Group leader in Integrative Structural Biology

The IPBS-Toulouse launches its annual call for the recruitment of a new group leader.

Asa leading research instituteof 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 composedof17 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 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 a talented group leader using/developing integrative structural biology and biophysical approaches to tackle biological questions that are of key interest to 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: The successful candidate will be provided with a starting package including office and lab space for 5-6 people as well as technical staff support, seed funding, and mentoring to obtain a tenured position and installation grants. He/she will benefit from 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.