Who we are
Biocentis is a biotech company on a mission to develop sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to control harmful insect species – including those that spread disease to humans, reduce biodiversity, or threaten food security. We leverage patent-pending genome engineering approaches to develop biocontrol insect strains that can be released into the environment for species-specific and eco-friendly pest control.
A spin-out from Imperial College London in 2022, Biocentis is headquartered in Milan, Italy. Our R&D team comprises outstanding specialists in insect germline transformation and experimentation, molecular biology experts, and research leaders in genetic control*, with further support from university collaborators. Biocentis data, operations, and business teams complement R&D efforts to fast-track lab development towards field application. Biocentis is supported by venture capital, private investment, and research grants from the Wellcome Trust and Italian Government.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as an expert scientist developing of ground-breaking biocontrol solutions. Find out more at:
Biocentis - Shaping the future of insect control
The role
We are seeking a
Molecular Biologist
to support the development of genetic control technologies for insects, such as
Aedes aegypti
,
Drosophila suzukii
, and other harmful pest species.
Reporting to the Team Leader, the Molecular Biologist will conduct high-quality, independent research towards development of novel insect strains that can suppress natural pest populations. They will be responsible for planning, executing and analysing research across molecular and insectary laboratories, working collaboratively with technical experts in the R&D team, and producing high quality reports and data to support broader company objectives (e.g. R&D reporting, fundraising, patent / manuscript drafting).
Experimental research
: plasmid design and cloning; next-gen seq / analysis; bioinformatics (e.g. promoter identification, mutation analysis, gRNA design); comparative genomics / transcriptomics; data / simulation analysis; embryo microinjection and transgenesis; insect rearing and husbandry; fluorescence microscopy and dissection; life history trait and behaviour analysis; caged release experiments.
Research management:
experiment design; data recording and analysis; routine R&D reporting and monitoring; department administration; contributions to short-term R&D strategy; preparation of text, data, and figures for publications, IP and grant applications.
*Previous research of our R&D team:
BioRxiv
(2024)
;
Nat Comm
12, 1480 (2021)
;
Nat Bio
36, 1062-1066 (2018)
;
Nat Bio
34, 78-83 (2016)
.
Compensation: Competitive remuneration reflecting skills and experience.
The candidate
Suitable candidates will be trained in the field of molecular genetics and hold a PhD (or expect to hold by the start date) in a related field, or hold an Master’s degree with substantial research experience and outputs sufficient to demonstrate equivalent research independence. Candidates should have substantial experience with CRISPR, cloning, and molecular genetics. Preference will be given to candidates with direct experience working with insects.
Candidates should be able to confidently plan and execute standard molecular biology laboratory techniques (e.g. PCR, Gibson Assembly, DNA/RNA extraction, plasmid MINI/MAXIprep), and be proficient in molecular biology design and analysis software (e.g., SnapGene, Benchling, Geneious, GraphPad, R, BLAST, Excel), molecular genetic tools (e.g. CRISPR, Gal4-UAS, Q-system, tet-off, Cre-LoxP, piggyBac transposase, ϕC31 integrase), and online genomic resources (e.g. flyBase, VectorBase, Ensembl Metazoa, USCS genome / cell browser).
Candidates must be willing to work with live insects in an Arthropod Containment Level 2 lab.
Qualifications
How to apply - applications welcome even after linkedin post is closed
Applications should be sent by email to Dr. Alessandra Boiti (
alessandra.boiti@biocentis.com
), with the subject line “MOLECULAR BIOLOGIST APP 2026” and a single PDF document including:
- A cover letter detailing previous research and management experience and motivation for role
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact details of 2 referees
Short-listed candidates will be invited for online interviews on a rolling basis.
Candidates must possess the right to work in the EU.
