Remote Research Scientist
Insect Welfare Research Society (insectwelfare.com)
Remote | $55,000–$60,000 | Application deadline: Review begins March 15, 2026

About the Insect Welfare Research Society

The Insect Welfare Research Society (IWRS) is an academic-led research society founded in March 2023. The society supports the global insect welfare research community and facilitates the incorporation of evidence-based information on insect welfare into policy and practice by relevant stakeholders. We also support welfare research on both terrestrial invertebrates (e.g., spiders and other arachnids, myriapods like millipedes, gastropod molluscs) and aquatic invertebrates (e.g., shrimp/prawns, horseshoe crabs, cephalopod molluscs).

Position Overview

We seek a Research Scientist to advance the field of invertebrate welfare science through the development of key infrastructure, synthesis of existing knowledge, and community building. This is a one-year position with an expectation of renewal for a second year given good performance. The role is fully remote and open to international candidates.

Key Responsibilities

You will lead or contribute to multiple projects that strengthen the invertebrate welfare research ecosystem:

• Creating a comprehensive, searchable husbandry database documenting species-specific care practices for research and captive invertebrate populations.
• Producing short, peer-reviewed syntheses on welfare-relevant topics including anesthesia, enrichment, and humane endpoints.
• Developing a library of concise, classroom-ready materials that introduce welfare concepts for standard laboratory and field contexts.
• Managing the IWRS Early Career Committee, coordinating activities and supporting emerging researchers in the field.
• Producing an annual synthesis documenting research activity, institutional developments, and welfare practice trends across the invertebrate welfare community.

Position Details

• Location: Fully remote. International candidates are welcome, though please note that we cannot provide visa sponsorship or relocation assistance. There is a strong preference for candidates who can be available for meetings between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.
• Compensation: $55,000–$60,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Start date: May 2026 (with some flexibility)
• Employment type: Full-time. We are also open to part-time arrangements for faculty members, with compensation provided in the form of teaching buyouts.
• Benefits: Health insurance stipend and three weeks of paid vacation.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and CV as a single PDF via our application form. In your cover letter, please describe your relevant experience and interest in invertebrate welfare science; when you could start; any scheduling constraints related to time zone availability; and, if a faculty member, how much time you could devote to the role.

Review of applications will begin on March 15, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Questions can be directed to Bob Fischer at fischer@insectwelfare.com.

The Insect Welfare Research Society is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in entomology or a closely related discipline (e.g., ecology or biology, assuming an entomological focus). Note: ABD candidates may apply if they will be defending their dissertation by September 2026.
• Strong written communication skills and ability to synthesize scientific literature.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent projects.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior work on invertebrate welfare, animal welfare science, or related ethical considerations in invertebrate research.
• Project management experience, particularly coordinating collaborative research initiatives.
• Science communication skills, including translating technical content for diverse audiences.
• Experience teaching undergraduate entomology or related coursework.