Entomologist

Aphea.Bio is a leading R&D company dedicated to food security and ensuring a safe, healthy food chain. Our mission is to deliver innovative, science-based solutions that shape the agriculture of the future: sustainable, reliable and profitable. We focus on harnessing the natural, beneficial interactions between microorganisms and plants to develop new biological products for crop protection and improvement.

We are seeking highly motivated and innovative individuals to drive the research and development of next-generation agricultural biological products. Successful candidates will join a committed, creative, and dynamic team with opportunities for responsibility and personal growth.

Aphea.Bio is based in Ghent, Belgium, at the heart of Europe's largest Agro-Biotech cluster.

Main responsibilities

As a senior scientist in the Bioinsecticide R&D team, you will:

• Collaborate with the program leader to steer and plan Bioinsecticide activities.
• Develop, manage, and monitor Bioinsecticide screening programs focused on research and early product development, ensuring alignment with company goals, timelines, and milestones.
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings (research, development, product & business development, marketing) and ensure clear communication.
• Contribute to the development and execution of in vitro and in planta Bioinsecticide assays for lead screening.
• Analyze and report results, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Maintain detailed records of procedures and results.
• Drive innovation within the Bioinsecticide program.
• Scout for potential partners and explore new techniques to improve lead selection and development into commercially viable products.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of insect biology.
• Hands-on experience with in vitro and in planta insect assays.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and optimize technical procedures and results.
• Strong understanding of Bioinsecticide product development.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong team player.
• Industry experience is highly preferred.

Education and Expertise

• Master's or PhD in molecular biology (or equivalent through relevant experience) or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of industry experience in Bioinsecticide development or entomology.

Other Skills

• Languages: Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Interpersonal: Team-oriented, enthusiastic, creative, communicative, committed, flexible, entrepreneurial, organized, and a problem-solver.
• Technical: Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Excel. Knowledge of R and Python and experience in image analysis and bioinformatics is a plus.

Application

Motivated applicants should send their CV and cover letter to