Job Description

Job title: Insect Rearing Lead

Salary: up to £42k

Location: Reading

Vargo is recruiting for a fast-growing UK start-up that’s driving innovation in sustainable agriculture. With a strong focus on technology and environmental impact, the business is developing scalable solutions to support the future of farming. They’re building a passionate, forward-thinking team committed to making a positive difference in the sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain healthy insect colonies for internal projects and automation clients
• Deliver insect production on time and to spec
• Develop and improve rearing protocols for current and new species

• Line manage team members (recruitment, mentoring, performance reviews)
• Write and maintain SOPs and risk assessments
• Plan resources and manage stock levels

• Act as Radiation Protection Supervisor, ensuring compliance (e.g. x-ray use, training, documentation)
• Review and improve health & safety practices
• Promote a strong safety culture

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in a relevant field (postgraduate preferred)
• Strong data handling and analysis skills; Python/R knowledge is a plus
• Organised and deadline-driven, with high attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working in warm, humid environments

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