R&D Lab Operations Associate

Biocentis; Bresso; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Biocentis is seeking a highly organized Lab Operations Associate to keep our molecular biology laboratory and insectary running smoothly. This first hire in the Lab Operations team reports to the Senior Director of R&D Operations, shaping how we maintain infrastructure, safety and supplies for ongoing research.

You will perform daily operational tasks—media prep, glassware cleaning, autoclaving, waste disposal, stock monitoring, and vendor coordination—while ensuring EHS compliance and

Qualifications

• Hold a degree in a scientific discipline (e.g. Biotechnology, Chemistry, or similar).
• 2 to 5 years of experience in bench work or laboratory operations.
• English proficiency: confident and fluent in communicating verbally and in writing.
• Italian proficiency: good spoken and written Italian, to liaise with local vendors and service providers.
• Solid grounding in laboratory safety protocols, biosafety standards, and chemical/biological waste disposal procedures.
• Practical knowledge of laboratory procurement, inventory tracking software, and vendor communication.
• Experience working in a molecular biology laboratory and/or insectary.

Responsibilities

• Manage consumable supplies: monitor stock levels, keep inventories up to date, place routine orders and coordinate incoming deliveries to prevent stockouts.
• Act as the main point of contact for daily vendor interactions, managing service visits, maintenance schedules and routine instrument calibrations.
• Prepare media and reagents, wash and autoclave glassware, and carry out general housekeeping in the molecular laboratory and insectary.
• Coordinate biohazard and chemical waste management, ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures and regulations.
• Assist with EHS compliance checks and help maintain a safe, clean and well-organised laboratory and insectary.
• Oversee the operational onboarding of new lab and insectary personnel, and coordinate visitor access and on-site visits.
• Proactively resolve operational bottlenecks (e.g. equipment downtime, supply shipment delays) and suggest improvements to the lab environment and workflows.

Skills

Lab operations

English fluency

Education

Biotechnology degree

Tools

Inventory software

Procurement software

Vendor management tools

Job description

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 & gene drive, 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 and keep our laboratory and insectary running as we develop ground-breaking biocontrol solutions. Find out more at: Biocentis - Shaping the future of insect control

The role

We are seeking a highly organised, hands-on Lab Operations Associate to keep our molecular biology laboratory and insectary running seamlessly.

This is the first hire in our newly created Lab Operations team, reporting directly to our Senior Director of R&D Operations. As we build this function, you will help shape how we keep infrastructure, safety and supplies running for continuous research. You will carry out the day-to-day operational, logistical and maintenance tasks of the lab: media and reagent preparation, glass washing, autoclaving, waste disposal and general housekeeping; monitoring stock levels, placing routine orders and coordinating deliveries; and acting as the main point of contact for vendors, service visits, maintenance schedules and routine instrument calibrations.

You will also assist with Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) compliance checks, coordinate biohazard and chemical waste protocols, oversee the operational onboarding of new lab and insectary staff, and coordinate visitor access and on-site visits. The role works closely with scientists and technicians across our R&D programs, and with our data, operations and business teams.

The position requires a service-oriented mindset, high reliability and the ability to run routine daily workflows independently, while knowing when to escalate decisions to leadership. You will switch flexibly between routine tasks and urgent troubleshooting – from waste runs and dishwashing to resolving equipment downtime or shipment delays – and build strong relationships with colleagues and vendors while holding firm on standards and deadlines.

This is an opportunity to join a fast-paced biotech company developing innovative solutions with real-world impact.

Responsibilities

• Manage consumable supplies: monitor stock levels, keep inventories up to date, place routine orders and coordinate incoming deliveries to prevent stockouts.
• Act as the main point of contact for daily vendor interactions, managing service visits, maintenance schedules and routine instrument calibrations.
• Prepare media and reagents, wash and autoclave glassware, and carry out general housekeeping in the molecular laboratory and insectary.
• Coordinate biohazard and chemical waste management, ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures and regulations.
• Assist with EHS compliance checks and help maintain a safe, clean and well-organised laboratory and insectary.
• Oversee the operational onboarding of new lab and insectary personnel, and coordinate visitor access and on-site visits.
• Proactively resolve operational bottlenecks (e.g. equipment downtime, supply shipment delays) and suggest improvements to the lab environment and workflows.

Qualifications and Skills

[Essential] Hold a degree in a scientific discipline (e.g. Biotechnology, Chemistry, or similar).

[Essential] 2 to 5 years of experience in bench work or laboratory operations.

[Essential] English proficiency: confident and fluent in communicating verbally and in writing.

[Essential] Italian proficiency: good spoken and written Italian, to liaise with local vendors and service providers.

[Highly desirable] Solid grounding in laboratory safety protocols, biosafety standards, and chemical/biological waste disposal procedures.

[Highly desirable] Practical knowledge of laboratory procurement, inventory tracking software, and vendor communication.

[Desirable] Experience working in a molecular biology laboratory and/or insectary.

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

Salary range: €35,000–40,000 gross per annum (RAL), depending on experience

Candidates must be legally permitted to work in the EU.