R&D Advisor in novel antibacterial therapies (f/div/m)

The Incubator for Antibacterial Therapies in Europe (INCATE ) is a European partnership (www.nature.com/articles ) that brings together translational and basic research, industry, experienced entrepreneurs and investors from across Europe to translate and accelerate innovation in the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

As a founding member of INCATE, the Leibniz-HKI invites talented and highly gifted candidates to apply as

R&D Advisor in novel antibacterial therapies (f/div/m)

to join as part of the INCATE team. The position is limited to three years.

INCATE was founded in 2021 by  leading research institutions, including the Swiss research network NCCR-AntiResist , the University of Basel , the German Center for Infection Research , the InfectControl consortium and the Leibniz-HKI , as well as large pharmaceutical companies (Roche, Shionogi, Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, MSD Germany). INCATE aims to encourage researchers and teams to develop their technologies and products to a level that is attractive to investors or collaborations with Pharma and Biotech companies. We do this by providing advice, community and funding. The current focus is on therapies, but diagnostics, digital therapies and other modalities will be supported in the future.

The INCATE team consists of individuals associated with partner research institutions who are inspired to work on the challenge of invigorating the pipeline of antimicrobial therapies. The team takes collective responsibility for organization of tasks and responsibilities under the supervision of the INCATE board.

What you can expect to do

• You will coach and advise founding teams during the INCATE application and incubation process post selection to help them achieve their goals. This includes recommendation on presentations, business and development plans.
• You will analyze strengths and weaknesses of the particular concept, product, or technology and alert teams to foreseeable implementation hurdles. You will make recommendations regarding critical qualification steps, Target Product Profiles etc. and define action items that need to be addressed by the companies in a solution-oriented manner. This includes taking into account competition, IP conflicts, regulatory issues, technical challenges or conceptual constraints.
• You will engage partners from the INCATE network as needed to gain access to specific competencies.

Your profile

• You hold an above-average degree and doctorate with an AMR-relevant and/or biopharmaceutical focus (e.g. in pharmacy, natural products chemistry, medicinal chemistry, medical microbiology, pharmacology, etc.).
• Very good knowledge and experience in the field of drug discovery and development, especially in early preclinical development. This includes understanding of critical parameters of a technology development and link to medical need.
• Start-up experience, a track record in technology transfer and/or in business development are considered as an advantage.
• A high degree of self-organization, goal-oriented communication style, strong initiative, determination and the ability to work in a team are among your strengths.
• Very good written and spoken English as well as experience in international communication are a matter of course for you.
• You have a personal interest in the evaluation of innovative concepts, especially in the field of antimicrobial technologies. In addition, you bring commitment and enthusiasm to contribute to a healthy society.

What we offer

• An innovation-oriented position with excellent future prospects, varied tasks in a dedicated team with a strong "can-do" mentality
• An inspiring environment within the Leibniz-HKI with excellent digital infrastructure and welcoming culture open for change
• A chance to contribute to the vision of INCATE and shape your own work and that of the broader INCATE team
• Remuneration according to the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L) as well as extensive qualification opportunities
• Leibniz-HKI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It aims to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups in case of equal suitability. All qualified persons, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law will receive consideration for employment.

Further information

Dr. Sina Gerbach | +49 3641 532-1335 | [email protected]

Applications

Please submit your complete application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, previous work, letters of recommendation, references) via the Leibniz-HKI application portal by March 31, 2023.

About Leibniz-HKI

The Leibniz-HKI researches the pathobiology of microorganisms and investigates targets that are prerequisites for the development of new natural product-based active substances. It is located in the “Science City” of Jena at the Beutenberg Campus and is part of the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse ”. INCATE Leibniz-HKI recruiting organization for this position as part of the INCATE partnership.

www.leibniz-hki.de