Computational Entomologist

at  Oxitec

ABOUT US

We are a team of passionate individuals, developing ground-breaking biological technologies designed to sustainably, and safely, control pests that transmit diseases and destroy crops. We do this work to improve lives and livelihoods around the world in the face of the growing threats that pests pose to human health and the global food supply.
Whilst what we do relates to developing pest control technologies, Oxitec is about people and is in service to people.
We are strongly committed to a set of values, principles, and behaviours, and foster a culture of trust, respect, creativity, and accountability. Click here to learn more, and here to read our CEO’s blog about trust and our culture.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential;
• Ph.D. in Entomology, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Epidemiology or a closely related discipline;
• Familiarity with moderately complex statistical methods and development of mathematical models is essential;
• Background in biology or ecology and/or pest population dynamics is essential;
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Julia is essential;
• Experience with machine learning, data mining, and statistical analysis is desirable;
• Familiarity with GIS and spatial analysis tools is desirable;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders including senior staff members and non-technical audiences;
• Strong attention to detail, with excellent timekeeping standards and responsiveness.

BEHAVIOURAL REQUIREMENTS

• Committed to and passionate about the Oxitec 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;
• Work with a sense of urgency to solve things promptly;
• Self-starting with a willingness to take the initiative to gather what you need and provide thought leadership in your area of expertise;
• Resilient and persistent in an innovative and constantly changing environment;
• Comfortable working independently and within a team;
• Diligent and organised, with a creative approach to problem solving and the development of applied solutions;
• Empathetic, with the ability to build effective relationships quickly;
• A team player who believes success depends on all of us working together.

Working under the guidance of a Global Program Lead, and steered by program-specific requirements, you will:

• Utilise computational tools and statistical approaches to analyse datasets related to pest behaviour, physiology, and ecology;
• Develop predictive models to understand and forecast pest population dynamics in the context of Oxitec’s technology;
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to interrogate scenarios of interest using computational modelling, to steer field applications;
• Utilise Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to analyse spatial patterns of pest distribution and movement;
• Collaborate with entomologists, field analysts, and other non-technical experts to plug computational approaches into broader program goals;
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in computational biology, machine learning, and data science to identify opportunities for technology integration in entomological research;
• Provide clear communication regarding outcomes of simulations and planning with the Global Program Lead;
• Report data in meetings throughout the organisation, to audiences with various technical knowledge, and write clear and concise reports for internal review

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

As a Computational Entomologist for Oxitec, you will join a dynamic and diverse team dedicated to the field validation of our self-limiting technology in pest species that spread disease and damage crops and livestock.
You will be a self-starter who will work under the supervision of one of our Global Program Leads to contribute to a number of exciting research projects aiming to validate Oxitec’s technology under specific scenarios.
Your duties will range widely from data analysis and modelling to algorithm development, technology integration and spatial analysis. You will interact with entomology and field trial experts to create and tailor bespoke simulation tools that will steer product development.
You will have strong experience of generating and interpreting population dynamics models, familiarity with GIS and spatial analysis tools. You will show a keen interest in arthropod biology and ecology, show excellent communication and collaboration skills, and will be able to work independently by taking on board feedback from entomology experts while demonstrating critical thinking and challenging the status quo. Curiosity about the problems we seek to solve and a passion to find a solution that can work are essential.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Your key responsibilities will involve generating bespoke simulations to provide steer during our product development process.

Working under the guidance of a Global Program Lead, and steered by program-specific requirements, you will:

• Utilise computational tools and statistical approaches to analyse datasets related to pest behaviour, physiology, and ecology;
• Develop predictive models to understand and forecast pest population dynamics in the context of Oxitec’s technology;
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to interrogate scenarios of interest using computational modelling, to steer field applications;
• Utilise Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to analyse spatial patterns of pest distribution and movement;
• Collaborate with entomologists, field analysts, and other non-technical experts to plug computational approaches into broader program goals;
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in computational biology, machine learning, and data science to identify opportunities for technology integration in entomological research;
• Provide clear communication regarding outcomes of simulations and planning with the Global Program Lead;
• Report data in meetings throughout the organisation, to audiences with various technical knowledge, and write clear and concise reports for internal review.