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 today composed of 17 internationally recognized research groups, bringing together more than 230 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 cutting-edge core facilities including proteomics and structural mass spectrometry, macromolecular crystallography, liquid- and solid-state NMR, biophysical characterization of proteins and complexes (e.g. SEC-MALLS, DLS, nanoDSF, ITC, mass photometry, MST), 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 state of the art structural and conventional (cryo-)electron microscopy approaches, high-end sequencing technologies are available in nearby institutes and facilities. The IPBS is located on the main campus of the Université Toulouse III, offering multidisciplinary education in the fields of Science, Health, Engineering and Technology, and developing one of the most important scientific research clusters in France.
In order to reinforce its inspiring, collaborative and cutting-edge environment, the IPBS is seeking to recruit a talented group leader using/developing integrative structural biology and biophysical approaches to tackle biological questions that are of key interest for the institute, with priority on:
Microbiology and drug discovery
Structure-function relationship of proteins involved in bacterial virulence and drug resistance. Phenotypic, virtual and biophysical screening of chemical and fragment libraries. Structural and functional characterization of drug-target interactions.
Inflammation and Infection biology
Role of the microenvironment in inflammatory and infectious diseases; impact on treatment. Development, differentiation and migration of immune cells. Antimicrobial immunity and host-pathogen interactions.
Cancer microenvironment and biology
Implication and targeting of stromal components, matrices, metabolism and immune cells in tumor progression, including immuno-therapy. DNA repair and damage response (DDR); DDR-targeted drug discovery; tumor resistance or vulnerabilities to clastogenic agents or DDR modulation.
Outstanding candidates at early-career stage, are expected to develop competitive, independent research and meet the required criteria for successful application to national and international funding, including ATIP-Avenir, FRM, ANR program, ERC-StG or CoG, or equivalent installation grant, and to a tenured position at CNRS. Senior researchers holding a CNRS or University position are also welcome to apply. The IPBS upholds a commitment to affirmative action and equal opportunity.
Starting package
Successful candidates will be provided with a starting package including office and lab space for 5-6 people as well as staff support, seed funding, mentoring to obtain a tenured position at CNRS and installation grants. They will benefit from the free access to on-site technological facilities (imaging, proteomics, structural biology, high throughput screening and animal facilities) and a collaborative and multinational scientific environment, in an ambiance fostering equality, diversity and inclusivity
Applications (in English) should be sent before May 14, 2024 as a single file named LASTNAME_IPBS2024.pdf to recruit@ipbs.fr and should include (i) a cover letter, (ii) a CV with complete list of publications, (iii) 2-3 reference letters (iv) a summary of past achievements (2 pages) and (v) future research project (3 pages).
Tentative calendar Mid-June: Preselection of candidates Early-July: Interview of preselected candidates by the international selection committee Mid-July: Outcome of the selection process From September: Application for grants and tenured position
Situated between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, in the heart of Southern France and close to the Pyrenees mountain range, Toulouse has long been a major crossroads in Europe. Attracting 15.000 newcomers every year, Toulouse, the capital of the Occitanie region, which has been fast growing both demographically and economically, boasts a particularly rich vibrant cultural and artistic heritage. Within the leading French region for research and innovation – with around 15.000 academic researchers and 7.500 PhD students – R&D represents 3.5 % of its GDP (2022) – Toulouse has an international reputation for its cutting-edge aerospace, agronomic, biology-health and economic research centres. Over 110,000 students, among whom 11,000 come from all over the world, pursue their studies in Toulouse, one of the most dynamic student cities with the label “Bienvenue en France”.