About Us: 

Valent BioSciences LLC is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and our products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, Valent BioSciences LLC operates with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, which means to benefit both self and others, recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. It’s about contributing to society, as well as making a profit.

Description of Job:

In this position you will discover, evaluate, and develop new microbial and natural product based bioinsecticides. Your role will involve expanding our current in-house bioassay capacity to include key pest targets and higher throughput testing methods. You will also serve as the entomology technical expert on multidisciplinary project teams where you will collaborate closely with internal and external partners. As needed, you will also provide support for existing insecticide products as well as technical guidance to a nematology research team.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Drive the forward progression of lab/growth chamber testing capabilities by developing new assays and improving existing methods.
• Collaborate with colleagues from the business and regulatory teams to ensure alignment on project goals.
• Lead cross-functional project teams for evaluation of discovery stage entomology candidates. Organize and lead project meetings. Contribute to strategic direction of projects.
• Oversee weekly evaluations of bioinsecticides from internal and 3rd party sources.
• Ensure adherence to safe working procedures and follow any relevant USDA APHIS PPQ permit requirements and best practices for handling insects and biocontrol agents.

Required skills/experience:

• Expertise working with diverse agronomic insect species, including hands-on experience with colony maintenance and assay development.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, collaborative, and leadership skills. People oriented.
• Must excel in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment, be well organized, and demonstrate excellent time management skills.
• Track record of flexibility and adaptability.
• Prior industry experience highly desired but not required.
• Experience working with biological insecticides (e.g. Bt) and nematicides, lepidopteran species, piercing/sucking insects, and nematodes highly desired.

Education: PhD in Entomology or related discipline.

Travel: up to 10%

What We Offer:

You’ll enjoy competitive compensation, consisting of base pay plus an incentive program available to all full-time employees, and a comprehensive benefits package including high-quality healthcare options, 401k matching, life and disability insurance, generous time off (with time off to volunteer) and much more! Additionally, we offer several Flexible Work Arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance

We work together to power our sustainable future. Here's what drives us: Valent BioSciences, LLC has a strong commitment to both sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In fact, being a responsible corporate citizen has been ingrained in our culture since the company’s founding. Today, it remains at the forefront of everything we do.

•  Valent BioSciences LLC is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

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