Postdoctoral Researcher - Platform -Generation Intraocular Biologics; NIB

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher - New Platform for Next-Generation Intraocular Biologics (NIB)

Postdoctoral Researcher - New Platform for Next-Generation Intraocular Biologics (NIB)

Join to apply for the Postdoctoral Researcher - New Platform for Next-Generation Intraocular Biologics (NIB) role at Bio Med X Institute

Bio Med X is an independent research institute located on the campus of the University of Heidelberg in Germany, as well as next to Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, including a world-wide network of partner locations. Our XSeed Labs site is located on the research campus of Boehringer Ingelheim in Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
. Together with our partners, we solve high-impact biomedical research challenges by combining global crowd sourcing and local incubation of the world’s brightest early-career research talents. Each of the highly diverse research teams at Bio Med X has access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and is continuously guided by experienced mentors from academia and industry. At Bio Med 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.

About

Team NIB

Biologic therapies have transformed retinal disease management, but the burden of frequent intraocular injections remains a significant barrier to patient adherence and comfort. Efforts to significantly increase the half-life of intraocular biologics (e.g., via PEGylation) were mostly unsuccessful since they result in reduced retinal penetration and low efficacy. Hence, there is an urgent need for a fundamentally novel biologics design principle, enabling long-term intraocular activity and at the same time deep retinal penetration.

Team NIB aims to develop an innovative platform technology for the design and validation of next-generation intraocular biologics capable of effectively modulating pharmacological targets deep within the retina while substantially extending the time between intraocular injections. Team NIB is a fully funded research group at its incubator on the research campus of Boehringer Ingelheim.

The Position

We are looking for two highly enthusiastic postdoctoral researchers to drive development of a novel in vitro human retina model. We are looking for cell biologists and bioengineers who can take the initiative on optimizing co-culture conditions, developing longitudinal assays and generating novel intraocular biotherapeutics. The ideal candidate holds a PhD (or equivalent) in cell biology, developmental biology, or bioengineering with a strong background in mammalian cell culture and ocular physiology.

Application Requirements

• 1-page cover letter explaining motivation to join Team NIB and future personal goals.
• CV outlining scientific interests, technical skills, and research achievements.

Required skills

Applicants should have very strong experience in at least one of the categories listed below and work experience in at least one additional area. Candidates with complementary expertise who can bridge human in vitro modeling, retina biology, and biologics design are encouraged to apply. Candidates will collaborate closely with each other and research associates in the team.

Postdoc #1 Human Retina Modeling & Functional Biology

PhD in stem cell biology, neuroscience, or developmental biology with a proven record in retinal differentiation or 3D culture systems. Experience with quantitative imaging is a plus.

• Mammalian and iPSC-derived cell culture, and generation of reporter lines.
• Quantitative molecular assays (qPCR, western blot, immunostaining) and advanced imaging.

Retinal Biology & Human In Vitro Models

• 3D bio-printing and microphysiological barrier systems using biomimetic hydrogels.
• Functional assays (electrophysiology, calcium imaging, metabolic or transcriptomic profiling).
• In vivo ocular models (mouse, rat, or rabbit) and intraocular injection techniques.
• Cross-validation of in vitro findings with histology and immunohistochemistry analyses.

Postdoc #2 Biologics Engineering & Drug Delivery Platforms

PhD in bioengineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or biophysics.

• Design and execution of biologics screening platforms for diffusion, stability, and activity.
• Development of imaging and data analysis pipelines for quantitative screening outcomes.

Drug Delivery & Pharmacokinetics (Non-formulation)

• Quantitative evaluation of biologic diffusion, penetration, and intraocular retention.
• Integration of kinetic and spatial data to assess drug distribution across retinal layers.
• Biophysical characterization of therapeutic proteins, antibodies, or peptides (SPR, BLI, DSC, DLS).
• Quantitative modeling of structure–activity relationships and optimization.

What we offer

• Diverse and multidisciplinary work environment, integrated with industry research setting.
• Salary following NIH postdoctoral scales.
• Access to training and lectures in-house, participation at international conferences.
• Access to a broad network of scientific mentors and experts.
• Employee benefits plan, including medical, dental, vision, life…