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Insect Molecular Biology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Formulation Scientist

Alameda, CA · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

Strong molecular biology and cloning expertise is required. * Proven track record of protein expression in BEVS/insect systems and E. coli, including HTP small‐scale expression screening.

Training and Laboratory Coordination -Train undergraduate students, graduate students, technicians, and other laboratory personnel in research procedures, insect handling, molecular biology ...

Research Assistant

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$39K - $66K/yr

... molecular biology, or closely related fields * Prior experience with molecular techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, library preparation) * Experience with microbial culture or insect rearing

This hands-on laboratory role requires expertise in molecular biology, protein expression systems ... Demonstrated experience expressing recombinant proteins in BEVS/insect cell systems and E. coli ...

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Insect Molecular Biology information

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$11K

$80.7K

$103.5K

How much do insect molecular biology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for insect molecular biology in the United States is $80,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Insect Molecular Biologist, you need a strong background in molecular biology, genetics, and entomology, typically supported by an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in a related field. Expertise in laboratory techniques such as PCR, gene editing (CRISPR), DNA sequencing, and familiarity with bioinformatics software is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for designing experiments and collaborating with research teams. These skills ensure rigorous scientific investigation, accurate data interpretation, and meaningful contributions to advancements in insect biology and related applications.

What is insect molecular biology?

Insect molecular biology is the scientific study of the molecular mechanisms that govern the biology of insects. This field involves researching insect genetics, gene expression, protein function, and how these molecular processes affect insect development, behavior, physiology, and interactions with their environment. Scientists in this area may use advanced techniques such as DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, and molecular diagnostics to better understand insects, which has applications in agriculture, public health, and ecology.

What is the difference between Insect Molecular Biology vs Entomologist?

AspectInsect Molecular BiologyEntomologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Entomology, Biology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, field studiesFieldwork, laboratories, museums, academic settings
Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech companies, academiaResearch, pest control, conservation, academia
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on genetic and molecular aspects of insectsFocuses on insect behavior, ecology, and management

Insect Molecular Biology primarily involves studying insects at the genetic and molecular level, often within research labs or biotech companies. Entomologists have a broader focus on insect behavior, ecology, and pest management, working in diverse environments like field sites and museums. While both roles require biology-related degrees, their work environments and specific expertise differ significantly.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by professionals working in insect molecular biology research?

One of the primary challenges in insect molecular biology is maintaining and handling diverse insect colonies, which requires careful attention to environmental conditions and biosecurity. Researchers also often work with complex genetic manipulation techniques, where troubleshooting experiments and ensuring reproducibility can be time-consuming. Additionally, collaboration with entomologists, geneticists, and bioinformaticians is essential, as projects may span from fieldwork to advanced molecular analyses. Staying current with rapidly evolving tools and technologies is another key aspect of succeeding in this field.
More about Insect Molecular Biology jobs
What cities are hiring for Insect Molecular Biology jobs? Cities with the most Insect Molecular Biology job openings:
What states have the most Insect Molecular Biology jobs? States with the most job openings for Insect Molecular Biology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Insect Molecular Biology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,687 per year, or $38.8 per hour.
Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Colorado State University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

483rd of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description


Position Summary
The Department of Agricultural Biology encompasses the disciplines of entomology, plant pathology, and weed science - thus providing unique opportunities to address critical issues that cut across disciplinary boundaries. The department focuses its teaching, research, and outreach missions in four program areas each of which involves all three of the department's disciplinary roots in entomology, plant pathology, and weed science. Agricultural Biology emphasizes knowledge of pests and related organisms; the roles that they play in ecological, economic and social systems; and the application of such knowledge to developing economically and environmentally sound solutions for practical problems. Being interdisciplinary in nature, Agricultural Biology values cooperative and collaborative efforts with other units within the University, as well as other relevant entities in the Colorado and beyond.
The position will focus on studying plant-virus-vector interactions in hemp, with an emphasis on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying plant defense responses to insect vectors and insect-vectored pathogens. This research will employ integrative approaches that combine ecology, molecular biology, transcriptomics, metabolomics, microbiome analyses, and functional genomics. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and the interpretation of complex multi-omics datasets. Additional responsibilities include preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications, presenting research findings at scientific conferences, and contributing to grant writing efforts.
Full consideration date: Monday, August 10, 2026, 11:59pm (MT).
Essential Job Duties:
  • Conducting greenhouse, laboratory, and field experiments focused on plant-virus-vector interactions in hemp.
  • Performing molecular, biochemical, and multi-omics analyses, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, microbiome analyses, and related techniques.
  • Collecting, managing, and analyzing experimental and large-scale biological datasets using appropriate statistical and bioinformatics approaches.
  • Preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications and presenting research findings at scientific conferences and stakeholder meetings.
  • Assisting with grant writing, project coordination, and reporting activities: Maintaining accurate research records and ensuring compliance with university, greenhouse, and laboratory safety protocols.
  • Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory, greenhouse, and field research activities.
  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary researchers, extension personnel, and stakeholders on research and outreach initiatives.

Conditions of Employment:
  • Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires)
  • Valid driver's license or access to qualified driver by employment start date.
  • Authorized to work in the United States by employment start date.

Supervision:
  • The individual will be expected to train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project through active mentorship and hands-on instruction in laboratory, greenhouse, field, and data analysis techniques. This role will provide the postdoctoral researcher with opportunities to develop leadership and mentoring skills while offering students valuable experience in interdisciplinary agricultural research.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Entomology, plant pathology, molecular biology, or other closely related fields.
  • Experience in conducting greenhouse, laboratory, and field experiments focused on plant-insect and plant-virus-vector interactions.
  • Experience in insect molecular biology methods (RNA/DNA extraction, RT-PCR, sequencing, serological assays, RNAi, confocal microscopy)
  • Experience in analyzing big data sets from multi- "omics" techniques and/or using various bioinformatic and statistical tools, such as Python, R, and other languages/software
  • Proven ability to conduct and publish independent research.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 2-3 years of post-doc experience
  • Assisting with grant writing, project coordination, and reporting activities.
  • Experience in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students
  • Field experience
  • Strong organizational skills.

Salary Range
$60,000 - $65,000
Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
  • Review our detailed benefits information here.
  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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About Colorado State University

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Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

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Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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