Description

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT and CENTA), is a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products for the pet, lawn and garden supplies markets. The Central Life Sciences (CLS) business unit is dedicated to delivering insect management solutions for challenging pests in livestock, grain storage and processing, horticulture, turf, specialty food crops, along with mosquito control for municipalities throughout the United States.

Our Research & Development team is searching for a Product Development Specialist/Entomologist. This important position is part of our multi-disciplined team responsible for product development of EPA registered products for the professional, consumer animal health, and equine business units. Candidates will be expected to work on products requiring approval, licensing or registration by Federal or state regulatory bodies. They will develop products for a wide variety of markets including companion animal, vector, pest control, grain protectants, and livestock. Candidates are expected to have previous technical experience in at least one of the supported markets. Candidates will be required to work with outside cooperators developing protocols and monitoring studies as well as participating in studies conducted internally.

This position is a salaried, on-site, laboratory position which requires employees to be in the lab 5 days/week in our Dallas, TX facility. Please see our website at www.central.com or www.centrallifesciences.com for additional company information.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to work seamlessly with other disciplines within a science-based organization. Initiate and assist with the development of products and processes with all functional areas (Formulations, Analytical Chemistry, Toxicology, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, Marketing, Technical Services, and Production)
• Formulate and design comprehensive plans for initiating, implementing and conducting efficacy studies, working closely with project managers to assure that time schedules and critical deadlines are met
• Select suitable research facilities and execute protocols or select qualified researchers to execute protocols
• Initiate and monitor studies according to current federal regulations and company policies
• Analyze and interpret results of studies, write study reports and prepare data for submission to regulatory agencies, where appropriate
• Provide technical support to marketing and sales groups before and after product launch
• Attend scientific meetings, continuing education courses and keep abreast of professional publications and newest developments in applicable discipline areas.
• Working knowledge of the regulatory rules and procedures for the approval of various specialty and animal health products, including EPA pesticide registration and EPA Good Laboratory Practices
• Other duties as assigned from time to time

QUALIFICATIONS

• Efficient understanding of statistics and statistical programs
• Effective problem-solving skills are often required when developing test systems/methodology during screening and testing in the development process
• This position requires an exceptionally high degree of creativity and innovation in implementing existing technologies and adapting new ones
• Must be able to effectively operate with both internal and external collaborators
• Proficiency with computer software, to include word processing, spreadsheets and database management. Current environment is Microsoft Office
• Detail orientated and must be a self-starter
• Ability to multi-task is paramount
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing and participate in a team environment
• Must be able to lead as well as take direction
• Must work well within a team atmosphere with multi-disciplines and multi-cultural environment
• Project management skills and experience a plus
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing schedules and work load
• Incumbent must present him/herself professionally at all times and maintain a high degree of integrity and confidentiality

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• B.S in entomology or other life sciences field with at least 5 years of research experience is required. M.S. or Ph. D in entomology is preferred.
• Two to five years of professional experience in product development in one of the areas of vector, pest control, grain protectants, ectoparasites of companion animals and/or livestock are a plus. Previous experience working with vectors (mosquitoes) is preferred
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of chemistry is required; competence in mathematics is of considerable importance

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Occasional travel may be required at times up to 20% but will vary by month and job demands
• Must be able to conduct and participate in field work which could require working in adverse environmental conditions for several days around animals and arthropods
• The position involves the occasional operation of large equipment. Physical exertion commensurate to the operation of such equipment and ability to move as much as 50 pounds of materials are requisite.
• Work hours are divided between the office and the R&D laboratories. Safety apparel is required in the lab or production areas, i.e. safety glasses (always), lab coat, gloves, dust masks (as appropriate).
• The use of a hard hat, respirator mask, and other safety equipment may necessary at times.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave
• A more complete list of benefits can be found here www.CentralBenefits.org

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT), (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with 6,450 employees primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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