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Insect Entomologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

... and Entomology and One Health Microbiome Center seeks a Research Technologist (Advanced ... Various experimental tasks, including but not limited to insect handling, tissue dissections ...

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Insect Entomologist information

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$27K

$61.5K

$80K

How much do insect entomologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for insect entomologist in the United States is $61,528.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $70,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Insect Entomologist vs Pest Control Technician?

AspectInsect EntomologistPest Control Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in entomology or related field; certifications like IPM or state licensesState-specific pest control licenses; training on pest management
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agencies, field studiesResidential, commercial, and industrial sites for pest elimination
Industry UsageResearch, academia, government agencies, pest management companiesPrivate pest control companies, property management, agriculture

While both roles involve insects, Insect Entomologists focus on research, studying insect behavior, and developing pest management strategies, often in labs or academic settings. Pest Control Technicians primarily perform on-site pest elimination and prevention in residential and commercial environments. The roles differ in scope, credentials, and work environment but are connected through their focus on insects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Insect Entomologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Insect Entomologist, you need a solid background in biology, ecology, and taxonomy, typically supported by a relevant degree such as entomology or zoology. Experience with laboratory equipment, field sampling tools, and data analysis software like R or GIS is often required, along with familiarity with microscopy and DNA sequencing techniques. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for conducting research and sharing findings. These skills ensure accurate scientific research, effective pest management, and meaningful contributions to biodiversity conservation.

What is an insect entomologist?

An insect entomologist is a scientist who studies insects and their relationships to humans, other organisms, and the environment. Their work includes identifying insect species, understanding their behavior, life cycles, and ecological roles, and finding ways to manage pest species that affect agriculture, health, or ecosystems. Entomologists may work in research, education, agriculture, pest control, or public health. Their findings contribute to advancements in biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices.

What are some common challenges faced by insect entomologists during field research, and how are they typically addressed?

Insect entomologists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and the elusive nature of insect populations during field research. To overcome these, they plan flexible schedules, use specialized equipment like insect traps and GPS devices, and collaborate with local experts for better site access. Additionally, maintaining detailed records and adapting sampling methods help ensure accurate data collection despite field obstacles. Building strong communication within the research team also helps address unexpected challenges efficiently.

Research & Operations Specialist (Mycology)

Provibiosol NC LLC

Raleigh, NC

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

We are an innovative, rapidly growing European biotech company expanding our footprint into the United States. We bridge the gap between nature and technology to create sustainable solutions using advanced fungal applications. As we establish our brand-new operational facility in Raleigh, North Carolina, we are looking for a reliable, hands-on Research & Operations Specialist with a background in Mycology to join our local team.

The Growth & Innovation Opportunity: This is not a routine lab job. As our Research & Operations Specialist, you will be given a unique scientific challenge: you will help design, build, and develop a brand-new fungal cultivation system from scratch—a groundbreaking method that does not yet exist in our European operations. Additionally, because we believe in cross-functional synergy, you will work hand-in-hand with our local Entomology team, providing operational and scientific support for their insect rearing activities. As our Raleigh facility scales, this diverse foundation offers an exceptional path toward specialized research leadership or operational management.

Cross-Continental Team Synergy & Support: You will not be working in isolation. You will be in close, continuous communication with your direct counterparts in Europe who perform core scientific roles. This established team will support you during onboarding, collaborate on best practices, and provide ongoing operational backup and mutual troubleshooting across continents as you pioneered this new cultivation method in the US.

Your Key Responsibilities

  • R&D and Cultivation Launch: Lead the hands-on setup and development of a novel fungal cultivation system, translating foundational concepts into a fully functional, highly optimized US operation.

  • Fungal Cultivation & Strain Care: Manage daily fungal cultivation, media preparation, inoculation, and substrate optimization. Monitor growth parameters, environmental controls, and contamination risks.

  • Cross-Functional Support: Actively assist and collaborate with the local Entomology team in their day-to-day insect rearing, data tracking, and colony care activities.

  • Fulfillment Operations (Pick & Pack): Take full ownership of the daily order fulfillment cycle. Accurately pick, pack, and securely prepare our biological products and cultures for domestic shipping, ensuring strict compliance with quality standards.

  • Data Collection & Collaboration: Track growth cycles, maintain culture logs, and share technical operational results with your counterparts in the European team.

  • Facility Maintenance: Maintain high sterile-technique standards within labs and strict hygiene in cultivation and packing areas. Monitor and restock packing supplies, raw materials, and laboratory media.

Your Profile

  • Education/Experience: Degree in Mycology, Microbiology, Biology, or an equivalent practical background.

  • The "Get-Stuff-Done" Mindset: You love to roll up your sleeves. You are highly organized, process-driven, and motivated by the challenge of developing a system from the ground up. You take pride in precise operational execution—whether handling delicate sterile cultures, supporting insect rearing, or managing fast-paced order shipping.

  • Physical Adaptability: Comfortable with the physical aspects of the job, including manual handling, standing for extended periods, and performing routine, repetitive care and packaging tasks.

  • Communication: Solid English communication skills to ensure accurate logging and teamwork.

  • Legal Requirement: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States (Form I-9 verification required upon hire).

What We Offer

  • A stable, full-time position backed by an established and well-funded European parent company.

  • Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.

  • The unique professional reward of personally developing a brand-new cultivation system from scratch with strong global team backing.

Ready to build a reliable career path with us in Raleigh? Apply now!