Insect Production Scientist/Entomologist

About Us

We are a team of passionate individuals from 15 countries developing the world’s first biosecurity platform built to combat critical pest threats to human health, food security, and the environment. With a deep commitment to trust, integrity and collaboration, Flyttr has become the trusted partner of governments, industries, philanthropies and communities seeking to make bold advancements on the biggest pest threats of our time. We work with urgency because lives and livelihoods depend on it. Successful candidates will find Flyttr to be an exhilarating place to do their best work and will find that every person at Flyttr plays a critical role in a dynamic, exciting, team-oriented culture.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly observant, curious and hands-on individual to join our team in a dynamic role at the intersection of entomology, engineering, data and insect production .

This role is not a traditional pure entomology position. It is ideally suited to someone who is fascinated by insects and enjoys working with them on a daily basis, while also having an strong engineering aptitude or background in engineering with a desire to develop innovative, practical solutions to improve insect rearing and production systems.

The successful candidate will work directly with insects every day, developing a detailed understanding of their behavior, development, performance and response to different environmental and production conditions. They will combine this practical entomological experience of insect rearing with data collection, analysis and engineering thinking to identify opportunities to improve productivity, consistency, efficiency, scalability and cost-effectiveness.

Working closely with engineers, scientists and operational teams, you will help translate biological observations and production data into engineering solutions and improved processes. You will be equally comfortable observing insects in a controlled rearing environment, analyzing datasets, testing hypotheses, discussing system designs with engineers, and communicating findings to colleagues and leadership. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to understand the biology, understand the system, and help build a better system.

Select Key Responsibilities

• Work hands-on with insects on a daily basis within controlled rearing and production environments.
• Develop a strong practical understanding of insect behavior, development, health, reproduction and production performance.
• Apply entomological knowledge to practical production challenges and opportunities.
• Design and implement robust approaches to collecting biological, environmental and production data. Ensure data is accurate, consistent and suitable for analysis.
• Develop and improve methods for monitoring insect performance and production systems.
• Use data to support experimentation, troubleshooting and evidence-based decision making.
• Translate biological observations and datasets into clear conclusions and practical recommendations.
• Identify opportunities where engineering solutions could improve insect welfare, production, yield, consistency, labor efficiency, energy use or cost.
• Contribute to the design, testing and optimization of equipment, environmental control systems, automation and production processes.
• Develop and test innovative approaches to inset rearing and production. Support experimental trials and controlled system testing, using data to evaluate performance.
• Help bridge the gap between biological requirements and engineering solutions.
• Work collaboratively and closely with entomologists, scientists, engineers, technicians and operational colleagues.
• Communicate effectively across disciplines, adapting technical information for different audiences.
• Develop new approaches that balance biological performance with operational practicality, scalability and cost-effectiveness.

Hazards and Safety Information

• Exposure to construction-related activities and equipment installation is expected initially, e.g. noise, dust, and changing site conditions.
• Occasional manual handling likely up to 25 pounds.
• The working insectary conditions are warm and humid.
• Compliance with safety procedures and PPE will be required, including nitrile gloves to be worn at all times in the labs.
• Materials handled include animal products and derivatives (including dairy).
• Comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures, and site requirements, including laboratory safety and biosafety protocols.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience working with insects, entomology, insect rearing or another relevant biological production discipline.
• A degree, qualification or equivalent practical experience in entomology, insect science, biological sciences, agricultural sciences, engineering or a related discipline.
• Some engineering experience, engineering education, systems-thinking capability or a strong demonstrated aptitude for engineering problem solving.
• A genuine willingness to work hands-on with insects every day.
• Excellent observational skills and an ability to notice small but potentially important changes in insect behavior, condition and performance.
• Strong analytical and data-handling skills, with the ability to collect, interpret and communicate data effectively.
• An ability to move between practical hands-on work, data analysis and technical problem solving.
• A curious and investigative approach, with a desire to understand why something is happening rather than simply recording that it has happened.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to share findings and challenge ideas constructively.
• The ability to work collaboratively with people from different technical backgrounds.
• A practical, innovative and cost-conscious approach to problem solving.
• The legal authorization to work in the United States that does not require, now or in the future, any employer sponsorship or support for a change of immigration status.

Desirable Experience

Experience in one or more of the following would be particularly valuable

• Insect farming or commercial insect production.
• Insects for protein or animal feed.
• Agricultural or livestock production systems.
• Controlled-environment agriculture.
• Industrial biotechnology or biological production systems.
• Automated or semi-automated production systems.
• Environmental control systems.
• Experimental design and scientific research.
• Data analysis, statistical approaches or production analytics.
• Process optimization or continuous improvement.
• Equipment development, prototyping or systems engineering.

Behavioral Requirements

• Commitment to, and passion for, the Flyttr mission and values.
• Responsive to the needs of an international business working across different time zones, adapting working patterns in-line with business requirements.
• Positive, humble, co-operative and professional always.
• Works with urgency and solves things promptly.
• Resilient and persistent in an innovative and constantly changing environment.
• Proactive, resourceful, and comfortable building processes from scratch.
• Values collaboration and works effectively with global colleagues.

Why Join Us?

At Flyttr, you will be at the forefront of critical global biosecurity efforts, working alongside a dynamic team of leaders, technologists, scientists, engineers, commercial teams, regulatory experts and operational drivers on the front lines. You will have the opportunity to directly shape the policy landscape for pioneering technologies and build the critical relationships necessary to protect global agriculture and public health.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, gender reassignment, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.