect colony management, biosafety compliance, and hands-on experimental support for genetic and molecular studies.
Duties Include:
  • Maintain fly stocks and provide staff with biological material at different stages of development when requested.
  • Support postdoctoral fellows by performing blow fly crosses, examining the progeny and setting additional crosses with selected offspring.
  • Purchase supplies.
  • Autoclaving insect waste.
  • Supervise undergraduate students who support insect rearing.
Other Responsibilities
  • Responsible for ensuring that all safety/biosafety requirements are met.
  • Update safety plan and SOP for BUA as needed.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • Relevant Master's degree OR
  • Relevant Bachelor's degree and 3 or more years of relevant experience, or relevant independent experience and education
Other Required Qualifications
  • Ability to:
    • Operate microscopes
    • Use pipette man
    • Work with live insects in cages
    • Operate autoclave
Preferred Qualifications
  • MS in entomology or related discipline
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
  • Valid NC Driver's License
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 06/17/2026 Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00112139 Position Type EPS/SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887