Internship R&D - Applied Insect Behavior - Paris - January 2023 - M/W

InnovaFeed is a biotech company that produces natural and sustainable ingredients for animal feed and plant nutrition from insect rearing (Hermetia illucens). 

We contribute to the growth of a high-quality fish farming sector by providing a new source of sustainable, natural and high-performance protein. We also produce high-quality insect oil than can be used in poultry and swine feed, as an alternative to imported oils. Our oil is rich in lauric acid, known for its anti-microbial properties. Finally, insect dejections are used as an organic fertilizer, closing the nitrogen loop in a circular way. 

InnovaFeeds’ innovating insect rearing process is deployed on an industrial scale to address the strain on natural resources in a responsible and sustainable way. 

Leveraging expertise at the forefront of biotech research, our unique model is supported by many key actors in the scientific, political and financial fields.

As the world leader in alternative animal proteins, Innovafeed contributes to the construction of a sustainable food system by developing a pioneering and innovative industry: the breeding and processing of insects (Hermetia Illucens fly).

- Dealing with global protein deficit by strengthening our food systems

- To have a positive overall environmental impact based on circular economy and inspired by natural food chains;

- To generate territorial economic dynamism : in order to feed and raise our larvaes, we are co-located with agro-industrial partners that provide us with co-products and low footprint energy.

 

Incorporated in 2016, Innovafeed manufactures and sells 3 different insect-based products:

· Insect protein for a more sustainable and qualitative aquaculture, especially for feeding salmon and trout 🐟

· Insect oil for feeding animals (like pig and poultry), in the context of sustainable farming respectful of animal welfare 🐤 

·  Insect feces used as an effective organic fertilizer 🌱

To meet this challenge in the most eco-friendly way possible, we have set up a system of industrial symbiosis explained in this video: click here

 

The success of our project depends on a dynamic and talented team sharing the same values and driven by a common objective : to continue our development as a world leader in the animal nutrition market !

In order to support this scale-up, we are looking for new talents able to get deeply involved in our ambitious and dynamic company.

Are you willing to get involved in building a more natural and sustainable food system? Are you interested in biotechnology and sensitive to the problems of food scarcity?  So, we think you are ready to be part of the InnovaFeed adventure !

Our recruitment process is objective, inclusive and fair. It’s very important for us to offer from the start a clear, smooth and constructive recruitment experience for each applicant.

 

Within the insect science zootechnical research team, you will work closely with an R&D Project Manager and Engineer as well as some cross-team collaborations (engineering and prototyping teams) to better understand our insects' behavior and use this understanding to improve performance.

 

More precisely, you will be in charge of:

 

- Using acoustic sensors to monitor insect behavior and optimizing choice of sensors and their set-up to optimize detection of relevant signals

- Correlating acoustic data with other measures (e.g. ambient conditions, insect behavior from images) summarizing and analyzing data

- Setting up proof of concept experiments with this technology

- Signal processing, spectral analysis, integrating electronics

- Actively contributing to interdisciplinary team discussions and troubleshooting to develop a technology-based approach to monitor insect behavior and enable us to improve production outcomes.

 

- You are a master’s student in an engineering school or equivalent, with a background in applied mathematics.

- You are comfortable with physics (acoustic wave, FFT) and applied electronics and instrumentation, and signal processing. A good knowledge of Fourier transform is mandatory.

- You can set up a measurement bench independently.

- You are organized, detail oriented, and able to document and follow protocols diligently, and record data carefully.

- Self-driven, curious and motivated, you enjoy working independently but are also a team player.

- A natural problem-solver, you are able to complete day-to-day tasks while not losing sight of the big picture, and not easily frustrated when unexpected problems come up that need troubleshooting.

- You are excellent at time management, not overwhelmed with tight deadlines, and can effectively multitask

- You must be able to communicate (written and oral) in English as your manager is a native English speaker.

- You feel comfortable working on an interdisciplinary team and communicating the rationale and progress in your work with technical and non-technical audiences alike.

- You are comfortable doing hands-on work with insects in the process of setting up experiments.

- A customized on-boarding process to discover our business through an operator training and the role of each team through dedicated presentations ;

- A particular care in the follow-up of your integration via specific exchanges and a feedback report;

- Alan's mutual insurance and provident fund for all;

- An important involvement of the employees in the growth and construction of the company (working groups, surveys...);

- An internal training program to allow you to develop.