Sanjay Basu

Molecular Biology Team Lead

Dr Sanjay Basu is Oxitec’s Molecular Biology Team Lead, responsible for the molecular biology lab within the R&D division. The molecular team generates bespoke DNA circuits for use in our transgenic arthropods, characterising new strains and strain development. 

Sanjay joined Oxitec in 2021, having worked in academia since 2005 on projects focused on generating transgenic mosquitoes, for the study of gene regulation and pathogen-refractory mechanisms. He began his vector biology career with an MSc in Vector Biology and Molecular Parasitology (Salford, 2005), followed by a PhD in Molecular Entomology (Keele, 2009). Sanjay then continued in the field with a move to Virginia Tech (Virginia, USA) for 6 years as a post-doctoral researcher. Returning to the UK in 2015, he worked with Luke Alphey at the Pirbright Institute and was a team leader on Wellcome and DARPA funded projects there. He has published several high-impact peer-reviewed studies and presented at international conferences. Sanjay lives with his wife in Oxfordshire and enjoys a range of sports in his spare time.