How to apply for Senior Entomologist

About Colossal Biosciences

Colossal Biosciences is a pioneering de-extinction and genetic rescue company working to revive extinct species like the woolly mammoth and thylacine to restore ecosystems and combat climate change. Their high-profile projects blend cutting-edge CRISPR, synthetic biology, and conservation science, making them a unique place for scientists eager to push the boundaries of what's possible. Working here means contributing to bold, mission-driven science with real-world ecological impact.

About the role

As the Senior Entomologist for the New World Screwworm (NWS) Biobanking Program, you will be the scientific lead for a multi-phase effort to establish a genetic baseline for NWS populations across North and Central America. You'll design and execute a standardized fitness-validation battery for fresh and cryopreserved screwworm cohorts, lead field collection in active outbreak regions, and oversee live-colony rearing with partners like COPEG and USDA-APHIS. This 6-month contract is pivotal for gene drive deployment and directly impacts the future of screwworm control.

A typical day

A typical day might involve coordinating with field teams in Central America to plan collection trips, analyzing fitness data from recent cohorts, and troubleshooting rearing protocols with partners at COPEG. You could also spend time preparing reports for USDA-APHIS, designing new assays for cryopreserved samples, or traveling to outbreak regions to oversee collections firsthand. The role is highly dynamic, blending remote scientific leadership with hands-on fieldwork.

Who Colossal Biosciences is looking for

• Ph.D. in Entomology or related field with 5+ years of experience in insect rearing, colony management, and field collection, ideally with screwworms or other myiasis-causing flies.
• Proven expertise in designing and executing fitness assays (e.g., mating latency, copulation duration, fecundity) and managing cryopreservation protocols for insects.
• Experience working with regulatory agencies (USDA-APHIS, COPEG) and coordinating multi-institutional field campaigns in remote outbreak areas.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills, with a track record of publishing protocols and delivering results to federal stakeholders.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any direct experience with Cochliomyia hominivorax or related screwworm species, including field collection, rearing, and fitness assays—this is a rare skill set and will set you apart.
• Emphasize your ability to lead cross-functional teams and coordinate with international partners like COPEG and USDA-APHIS, as the role requires managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Detail your experience with cryopreservation of insect embryos or tissues, especially if you've developed or optimized protocols; this is central to the biobanking program.
• Demonstrate your willingness and ability to travel extensively for field work in outbreak regions, as the job explicitly requires collections trips and remote coordination.
• Tailor your resume to show measurable outcomes from past projects, such as improved rearing efficiency, successful field campaigns, or published fitness protocols, using metrics where possible.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: (1) your specific experience with screwworm biology and control, including any work with sterile insect technique or gene drive; (2) your ability to design and standardize fitness assays and cryopreservation methods for insects; (3) your track record leading field collections in challenging environments and collaborating with agencies like USDA-APHIS or COPEG; and (4) your motivation to contribute to Colossal's mission of using biotechnology for conservation and ecosystem restoration.

Research before applying

• Research Colossal Biosciences' current projects, especially their work on de-extinction and genetic rescue, to understand how the NWS Biobanking Program fits into their broader mission.
• Learn about the New World Screwworm's biology, distribution, and current control efforts, including the sterile insect technique and any gene drive initiatives.
• Investigate COPEG (Comisión Panamá-Estados Unidos para la Erradicación y Prevención del Gusano Barrenador del Ganado) and USDA-APHIS's roles in screwworm management to speak knowledgeably about partner dynamics.
• Review recent publications on insect cryopreservation and fitness validation, particularly for dipterans, to stay current with best practices and challenges.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you design a nine-trait fitness battery for screwworms, and what metrics would you prioritize to assess the success of cryopreservation?
• Describe your experience leading field collection in active outbreak regions—what logistical and safety challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
• How would you ensure standardized rearing protocols across multiple partners like COPEG and USDA-APHIS, and what quality control measures would you implement?
• What is your understanding of gene drive technology and its potential impact on screwworm populations? How would you establish a genetic baseline before deployment?
• Can you discuss a time when you had to interpret complex data and communicate findings to federal stakeholders? How did you ensure clarity and actionable insights?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid generic applications that don't mention screwworms or the specific technical requirements (e.g., fitness assays, cryopreservation) of this role; demonstrate your niche expertise.
• Don't underestimate the travel requirement—if you're not genuinely available for extensive field work in remote areas, this will be a red flag.
• Avoid focusing solely on laboratory skills; this role requires leadership, coordination, and field experience, so failing to highlight those aspects will weaken your candidacy.