2024 BioMed X New Strategies to Target Autoreactive Plasma Cells

Eligibility

The BioMed X Institute in Heidelberg, Germany, is establishing a new, fully funded research group in the field of immunology. Together with our partners, we identify big biomedical research challenges and provide creative solutions by combining global crowdsourcing with local incubation of the world’s brightest early-career research talents. At BioMed X, we combine the best of two worlds – academia and industry – and enable breakthrough innovation by making biomedical research more efficient, more agile, and more fun.

If you hold a PhD or master’s degree with an outstanding track record or strong interest in this field and are interested to lead or collaborate in a cross-functional team, we invite you to apply with a project proposal for a position in our new research group (1 group leader, 2 postdoctoral researchers, 2 research assistants).

In close collaboration with our pharma partner Servier, the task of the new research group is to develop novel strategies to selectively target autoreactive plasma cells in autoimmune diseases. Project proposals should focus on the following key challenges, preferably in pemphigus vulgaris or a similar autoimmune disease, as a proof of concept:

• Explore deep biology of human autoreactive plasma cells.
• Identify highly specific biomarkers that distinguish human autoreactive from protective plasma cells.
• Identify and validate novel drug targets to selectively eliminate plasma cells producing autoantibodies.

Original ideas reaching far beyond the current state-of-the-art are particularly encouraged. However, approaches involving medical devices (e.g., plasmapheresis), animal models, cell therapy, MHC-based therapy, or therapies targeting the consequences of autoantibodies are out of scope.

Group leader positions are intended to suit candidates with a PhD (or equivalent) in immunology, or in a related area who would like to develop themselves towards a leadership career path either in academia or industry and typically have between three and six years of relevant postdoctoral research experience.

Candidates for postdoctoral positions are expected to have completed a PhD (or equivalent) within the last three years and a certain degree of specialization in one or more relevant cutting-edge technologies and scientific areas.

Summary

What we offer:

• A position in a fully funded research group with an annual budget of 950,000 EUR. The funding package covers salaries, consumables, services, travel costs, as well as access to the core facilities of neighboring research institutions in Heidelberg.

• An initial term of three years, with the possibility of prolongation for up to two additional years.

• An exciting research opportunity in a multidisciplinary and international research institution with a collegial and flexible working environment.

• Participation in the BioMed X Boot Camp: learn how to build a compelling pitch presentation in only 5 days.

There is flexibility over starting dates, but successful applicants are welcome to take up post starting May 1st, 2024.

Application & Selection Process:

• Please apply via the online Career Space on this website

• As part of the online application procedure, you will be asked to submit: (i) A competitive project proposal that gives us an idea of your scientific expertise and creative potential (3-5 pages describing an interesting hypothesis, scientific rationale, and a unique experimental approach); (ii) Your curriculum vitae including your publication record.

• Deadline for applications: January 7th, 2024

• After a first selection round, candidates will be invited to a five-day innovation boot camp in Heidelberg from March 4th to 8th, 2024. With the guidance of experienced mentors, candidates will jointly work on their project proposals and present them in front of a jury on the final day. Successful candidates will be offered a position at the BioMed X Institute in Heidelberg, Germany.

Overhead

Not eligible. 

Application deadlines

RSO detailed review deadline

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Postdocs, students, and trainees: For fellowships and externally-sponsored research training awards or opportunities, you must complete the Research Funding Application Approval (RFAA) Trainee PDF form, and submit it, along with a complete copy of the application, to Research Services at rsotrainee@ucalgary.ca. Trainees should not use RMS at this time.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via either RMS or the RFAA Trainee form, in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

For questions and inquiries, please contact career@bio.mx