Research Assistant - New Platform for Next-Generation Intraocular Biologics (NIB)

BioMed X; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NIH-aligned salary

Fully funded position

International, diverse work atmosphere

Flexible working environment

Job summary

BioMed X, based at the Boehringer Ingelheim campus in Ridgefield, CT, invites applications for a Research Assistant to help develop a novel in vitro human retina model. You will work alongside cell biologists and bioengineers with hands-on mammalian cell culture and organ‑on‑chip experience.

The role requires a BSc (MSc preferred) in cell biology, developmental biology, or bioengineering, with experience in mammalian culture, molecular biology, and retinal biology.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, preferably with retinal models.
• Experience with microphysiological systems (MPS) and organ-on-chip platforms.
• BSc degree, MSc preferred, with strong experimental and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to development of a novel in vitro human retina model.
• Collaborate with cell biologists and bioengineers in a team setting.
• Apply molecular biology techniques and supportive assays.
• Maintain rigorous documentation and data analysis for project milestones.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Organ-on-chip

Biomaterials

Retinal biology

Molecular biology

In vitro models

Education

Bachelor's degree in cell biology / bioengineering

MSc degree preferred

Tools

MPS platforms

Organ-on-chip platforms

Biomaterials handling

Job description

About BioMed X And XSeed Labs

BioMed X is a leading innovation engine where disruptive ideas in biomedical research and development come to life. With our global network of research institutes and venture‑creating incubators, embedded within major innovation hubs, we bridge the gap between academic research and the needs of the pharmaceutical industry.

About BioMed X And XSeed Labs

BioMed X is a leading innovation engine where disruptive ideas in biomedical research and development come to life. With our global network of research institutes and venture‑creating incubators, embedded within major innovation hubs, we bridge the gap between academic research and the needs of the pharmaceutical industry.

We are pioneers in applying the principles of design thinking and crowdsourcing to drug discovery and development. With our unique model, we partner with pharma, venture capital, and patient‑focused foundations to identify key challenges across all therapeutic areas, recruit top talent, and co‑create tailored solutions.

In our stimulating ecosystem, talented researchers from all around the globe grow into industry‑ready scientific leaders. They perform exploratory research, deliver industry‑grade results, and pave the way for next‑generation therapies. At BioMed X, we value curiosity, diversity, and purpose. Together, we serve as a vital catalyst for innovation in global health – for the benefit of all patients.

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 and by combining global crowdsourcing and local incubation of the world’s brightest early‑career research talents. Each of the highly diverse research teams at BioMed X has access to state‑of‑the‑art research infrastructure and is continuously guided by experienced mentors from academia and industry.

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.

The newly established research team aims to develop an innovative human organotypic in vitro platform technology for the development and validation of next‑generation intraocular biologics. This initiative builds on Boehringer’s growing focus in eye health, where the company is pursuing innovative approaches to address vision‑threatening diseases and exploring next‑generation biologics to help preserve and improve sight. Retinal conditions are a leading cause of irreversible vision loss globally, with many patients still lacking treatment options.

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 highly enthusiastic research assistant to contribute to the project on development of a novel in vitro human retina model. We are looking for cell biologists and bioengineers who have hands‑on experience in cell culture and organ‑on‑chip models. The ideal candidate holds a BSc and MSc in cell biology, developmental biology, or bioengineering with experience in mammalian cell culture and general molecular biology techniques. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Required Skills

Applicants should have hands‑on experience in mammalian cell culture, preferably with retinal cell models and/or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Experience with microphysiological systems (MPS), organ‑on‑chip platforms, and biomaterials is highly desirable. Candidates should hold a BSc degree, with an MSc degree preferred, or possess equivalent academic or industry laboratory experience. Applicants with expertise in at least two of the technical areas listed below, combined with strong experimental, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, will be considered for further evaluation and interview.

Areas of Expertise

• Molecular and Cellular Biology.
• Microphysiological systems (MPS), organ‑on‑chip platforms, and biomaterials.
• Retinal Biology and Human In Vitro Models.
• Assay Development, Screening, and Platform Engineering.
• Drug Delivery and Pharmacokinetics (excluding formulation development).
• Translational Research and In Vivo Validation.
• Protein Engineering and Biologics Design.

What We Offer

• The position is fully funded by Boehringer Ingelheim.
• The position is offered initially for 2.5 years with the possibility to extend, starting from September 2026. Funding is not dependent on federal or local grants.
• International, diverse, and positive work atmosphere with a flexible working environment.
• NIH-aligned salary with employee benefits plan.
• Access to a vast scientific network.

Application & Contact

At BioMed X we embrace diversity as we consider it the source of innovation. We are committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ideology, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, or disability.

Feel free to reach out to Dr. Deniz Ugurlu-Cimen at [e-mail] for questions.

To read about the team and their project, please visit Team NIB - https://bmedx.com/research-teams/platform-technologies/team-nib/

For more information about BioMed X, please follow: https://bmedx.com/