Position:

 Research Technician (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:

Mar 2026 – Apr 2026 (apply by Wednesday 18th 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 looking for a highly motivated individual to join as an insectary and laboratory technician who will aid in designing, producing and testing our technologies for a range of insect vectors of agricultural and human health concern.

In your role, you will provide technical support in both the insectary and molecular biology laboratory under the supervision of senior members of the R&D team. You will be responsible for the maintenance of  Aedes aegypti

, commonly known as yellow fever mosquito with opportunities to work also with other harmful pest species. You will be performing screening for transgenics and sexing various life stages of these insects. You will also be involved in advanced experiments by helping with genetic crosses, phenotypic assays, and cage trials. You will also aid in the genetic transformation of these insects, which has both a heavy technical and molecular biology component. You will help in creating plasmids that will be used in transgenesis by using core laboratory techniques such as genomic DNA extraction and PCR but also entail more advanced cloning methods.

The role is technically demanding, requiring patience and persistence. You must have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work as an integral member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-national and diverse research team. You must also possess excellent organisation and record-keeping abilities. A strong working knowledge of genetics is also desirable. Knowledge in insect colony-rearing and maintenance is desirable but not essential. Ideally, you will have previously been trained in a molecular biology laboratory and/or insectary and will be familiar with different vector-control tools involving CRISPR/Cas9 and genetic transformation. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious biotechnology company on a mission to develop ground-breaking solutions to change the world for the better. Candidates should hold a degree in the biological sciences and  possess the right to work in the European Union

. Salaries are competitive and determined based on experience and skillset, with the ability to start off in an internship that evolves into permanent position in the company, if deemed necessary.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced cloning methods such as restriction and ligation, Gibson assembly, Golden Gate assembly to create plasmids that will be used in transgenesis.
• Perform molecular biology activities, such as genomic DNA extractions, PCR, molecular diagnostic testing, variant detection, sequencing analysis.
• Maintain transgenic insect strains, ensuring that they are healthy, kept separately, and available for the required R&D activities.
• Aid in the injection, identification and isolation by fluorescence microscopy of transgenic insects.
• Support insectary activities, such as insect sampling, genetic crossing, microdissection, and experiments that include phenotype assessment, fertility and survival assays, and cage trials.

Qualifications and Skills

Essential- Hold a BSc in Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or similar discipline.

Desirable- Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Entomology, or relevant discipline to genome engineering and vector control.

Highly desirable- English proficiency: Possess an excellent understanding of English, be confident and fluent in communicating verbally and in writing.

Highly desirable- A strong working knowledge of molecular genetics, including CRISPR

technologies. 

Highly desirable- Experience working under laboratory conditions.

Desirable- Experience in insect manipulation and rearing.

Desirable- Knowledge of molecular cloning: PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, DNA purification. 

Desirable- Microsoft Office platforms: Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

How to apply

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

 including:

1. A cover letter detailing previous research 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 early March 2026.