PostDoc grant: Poxvirus-based cancer vaccines

Would you like your PostDoc project funded, conducting your studies at a leading pharmaceutical company, benefiting from a fully resourced and well-funded research environment? With our opn2TALENTS PostDoc grant program on opnMe, the open science portal of Boehringer Ingelheim, we are providing a unique opportunity for high-caliber talent to pitch their scientific ideas and approaches for a well-defined research question.

For this PostDoc position at the DNA virus team of Boehringer Ingelheim’s ViraTherapeutics, we invite you to share a 4–5-page scientific proposal using our submission template by addressing the following question:  

How would you propose to understand the mode of action of parapoxvirus-based cancer vaccines, with a focus on the viral-related factors, to identify and validate strategies to improve the therapeutic efficacy of this novel vaccine platform?

We invite scientists to submit novel research proposals that will seek to optimize our parapoxvirus-based vaccine platform. More specifically, we want to better understand its mode of action and factors governing the induction of an anti-tumor immune response. Examples are tissue and cellular tropism and kinetics of viral replication and how these impact the location, expression levels, and presentation of the vaccine cassettes, with the ultimate aim of further developing the platform and improving its therapeutic efficacy. 

Eligibility requirements:

• PhD with a strong background in Poxvirus virology
• Hands-on experience with in vivo models, as well as in the field of cancer immunology is a plus.
• Displayed examples of creativity that led to out-of-the-box scientific ideas and results.
• Track record of independent research as exemplified through publications or patents.
• Very good oral communication and presentation skills as well as the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams in a matrix environment.
• Fluent language skills in English are mandatory, German language skills are a plus.

How to apply

Please upload your research proposal using our submission template, complemented with your CV, publication list, and letters of recommendation on opnMe through March 5, 2025.

Rewards and Benefits

• As a winner of this call, you will have the unique opportunity to pursue your own submitted research project as a fully resourced PostDoc project in the DNA Virus team at ViraTherapeutics, a subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim, in Innsbruck, Austria.
• Obtain a position for 3 years with ViraTherapeutics within a cross-functional, international team of world-class scientists working on virus-based cancer therapies.
• Gain access to a fully equipped laboratory in a state-of-the-art research facility including access to all relevant tools and technologies. You will join the exciting environment of a biotech start-up while benefiting from belonging to a well-established pharmaceutical company, with manifold opportunities for scientific, cross-functional exchanges for your personal development.
• Benefit from mentoring through our internal experts, have the chance to attend international conferences, and to publish your results in high-ranking journals.

Working at Boehringer Ingelheim

• Our purpose is to transform lives for generations. Therefore, we developed three key principles for our PostDoc program which are determining our plans and actions: Drive cutting-edge science, new concepts and technologies; enrich Boehringer Ingelheim’s innovation ecosystem with highly motivated, young fellows, who will help to build on science to develop new medicines; and train the next generation of leading scientists.
• Our campus community culture is great for sharing ideas and makes it easy to access technologies, meet experts, and approach leaders of all levels. There’s a great spirit of freedom, fluidity, and fierce collaboration.
• Interactions are sound and informal. It’s not particularly hierarchical, more team-based with a start-up attitude. We are always keen to help and speak up, open to positive change and new ideas that support our mission to improve lives.
• Our Speak-Up policy is an important part of our Code of Conduct. Only in this way we can continuously develop and improve as a company.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is an integral part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s identity; a key element of our culture and contributes to our ‘Sustainable Development – For Generations’.
• Our core values of empathy, respect, passion, and trust nurture a diverse, collaborative, open and inclusive environment which is key to innovation, value creation and sustainable growth. With the inclusion of various experiences, backgrounds, and characteristics, Boehringer Ingelheim creates an openness to different approaches, solutions, and perspectives, all contributing to create “Value through Innovation”.