Postdoctoral Fellow, Translational In Vitro Models - Chronic Kidney Disease Target Discovery

Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Boehringer Ingelheim is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Therapeutic Concept Discovery Group at our US Ridgefield headquarters. The focus is on building spatially defined in vitro chronic kidney disease models to enable new target discovery through genetics, genomics, and bioengineering.

The fellow will conduct independent research under supervision, collaborate with internal and external partners, present work to leadership, and publish findings in leading journals.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or related discipline, with no more than 3 years postdoctoral experience.
• Experience with primary cell culture and molecular biology is essential.
• Experience in functional genomics and spatial/single-cell transcriptomics would be beneficial.
• Strong publication record and ability to communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Generate spatially-defined in vitro models of chronic kidney disease using cellular micropatterning and structured hydrogels.
• Recreate disease niches identified in kidney spatial transcriptomic data in cellular systems.
• Discover new therapeutic targets for chronic kidney disease using functional genomics in vitro models.
• Publish first-author manuscripts and/or patent novel technologies/processes.
• Collaborate across Boehringer Ingelheim with internal and external partners.

Skills

Primary cell culture

Molecular biology

Spatial transcriptomics

Single-cell transcriptomics

Functional genomics

Genetics

Bioengineering

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Bioengineering / Cell Biology / Molecular Biology

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow, Translational In Vitro Models - Chronic Kidney Disease Target Discovery

Description

As an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, you will actively contribute to the discovery, development, and delivery of our products to our patients and customers. Our global presence provides an opportunity for all employees to collaborate internationally, offering visibility and the opportunity to directly contribute to the company's success. We realize that our strength and competitive advantage lie with our people. We support our employees in several ways to foster a healthy working environment, meaningful work, mobility, networking, and work-life balance. Our competitive compensation and benefit programs reflect Boehringer Ingelheim's high regard for our employees.

Boehringer Ingelheim is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Therapeutic Concept Discovery Group in the Cardiovascular-Renal Metabolic Diseases Research Department at our US headquarters in Ridgefield, CT. The Ridgefield campus, along with our sister sites in Texas and California, includes a thriving community of postdocs and PhD students that connects globally with their peers on our European campuses. The main responsibility of this position is to build spatially-defined and translational in vitro chronic kidney disease models for new target discovery by applying genetics, genomics, and bioengineering.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you will be responsible for conducting independent research under the direct guidance of an experienced Principal Investigator and further supported by a team of experts committed to your success. You will interact with a diverse range of individuals (including mentors, fellow researchers, students, and collaborators from various institutions), and help to foster a collaborative research environment that facilitates exchange of knowledge and ideas. Your research will be focused on fundamental scientific questions and new methodologies that align with the goals of the department and contribute to Boehringer-Ingelheim’s innovative and growing pipeline. You will be expected to present your work to internal leadership and, ultimately, publish your findings in leading journals within the field. Postdoctoral Fellowships are three-year positions, with a potential one-year extension.

Duties & Responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow’s goals will be to:

• Serve departmental goals by executing a planned project including three aims:
  • Generate spatially-defined in vitro models of chronic kidney disease, using cellular micropatterning and structured hydrogels in combination with primary human cells.
  • Use a lab-in-the-loop approach to recreate disease niches identified in kidney spatial transcriptomic data sets in cellular systems.
  • Discover new therapeutic targets for chronic kidney disease using functional genomics approaches in cutting edge in vitro model.
• Build their own career and interests, pitching and executing innovative experimental approaches to test novel hypotheses relevant to chronic kidney disease.

Toward these goals, with support from their advisor and team, the ideal candidate is expected to:

• Design and conduct their own independent research project(s)
• Collaborate with other researchers within and outside Boehringer Ingelheim, including co-mentors in the computational innovation department
• Effectively communicate and defend their own work in the context of team and department goals, both orally and in writing.
• Publish first-author manuscript(s) and/or patenting of novel technologies/processes.
• Establish an international reputation in their area of expertise with publications and conference participation at national and international events.
• Comply with applicable regulations; perform all work in a safe manner; maintain proper records in accordance with SOPs and policies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or related discipline, with a preference of no more than three (3) years of previous Post Doctoral experience.
• Primary cell culture and molecular biology competence are essential.
• Experience in functional genomics, spatial and single-cell transcriptomics, basic coding, and/or bioengineering would be beneficial to execution of this project
• Extensive experience in area of scientific expertise.
• Ability to think and plan strategically as well as tactically.
• Creativity and innovation in driving cutting-edge research with a strong publication record.
• Ability to independently conduct a research project and effectively communicate the results.
• Experience in data analysis.
• Ability to optimize and develop assays/techniques, as well as leverage new technology opportunities to address scientific questions.
• Exceptional writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to comply with all applicable regulators, performing all work in a safe manner; maintain proper records in accordance with SOP's and policies.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
• Must be willing to take a drug test and post-offer physical (if required).