The IPBS-Toulouse recruits a Group leader in Infection Biology

As a leading research institute of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and of the University of Toulouse, the Institute of Pharmacology and Structural Biology (IPBS) conducts state-of-the-art research in cancer biology, immunology, microbiology, structural biology and biophysics. It is a world leader in the discovery, characterization, validation and exploitation of novel pathways and pharmacological targets in the fields of cancer, infection, and inflammation by combining molecular and cellular biology approaches and in vivo experiments. Founded in 1996, the IPBS is currently composed of 17 internationally recognized research groups, bringing together more than 250 scientists and supporting staff, including national and international postdoctoral fellows and PhD students. The IPBS offers an outstanding scientific and stimulating research environment and benefits from several on-site state-of-the-art core facilities including proteomics and structural mass spectrometry, macromolecular crystallography, liquid- and solid-state NMR, biophysical characterization of proteins and complexes, virtual screening, single particle tracking and tethered particle motion analysis, whole body, tissue and cellular imaging, flow cytometry and cell sorting in standard or BSL3 laboratories and animal facilities. Complementary technologies, including cryoEM, electron microscopy, high-end sequencing technologies, are available in nearby institutes and facilities. The IPBS is located on the main campus of the Toulouse III University, offering multidisciplinary education in the fields of Science, Health, Engineering and Technology, and is developing one of the most important scientific research clusters in France.

 

To further enhance its vibrant, collaborative, and pioneering research environment, the IPBS is seeking an outstanding group leader in infection biology. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in the cell biology of bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial immunity. The successful candidate will focus on elucidating the mechanisms of pathogen virulence, exploring host-pathogen interactions, and advancing our understanding of immunity against infectious agents. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge research program in a world-class institute, fostering innovation and collaboration within a dynamic scientific community dedicated to making impactful discoveries in infection biology.

Outstanding early-career candidates are expected to develop competitive, independent research and meet the required criteria for successful applications to national and international funding, including ATIP-Avenir (https://insb.cnrs.fr/fr/atip-avenir), FRM, ANR “Jeunes chercheurs – Jeunes chercheuses”, ERC-StG or CoG, or equivalent start-up grants, as well as to secure a tenured position at CNRS. The IPBS is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity.

Starting package: Successful candidates will be provided with a starting package that includes office and lab space for 5-6 people, staff support, seed funding, mentoring to obtain a tenured position at CNRS, and free access to on-site technological facilities (imaging, proteomics, structural biology, high throughput screening and animal facilities).

Applications (in English) should be submitted as a single file named LASTNAME_IPBS2024.pdf to recruit@ipbs.fr by December 10, 2024. The file should include: (i) a cover letter, (ii) a CV with a complete list of publications, (iii) two reference letters, (iv) a summary of past achievements (2 pages), and (v) a future research project (3 pages).

Tentative calendar
Application deadline: December 10 2024
December/January: Preselection of candidates Mid-February 2025: Interview of preselected candidates by the international selection committee and outcome of the selection process From March 2025: Application for grants and tenured position.

Toulouse and the Occitanie Region, a thriving environment for scientists. Situated between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and close to the Pyrenees Mountains, Toulouse has long been a major crossroads in Europe. Attracting 15,000 newcomers every year, the city boasts a particularly rich vibrant cultural and artistic heritage. As the capital of the Occitanie Region, the leading French region for research and innovation—with over 15,000 academic researchers and 7,500 PhD students, and R&D investment representing 3.5 % of its GDP in 2022—Toulouse is internationally renowned for its cutting-edge aerospace, agronomic, biology-health, and economic research centres. Over 110,000 students, pursue their studies in this dynamic student city, which proudly carries “Bienvenue en France” label.

The IPBS-Toulouse recruits a Group leader in Infection Biology