​M.S./Ph.D. and post-doc positions in black soldier flies (BSF) for organic waste remediation and protein production - process scale-up
 
Bioenergy and Environment Research Group (http://www.samirkkhanall/) in the Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering at The University of Hawaii at Manoa has several immediate openings for graduate students (M.S./Ph.D.) and post-doctoral research associate.  The selected candidate will conduct research on the use of black soldier flies (BSF) for various locally available organic waste remediation. The candidate should have prior research experience in BSF colony development, BSF egg production, BSF larvae cultivation and process scale-up. The candidate is also expected to work with environmental engineer and entomologist. The research project will establish protocol for BSF scale-up, and process automation. We prefer a candidate with research background in organic waste recycling, design and operation of scalable biological system with relevant research background in black soldier flies. M.S./Ph.D. in environmental engineering/entomology or a closely related engineering/biological field is required. The candidate must have superior academic and excellent research background. The position requires excellent written and oral english skill including ability to prepare refereed journal articles/progress report. Salary is highly competitive and commensurate with experience. The candidate will also receive full tuition waiver along with fund for attending/presenting at national/international conference. For consideration, please e-mail CV (with GRE, TOEFL scores (if applicable) and GPA), short write-up on research experience, names of 2 referees and publication if any in a single PDF file to Dr. Samir K. Khanal at <khanal@hawaii.edu> by Feb 29, 2020.
 

Have you ever wondered- what was the black soldier fly known for before it was being mass produced as a feed? Well, here is an answer. Arnold van Huis and I put together a summary of the published history for this species prior to its recognition in the 1990s as a beneficial. Hard to believe, but the black soldier fly was recognized as a pest before then.  The major take-home message is- be careful with your production of the black soldier fly. I hope you enjoy the read!!

Tomberlin, J. K., and A. v. Huis. 2020. Black soldier fly from pest to ‘crown jewel’ of the insects as feed industry: an historical perspective. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed 6: 1-4.