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Director Insect Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Site Manager

Bella Vista, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Manage and coordinate daily work activities of site staff involved in insect and mite production ... Collaborate with Quality Assurance and R&D teams to identify and resolve production or product ...

Director Insect Research information

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Insect Research jobs in California? The most popular types of Insect Research jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Director Insect Research jobs? Cities in California with the most Director Insect Research job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Insect Research job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Director, Vector Production

Director, Vector Production

Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.

Point Richmond, CA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY: The Director, Vector Production will oversee activities related to the Process Development and in-house non-GMP/cGMP production of recombinant Adeno-associated Viral Vectors (rAAV), and cGMP vector production at contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Manage the Process Development, GMP production, testing and fill finish of rAAV products at CMO's Manage internal activities related to the scale-up and production of rAAVs in house for use in R&D and pending facility decisions Lead in-house team producing rAAV Co-ordinate production activities with research, non-clinical development, QA, QC and clinical development Ensure the ongoing security of the supply chain for raw materials and intermediates to ensure the uninterrupted performance of rAAV operations Co-ordinate the transfer, qualification and implementation of process improvements and scale-up Lead the reporting, investigation and resolution of deviations encountered during GMP production activities Participate in the design, construction and commissioning of company manufacturing facilities Other activities as may be assigned EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS: The ideal candidate for this position will have in-depth experience of the large-scale cGMP production of rAAV, including upstream cell culture, downstream processing, and fill finish operations. Candidate must possess: MS or Ph.D in bioprocessing, chemical engineering, vector biology, or biological sciences Minimum of 10 years experience in the biotechnology or pharma industry with a primary focus on upstream cell culture process development and manufacturing operations for biologics Proven track record of managing in-house and CMO GMP production operations In-depth experience with: Mammalian cell, insect cell and microbial cell culture systems at both pilot-scale and at large-scale Different bioreactor production systems and scales, including disposable-based culture systems CIP, SIP, WFI In-depth knowledge of FDA, EMA, GMP and ICH regulatory requirements Knowledge of Quality Systems and QBD as they relate to GMP production operations and process optimization OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Experience of facility, and production equipment design and validation, including IQ, OQ & PQ a plus Proven managerial skills Outstanding organizational skills Excellent written and oral communication skills Ability to operate in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary industrial environment The successful candidate will enjoy a competitive base salary and the opportunity to participate in incentive compensation programs, including bonus and stock option plans

Sangamo offers a comprehensive benefits program, including: medical, dental and vision care; paid vacation and holiday time; access to a voluntary 401(k) and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Sangamo is an equal opportunity employer. Please send your resume/CV and a cover letter that specifically addresses this job posting as email attachments to: jobs@sangamo.com