Position: Molecular Biologist (Insect Molecular Biology)

Location: Biocentis R&D laboratory, Milan, Italy (OpenZone campus)

Type and duration: Full-time, permanent contract (~26 days paid leave per annum)

Start date: Feb 2026 – Mar 2026 (apply by Friday 6th February 2026)

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 , the mosquito vector of dengue fever, with opportunities to work also with other harmful pest species.

Reporting to the Senior 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; embryo microinjection and transgenesis; insect rearing and husbandry; fluorescence microscopy and dissection; life history trait and behaviour analysis; caged release experiments; next-gen seq / analysis; bioinformatics (e.g. promoter identification, mutation analysis, gRNA design); comparative genomics / transcriptomics; and data / simulation analysis.

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:

Engineering Resilient Gene Drives Towards Sustainable Malaria Control: Predicting, Testing and Overcoming Target Site Resistance | bioRxiv

Inherently confinable split-drive systems in Drosophila | Nature Communications

A CRISPR–Cas9 gene drive targeting doublesex causes complete population suppression in caged Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes | Nature Biotechnology

A CRISPR-Cas9 gene drive system targeting female reproduction in the malaria mosquito vector Anopheles gambiae | Nature Biotechnology

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.

Candidates must possess the right to work in the EU.

Qualifications

• EssentialPhD in Biology/related field or ≥5 yrs relevant research experience

• EssentialFluency in English with excellent verbal and written communication skills

• EssentialExpert proficiency in molecular biology

• EssentialExperience with genome engineering and experimental design

• EssentialExperience working with live animals (e.g. insects, worms, mice, fish)

• EssentialExcellent organisation (record-keeping, data presentation, prioritisation)

• Highly DesirableExperience rearing, handling, dissecting, and transforming insects

• Highly DesirableExperience working with Aedes aegypti and / or other harmful pest species

• Highly DesirableExpert knowledge of genetic control

• Highly DesirableExpert knowledge of insect genetics and sex determination

• Highly DesirableTrack record publishing high-impact research

• Highly DesirableTrack record presenting research at conferences

• DesirableExperience developing genetic control

• DesirableExpert knowledge of entomology and pest control

• DesirableExperience analysing WGS / RNAseq / snRNAseq data

• DesirableExpert knowledge of population genetic modelling

• DesirableExpert knowledge of computational biology

How to apply

Applications should be sent by email to Dr. Alessandra Boiti (alessandra.boiti@biocentis.com), with the subject line “MOLECULAR BIOLOGIST APPLICATION 2026” and a single PDF document including:

1. A cover letter detailing previous research and management experience and motivation for role
2. A curriculum vitae (CV)
3. Contact details of 2 referees

Short-listed candidates will be invited for online interviews in mid Feb 2026.