Entomology Summer Intern

Thermacell Repellents, Inc.•Hampton, FL

6h•Onsite

About The Position

Thermacell Repellents, Inc. is on a mission to liberate people who love the outdoors from the harmful effects of insects. Thermacell makes the world’s leading zone mosquito repellent, using our proprietary technology to create a zone of scientifically proven protection up to 20ft so people and pets can enjoy their time outdoors. Founded in 1999 and based outside of Boston in Bedford, Massachusetts, Thermacell has an ever-expanding product line and is trusted by over 6 million consumers worldwide to provide protection for outdoor events from backyard nights to rugged camping weekends. We aim to change the way people repel insects, through our award-winning products, disruptive innovation, and expanding distribution across multiple retail & e-comm channels in over 30 countries across the globe. Thermacell is a wholly owned subsidiary of a privately held global consumer products company and operated independently. Thermacell is home to 125+ full-time employees across three U.S. hubs — Bedford, MA (Corporate Headquarters), Buford, GA (Manufacturing & Distribution), and Hampton, FL (Science & Research Center) — and is expanding its footprint in the UK & Europe. ROLE PURPOSE: We are looking for an on-site entomology intern to assist with the establishment, maintenance, and optimization of a mosquito mass rearing operation (Aedes aegypti) at our science research center in Hampton, FL. You will have the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience working alongside professional entomologists in a growing, dynamic company. Primary responsibilities center around colony maintenance and mass rearing optimization with additional opportunities for laboratory and field research, depending on motivation and interest. This position is expected to last approximately three months between May and August with the potential for continued, part-time work beyond August pending fit and need.

Requirements

Classroom or professional experience in entomology
Previous interest/experience with insect or other animal rearing
Familiarity with insect handling, collection, identification, and curation
Experience using dissecting microscopes, insect aspirators, and other entomological tools
Able to work in warm, humid conditions in an insectary (80°F, 75% RH) for extended periods of time
Able to function well in a dynamic and collaborative environment
Willing to perform repetitive, routine, unglamorous tasks in a timely and consistent manner
A self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach
Develop/document QA procedures in collaboration with Entomologists
Strong communication skills and high degree of professionalism
Strong attention to detail

Responsibilities

Maintain Aedes aegypti colonies, handling all life stages of these mosquitoes
Collect (using traps and aspirators) and accurately identify mosquitoes by sex and species
Safely handle bovine blood for adult feeding
Follow established protocols and maintain meticulous records
Enter data in Excel
Help maintain clean and organized laboratory spaces (dish washing, sweeping, mopping)
Monitor and assist with routine maintenance of laboratory equipment
Assist with the establishment of quality assurance (QA) procedures for various aspects of mass rearing
Assist with other laboratory and field work tasks
Assist with field research trials, including occasional night and weekend work (optional)

Benefits

Compensation for this position will include a competitive salary.
Although it is not overtime eligible, interns will receive holiday pay for holidays that occur during the internship period.

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