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Director Insect Research Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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 Florida? The most popular types of Insect Research jobs in Florida are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Insect Research jobs in Florida? For Director Insect Research jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Insect Research jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Director Insect Research jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Director Insect Research jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Director Insect Research job openings:
OPS Biological Sciences Technician (Plant Pathology)

OPS Biological Sciences Technician (Plant Pathology)

University of Florida

Port Saint Lucie, FL • On-site

$21/hr

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago


University Of Florida rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

343rd of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

OPS Biological Sciences Technician (Plant Pathology)
Job no: 540426
Work type: Temp Part-Time
Location: St. Lucie
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Grant or Research Administration
Department:60754300 - AG-GCREC-PLANT PATHOLOGY
Classification Title:OPS
Classification Minimum Requirements:
Ability to work a part-time: Part-time, 3 days per week (typically 24 hours per week).
Job Description:
Located in UF / Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County.
We have a part-time position for a qualified individual to assist with support activities for research staff conducting experiments related to insect transmitted viruses and other diseases, and associated field and laboratory experiments. Insect transmitted vegetable limit yield of several crops, and we are developing improved approaches to mitigate and manage these viruses in Florida.
This OPS technician will support plant pathology research projects targeting vegetable systems and other regional crops. The role focuses on monitoring insect disease vectors, processing field samples, evaluating plant disease severity, and maintaining research plots, including planting and establishment onward. The position requires meticulous field data collection, plot biosecurity, and the ability to work in varying Florida agricultural weather conditions. The position also requires an ability to precisely follow sample processing protocols.
  • Vector Monitoring and Insect Scouting: Conduct field insect population surveys across diverse vegetable crops in field experiments. Inspect host plants and collect data from physical sticky traps to track known plant disease vectors (e.g., whiteflies and thrips). Perform accurate counts and digitally log vector population levels.
  • Vegetable Plot Maintenance, Planting, and Cultivation: Establish and help maintain experimental vegetable plots. Duties include planting seeds and transplanting delicate seedlings into the field. If needed, perform hand-weeding and apply precise fertilizer, and help install row covers or stakes to maintain healthy plant environments.
  • Disease Evaluation & Field Sample Processing: Organize botanical, soil, or insect samples directly at field sites. Screen diverse crops for visual disease symptoms (e.g., blights, mildews, wilts, or viral mosaics), and log sample data and metadata onto physical sheets or mobile field applications.
  • Regional Travel & Collaborative Sampling: Participate in occasional day trips to external research locations or commercial fields to collect collaborative data sets and monitor regional disease outbreaks.
  • Ability to work a part-time: Part-time, 3 days per week (typically 24 hours per week). Core field hours generally run 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM to account for heat mitigation, with specific days of the week determined upon hire. (Please Note: This position does not qualify for benefits).
  • Will work under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator or local Lab Manager. Must be comfortable executing specific field data and strict tool sanitation protocols without constant direct oversight.
  • Must be comfortable executing specific field data and strict tool sanitation protocols without constant direct oversight.
  • Must be comfortable working outdoors in Florida.

Expected Salary:
$21.00 per hour
Required Qualifications:
  • Must be comfortable executing specific field data and strict tool sanitation protocols without constant direct oversight.
  • Must be comfortable working outdoors in Florida.

Preferred:
  • Ability to work a part-time: Part-time, 3 days per week (typically 24 hours per week).
  • Must be comfortable executing specific field data and strict tool sanitation protocols without constant direct oversight.
  • Must be comfortable working outdoors in Florida.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please upload resume and cover letter by 11:59 p.m. EST of the requisition close date.
This is a time-limited position.
Health Assessment Required:Yes
Advertised: 30 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 15 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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The University of Florida is one of the top ranked public universities in the United States (ranked top 5 amongst public universities in 2023 US news and world report). It is one of only a few comprehensive universities, having medical, veterinary, dental, nursing, public health, and engineering disciplines all co-localized on the same, contiguous campus to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Gainesville is located in the northern region of Florida, within 1-1.5 hours of each coast, and just 1.5-2 hours to Orlando and Tampa. It is a small to medium-sized city with a low cost of living, excellent public and private schools, and southern hospitality. While Gainesville is widely recognized as the home of the Gators, it is quickly becoming known as a center for innovation and a place with a lifestyle that's comfortable for families, yet attractive for young professionals.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gainesville, FL, US

Year founded

1853