Florida Ag Research Careers
3001 N. Kingsway Road
Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Office: (813) 986-5599
LEAD RESEARCH ENTOMOLOGIST
​Job Description: 
​LEAD RESEARCH ENTOMOLOGIST

Job Description
Florida Ag Research, an Ag Metrics Group Company, is seeking an enthusiastic team member to manage a diverse portfolio of entomological research directed towards new insecticide development with tropical and subtropical crops in West Central Florida.
 
A successful candidate will join our interdisciplinary program focused on scientific investigations in crop protection, sustainable farming methods, and development of new agricultural products for a diverse and well-established client base. This position is an agriculturally oriented, career track opportunity for a commercial field researcher with high scientific standards and commitment to developing new farming technologies for the future. Candidates with commercial product development experience involving extensive field, greenhouse and lab experimentation and scientific staff management will be given preference.
 
Responsibilities:
  • Lead the company’s Southeast entomology research program on and off company owned field stations.
  • Manage an active laboratory-based insect bioassay system for early stage new product characterization, as well as resistance monitoring of field populations with established products.
  • Collaborate with other program managers and staff to maintain a leading position in agricultural production research in Florida and the greater Caribbean region.
  • Routine duties include the conduct of multiple lab, greenhouse, and field trials from protocol development, through data collection, interpretation, and reporting of results.
  • Crops include fall, winter, and spring vegetables, small fruit, melons, citrus, greenhouse, and turf crops of the Southeast US.
  • The Entomology Leader will direct and assist with data collection, monitor and manage trials in progress, and provide timely results with interpretation to clients in technical reports.
  • Candidate will manage time and materials aspects of technical support staff for all entomology related activities through positive and enthusiastic leadership in the company’s entomology program.
  • Duties include planning experimental field plantings with farming staff and scheduling all scientific activities related to entomology experiments both on and off company stations.
  • The Entomology Leader will attend regional professional meetings and maintain all necessary research licensing required for the State of Florida.
  • The Entomology Leader will stay abreast of developments in the industry and update test system methodologies to maintain high standards of science as well as compliance in chemical handling and testing.
  • The Entomology Leader must work directly with customers on protocol development, trial establishment, trial conduct and reporting, and assure that any and all project objectives of the research sponsor are met.
 
QUALIFICATIONS
 
Required:
  • A minimum of a Master’s degree in entomology and extensive research experience essential. (PhD degree considered)
  • Knowledge of experimental design, statistics, and field trial management.
  • Must have routinely handled/applied crop protectants safely and in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
  • Must have the ability to work independently and as a contributing member of a multidisciplinary research team.
  • Must have solid verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be able to work in field, greenhouse, and lab environments.
  • Must be able to do physical work required to establish and maintain research plots, including lifting, stooping, and walking in open field conditions during warm daytime temperatures.
  • Must be open to overtime schedules during peak season.
  • Must have computer skills: MS-Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Statistical or research management software helpful
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and FL Pesticide Applicators License (within 6 months of hire).
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
 
Compensation:

Salary: $65-75K depending on education and experience related to field, greenhouse and laboratory entomology

Benefits: Company offers Medical and Dental Insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, 401K and Profit Sharing, bonuses, paid travel for professional training and meetings, and other benefits.

Job Type: Full-time

In addition to a resume, please upload a cover letter to Dr. Mariano Galla, Station Manager, that explains why you are uniquely qualified and are the best candidate to be considered for this Florida position.
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    Lead Research Entomologist - Florida Ag Research
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