1

Director Insect Research Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

In addition to establishing a rigorous externally funded research program duties also include ... Grozinger, Director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES ...

Duties will be performed in the greenhouse and/or laboratory and will include assisting with insect ... Initially, students will report to the Principal Investigator or their direct mentor. The ...

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 Pennsylvania? The most popular types of Insect Research jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Insect Research jobs in Pennsylvania? For Director Insect Research jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Insect Research jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Director Insect Research jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Director Insect Research jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Director Insect Research job openings:

Professor in Neurobiology of Insect Chemical Ecology

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Full Professor in the Neurobiology of Insect Chemical Ecology in the Department of Entomology. This position is supported by the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, and will contribute to the missions of the Penn State Neuroscience Institute, Center for Chemical Ecology, Center for Pollinator Research and Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics. This position is part of an ongoing, cross-University cluster hire in neuroscience.
We specifically seek candidates who have multidisciplinary projects that investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying insect chemical ecology related to visual and olfactory-mediated behaviors, including plant-insect interactions, insect-host interactions, and impacts of environmental conditions on insect behavior.
Successful candidates are expected to have an established track record of extramural funding, published results from multidisciplinary research projects, and evidence of leadership of multidisciplinary scientific teams. Candidates are expected to have a strong track record of student and postdoctoral scholar education and training. In addition to establishing a rigorous externally funded research program duties also include:
  • Promote a culture of excellence in chemical ecology and neuroscience research, teaching, and outreach across the Penn State system
  • Foster interdisciplinary collaborations that connect the Department of Entomology with the Huck Institute of the Life Sciences' Neuroscience Institute, Center for Chemical Ecology, Center for Pollinator Research, and Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics
  • Contribute actively to the intellectual life and strategic growth of these Centers and Institutes through collaborative research initiatives, training activities, workshops, and seminars
  • Join the faculty of one of the Huck Institute's six Interdisciplinary Graduate Degree Programs
  • Engage faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and students across these interdisciplinary communities to build innovative research directions at the interface of chemical ecology and neuroscience
  • Support the training of the next generation of scientists through classroom and experiential learning opportunities
  • Provide mentorship for early-career faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and students
  • Strengthen community development and engagement at the student, staff, postdoctoral, and faculty levels

A PhD in life science-related field is required. The successful candidate must have completed all degree requirements by the appointment date. The applicant should have an academic track record commensurate with the level of Full Professor with tenure. The successful applicant will join faculty members with complementary, interdisciplinary research interests, and have access to excellent core facilities: https://www.huck.psu.edu/core-facilities.
Interested candidates must submit an online application at Penn State's Job Posting Board and should upload the following application materials electronically: a cover letter, CV, Research Statement, Teaching Statement, and the names and contact information for three references. System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit. For more information about the position, please contact Gary Felton, Professor and Head of Entomology or Christina Grozinger, Director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines

What Penn State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom