Senior Entomologist - Beneficial Insect Research

Placements24; Kimberley; Sur place; CAD 75 000 - 109 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary package

Research funding opportunities

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund

Résumé du poste

Client, a prominent agricultural research institution in Kimberley, is seeking a Senior Entomologist to lead research on beneficial insects and their use in biological pest control.

You will oversee laboratory work and extensive field trials across farms in the Kimberley region, develop rearing and deployment methods, and contribute to publications while promoting sustainable pest management in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Entomology, Ecology, or related field.
• 7+ years of entomology research focused on beneficial insects and biological control.
• Expertise in insect taxonomy and ecology.
• Experience designing field trials for biological control agents.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in statistical software.
• Knowledge of Northern Cape agriculture is advantageous.
• Excellent scientific writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead research teams.
• Willingness to travel within Kimberley region.

Responsabilités

• Lead research on beneficial insects in agriculture.
• Develop methods for rearing and deploying natural enemies.
• Conduct field surveys to monitor pests and beneficials.
• Design and evaluate field experiments for control strategies.
• Analyze entomological data and contribute to publications.
• Train farmers and extension workers in biological control.
• Collaborate with researchers and industry partners on IPM.
• Ensure ethical standards and safety in research.
• Help develop policies for biological control in South Africa.
• Stay current with global entomology advances.

Connaissances

Entomology

Ecology

Insect taxonomy

Mass rearing

Field trials

Statistical analysis

Technical writing

Leadership

Formation

Ph.D. in Entomology

Outils

R

SAS

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural research institution located in Kimberley, Northern Cape, is actively seeking a Senior Entomologist to lead critical research into beneficial insects and their role in biological control. This pivotal position involves investigating insect ecology, developing strategies for conserving and enhancing natural enemies of crop pests, and conducting field trials to validate biological control agents. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of insect behavior, taxonomy, and their interactions within agroecosystems, particularly in the Northern Cape's unique environment. You will be at the forefront of promoting sustainable pest management practices that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. This role demands significant hands‑on laboratory work and extensive fieldwork across farms in the Kimberley region and wider Northern Cape province.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on the identification, ecology, and application of beneficial insects in agriculture.
• Develop and optimize methods for rearing, conserving, and deploying natural enemies for biological pest control.
• Conduct field surveys to monitor populations of beneficial insects and target pests.
• Design and execute field experiments to evaluate the efficacy of biological control strategies.
• Analyze entomological data using statistical methods and contribute to scientific publications.
• Provide technical expertise and training to farmers and extension workers on biological control techniques.
• Collaborate with other researchers, agronomists, and industry partners on integrated pest management initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and safety regulations in entomological research.
• Contribute to the development of policies and guidelines for biological control implementation in South Africa.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in entomology and biological control research globally.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Entomology, Ecology, or a closely related field with a specialization in insect biology and behavior.
• Minimum of 7 years of research experience in entomology, with a proven focus on beneficial insects and biological control.
• Demonstrated expertise in insect taxonomy, ecology, and mass rearing techniques.
• Experience in designing and conducting field trials for biological control agents.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in statistical software for biological data analysis.
• Knowledge of agricultural practices and pest challenges in the Northern Cape region is advantageous.
• Excellent scientific writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead research teams effectively.
• Proficiency in fieldwork and laboratory research methodologies.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within Kimberley and surrounding areas.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, research funding opportunities, comprehensive medical aid, and a retirement fund.
• Professional development, including conference participation and specialized training, is highly encouraged.
• Join our innovative research team in Kimberley, Northern Cape, and make a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture in South Africa.