Senior-level entomology academics lead and contribute to significant research and discovery in biological and physical science, engineering and medicine. They also manage teaching and mentoring activities in their specialist area.
In this post, we take an in-depth look at a professor of entomology job, the research and teaching experience required and opportunities for career progression.
What is Entomology?
Entomology is the scientific study of insects. Over half of the species on earth are classified as insects, and entomologists seek to understand their evolution, behaviour and interactions. Entomology research is vital to a vast range of sectors and fields, from insects’ role as pollinators in agriculture to how their structure and physiology can inform engineering and robotics. The study of insects plays a key role in genetics/genomics research, materials science and medicine/disease prevention.
Entomologists work in higher education teaching and research, government and public bodies, research organisations, charities and sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. You will even find entomologists working in forensic science, studying insects found at crime scenes.
Entomology Professor Jobs
Entomology professors lead multidisciplinary teaching and research activities in a university. They may also carry out advisory/consultancy work for external organisations.
Duties include:
- Leading international research activities in a specific entomological area.
- Securing major funding grants.
- Publishing research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals.
- Leading teaching activities at all levels.
- Supervision and mentoring of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
- Curriculum and module design.
- Travel internationally to carry out fieldwork research and attend conferences.
- Partnering in research with a range of public and private stakeholders and organisations.
How to become an Entomology Professor
Professors of entomology are highly qualified and experienced academics. Promotion to a professorship depends on the stature and visibility of your research portfolio. Candidates are selected according to the following criteria:
Essential qualifications
- An undergraduate degree in zoology or related area.
- Master’s degree in entomology or related area.
- A PhD in entomology or related area.
- A higher education teaching qualification and principal fellowship with Advance HE.
Experience and knowledge
Along with an established and internationally recognised research portfolio, professors have a breadth of knowledge and experience in networking and collaborating with relevant organisations worldwide.
They have many years of teaching and supervision experience in a higher education environment and are recognised as leaders in their fields. The majority of professors are members of a wide range of research groups, committees and organisations globally and candidates would need to demonstrate their ability to cultivate current and future collaboration
Professional membership with relevant organisations such as the Royal Entomological Society would also be essential.
What’s the pay?
Professor salaries are not usually disclosed in job adverts and are usually negotiated on appointment to the role. However, most salaries start at around £50,000 to £59,999 p.a. (and can be significantly more for biosciences disciplines).
What can it lead to?
The majority of professors remain at this level and take on additional roles and duties both inside and outside of academia. However, some choose to move into the senior leadership team of a university as a Head/Director of Department, Dean or Vice-Chancellor.
Where can I find jobs?
Entomology is usually taught as part of zoology degrees at undergraduate level and as a standalone area at postgraduate level. Therefore, if you’re an entomology specialist, jobs would generally be available across bioscience disciplines.
These are senior roles where individuals have moved up the academic ranks over many years. Most professorships are advertised as permanent; therefore, the availability of positions (professor jobs make up 4.5% of academic roles on jobs.ac.uk) depends on either a vacancy arising or a university’s requirement for a senior specialist in a particular area of entomological teaching, research and scholarship.
New senior-level academic jobs in zoology and entomology are added to jobs.ac.uk all the time. Take a look at our current roles and get the latest opportunities straight to your inbox by registering for a jobs by email alert.
Find Senior-Level Zoology Jobs here
Leave a Reply