Indoor Pest Management Specialist

Position Overview

The Department of Entomology is seeking an Indoor Pest Management Specialist to lead an Extension program focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with primary emphasis on indoor urban pests including bed bugs and cockroaches. The successful candidate collaborates with Extension programs, pesticide industry partners, and internal and external stakeholders to evaluate new products, conduct field trials, and develop resistance management strategies. The successful candidate will work closely with local pesticide companies and pest management professionals to evaluate product efficacy and develop resistance management strategies, with a strong emphasis on laboratory-based bioassays and field validation studies.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Bioassay Activities:

• Design, execute, and analyze pesticide bioassays using standardized protocols for indoor pest species
• Conduct dose-response experiments and resistance monitoring studies
• Maintain laboratory colonies of key indoor pest species

Extension and Outreach Activities:

• Provide technical consultation to pest management companies on product efficacy and resistance issues
• Collaborate with Extension programs across the state on indoor pest management initiatives
• Maintain partnerships with local and regional pesticide distributors and manufacturers

What We’re Looking For:

• Master's degree in Entomology, Biology, or related field
• 2 years of experience in applied entomology or pest management research
• Demonstrated experience with bioassays and pesticide efficacy testing
• Experience working with industry partners or applied research settings
• Strong communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Entomology or related field
• Extension or outreach experience with stakeholder engagement
• Previous collaboration with pesticide industry or pest management companies

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover letter describing research experience and interest in pesticide resistance
• Detailed CV/resume

Please send all application materials to: lsmiles@purdue.edu

Applications received by July 17, 2026 will be assured of review.