Purpose of the Job 

Oxitec’s Field Scientist for Panama will be responsible for the day-to-day operations, both laboratory and field, related to field pilots in Panama. 

You will be at the heart of an exciting new project in Panama, working within a team with our host in the country; both out in the community – as the face of Oxitec – and in the laboratory. Day-to-day duties will include training collaborators, adapting Oxitec’s rearing processes to site-specific needs, deploying Oxitec’s innovative insect control solution, collecting field samples, and analysing them in the laboratory. 

This job will be highly dynamic, with opportunities to spend time in the field, as well as in the laboratory. You will need to be comfortable working in a laboratory, as well as driving on local roads, and confident interacting with community members about our technology. You will be fully trained and supported by a professional and capable site manager. 

Responsibilities 

Your key responsibilities will involve rearing, deploying, and monitoring our insect control solution in the field, collecting and analysing trap samples, maintaining health and safety compliance, and nurturing respectful relationships with our partner organisations. 

Working under the guidance of the Field Operations Manager and as part of a close project team you will: 

• Work closely with partner organisations and maintain strong and collaborative relationships with them; 
• Train our collaborators to excellent standards in compliance with Oxitec’s protocols, as well as health and safety procedures; 
• Rear Oxitec’s self-limiting mosquitoes under the guidance of the UK team, while finding innovative solutions to adapt our rearing systems to country-specific challenges; 
• Deploy Oxitec’s mosquitoes according to standard protocols; 
• Set mosquito adult and egg traps, collect and analyze catches; 
• Plan each day’s activities under the Field Operations Manager’s direction; 
• Report frequently to the Field Operations Manager on progress throughout the day; 
• Care for vehicles, equipment, and materials; 
• Solve problems proactively and with the help of your team and managers; 
• Where required, support our field efforts. 

Skills, Experience, and Education Requirements 

• Spoken and written proficiency in both Spanish and English is essential; 
• Significant experience of lab or field work is essential; 
• Experience of working in a biological sciences laboratory, insect rearing, working with mosquitoes, or vector surveillance is strongly desirable; 
• A self-starting attitude, strong organizational skills, and finely tuned attention to detail; 
• Experience working to protocols or precise instructions in a technical capacity; 
• Conscientious and diligent, eager to deliver high-quality work with urgency; 
• An educational background in biological sciences is preferred.