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Insect Biotechnology Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Insect Biotechnology information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an insect biotechnologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Insect Biotechnologist, you need a strong background in entomology, molecular biology, genetics, and a relevant degree such as a Master's or PhD in biotechnology or a related field. Experience with laboratory techniques like PCR, CRISPR, gene expression analysis, and bioinformatics software is typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating on research projects and presenting findings. These skills and qualifications are essential for driving innovation, ensuring experimental accuracy, and advancing sustainable solutions in agriculture, health, or industry.

What is the difference between Insect Biotechnology vs Entomologist?

AspectInsect BiotechnologyEntomologist
Required CredentialsDegree in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or related fieldsDegree in Entomology, Biology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, biotech companiesFieldwork, research institutions, universities
Industry UsageBiotech companies, pest control, agriculture innovationResearch, pest management, conservation

Insect Biotechnology focuses on applying biological techniques to insects for purposes like pest control or genetic modification, often within biotech industries. Entomologists study insects' biology and ecology, typically working in research or field settings. While both roles involve insects, Insect Biotechnology emphasizes technological and genetic applications, whereas Entomologists focus on understanding insect behavior and ecology.

What is insect biotechnology?

Insect biotechnology is a field of science that uses insects and their biological processes for practical applications in areas like agriculture, medicine, and industry. This can include developing pest-resistant crops, producing valuable proteins or pharmaceuticals, and using insects for waste management or pollination services. The field combines entomology, molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology to find sustainable and innovative solutions to global challenges.

What are some common interdisciplinary collaborations in an insect biotechnology role, and how do they impact daily work?

Professionals in Insect Biotechnology frequently collaborate with experts in molecular biology, entomology, agriculture, genetics, and bioinformatics. These interdisciplinary teams work together to develop innovative applications, such as pest-resistant crops, biopesticides, or sustainable protein sources. Daily responsibilities often involve joint research projects, data analysis, and regular meetings to align objectives and share findings. This collaborative environment fosters learning, broadens expertise, and can accelerate career growth by exposing professionals to diverse scientific approaches and technologies.
What are popular job titles related to Insect Biotechnology jobs in Boston, MA? For Insect Biotechnology jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Insect Biotechnology job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Research Scientist I - Protein Sciences and Structural Biology

Broad Institute

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$88K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

General information
Location
Cambridge, MA
Ref #
44535
Job Family
Research
Date published
07/14/2026
Time Type
Full time
Pay Range
$88,000.00/yr - $124,000.00/yr
Description & Requirements
Embedded within the Broad Institute, the Center for the Development of Therapeutics (CDoT) is a highly collaborative organization of professional drug discovery scientists. Our mission is to translate cutting edge biological insights originating from the Broad community into impactful drug discovery projects. We partner with faculty from MIT, Harvard, and the Harvard teaching hospitals together with industry partners in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and venture capital firms to validate druggable targets and identify leads. We combine our deep expertise in drug discovery with the knowledge and unique capabilities of the Broad Institute to explore drug discovery projects in a wide range of disease areas (including oncology, cardiovascular, psychiatry, infectious and rare diseases). We use systematic approaches in genomics, biology, high content imaging, chemistry, and machine learning coupled with the Broad's culture of creativity, risk taking, and open sharing, to successfully advance science and develop new treatments for patients.
We are seeking a passionate and highly motivated Research Scientist I to join CDoT's Protein Technologies team. The successful candidate will have a solid understanding of protein construct design, expression, purification, and quality assessment. Experience in structural biology is advantageous.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Developing and executing strategies to clone and express recombinant proteins in a variety of expression systems
  • Purifying tagged or native proteins using standard purification (FPLC systems and column chromatography) and analytical techniques (SDS-PAGE, Western blot, light scattering, and protein LC/MS)
  • With training, produce high quality protein crystal structures and co-crystal structures, carrying out the process from crystallization screening through to structure refinement
  • Initiating and completing routine protein construct design and production in an independent and efficient manner
  • Demonstrating the ability to interpret experimental outcomes and proposing follow-up studies
  • Troubleshooting and solving scientific problems related to protein production independently
  • Operating and maintaining lab equipment independently, including protein purification systems like an AKTA pure
  • Investigating new technologies related to protein expression and purification
  • Documenting work and effectively presenting results in cross-functional project teams

Requirements:
  • Ph.D in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology or related life science field with 0-2+ years of research experience in an industrial or academic setting
  • Expertise in recombinant protein purification using chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion)
  • Significant experience with cloning and expressing proteins using different vectors, tags, and various cell culture systems (mammalian, insect, bacterial, yeast)
  • Significant experience with protein characterization (analytical size exclusion chromatography, mass spectrometry, light scattering, western blot and biophysical binding studies)
  • Experience in protein crystallography and crystallographic data processing, model refinement, and structural analysis is a plus
  • Experience with biophysical characterization of proteins (ITC, DSC, SPR, NMR etc.) is a plus
  • A proven record of successful interaction with project team members, external customers or vendors

The successful candidate will be a results-focused, team-oriented, creative bench scientist able to excel in a fast-track environment. She or he must be self-motivated, detail-oriented and exhibit strong problem solving skills. In addition, the successful candidate should be a clear and effective communicator, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills to enable collaboration with project teams, peers, and management in identifying and achieving research goals.
The expected base pay range for this position as listed above is based on a 40 hour per week schedule. Broad provides pay ranges representing its reasonable and good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other factors permissible by law.
At Broad, your base pay is just one part of a comprehensive total rewards package. From day one, this role offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and health savings accounts; at least 13 paid holidays; winter closure; paid time off; parental and family care leave; and an employee assistance program, among other Broad benefits.
The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact recruiting@broadinstitute.org for assistance.