Group Leader - Neural Circuit Regulation of Immune Function

The BioMed X Institute in New Haven, Connecticut, USA is establishing a new Build-to-Solve research group , fully funded by industry partner for 3-5 years, with a total budget of $4.7M - $7.9M (including indirect).

The goal of the research is to apply original and creative approaches to uncover neural circuits that regulate immune function and discover novel, actionable molecular targets to develop new treatments for patients living with autoimmune diseases. 

The group will be embedded in the vibrant Yale University and local innovation ecosystem, mentored by academic and industry experts , and interact frequently with the Biogen team in Cambridge MA. 

Additional benefits are described below. 

If you hold a PhD or master's degree with an outstanding track record and original ideas of how this challenge may be addressed, we invite you to apply with a project proposal for a position in our new research group (1 group leader, 2 postdoctoral researchers, 2 research assistants).

Call Details

Bidirectional communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system critically shapes autoimmune and inflammatory disease trajectories. While recent studies have identified neural circuits, neurotransmitters, and glial pathways influencing immune function, mechanistic dissection remains constrained by fragmented models and low-throughput readouts. Existing approaches rarely allow systematic, causal perturbation of defined CNS pathways with quantitative immune readouts, limiting target discovery and translational relevance.

Our goal is to uncover neural circuits that modulate immune system function and discover novel, actionable molecular targets to benefit patients living with autoimmune diseases.

The primary objective of this project is to establish  scalable, perturbation-driven platforms that enable controlled perturbation of CNS pathways with simultaneous, quantitative immune readouts. A particular focus is encouraged on  brainstem-mediated neuroimmune regulation , particularly circuits involving the  Nucleus Tractus Solitarius (NTS)as a central integrator of peripheral signals and autonomic outputs. Targeting such  defined nodes may enable precise and physiologically relevant immune modulation .

Proposals should integrate neurobiology, immunology, and advanced experimental technologies to uncover actionable modulators of the CNS-immune axis, with strong emphasis on  causal biology and translational impact . In addition, proposals should incorporate an  in-silico modeling component that integrates data across  in-vitro ,  ex-vivo , and  in-vivo perturbation experiments to:

• Identify emergent pathways and regulatory networks
• Prioritize targets for validation
• Enable predictive modeling of neuroimmune interactions
• Accelerate decision-making and scalability

To maximize impact, proposals are encouraged to anchor their approach to  autoimmune disease indications with high unmet patient need , with a clear therapeutic hypothesis, differentiation from existing therapeutic strategies, and a path to translation.

Research proposals should focus on the following key deliverables:

• Development of a scalable in vitro or ex vivo platform enabling targeted CNS pathway perturbation (including defined circuits such as  NTS-related pathways ) with multiplexed immune readouts.
• Integration of  in-silico modeling frameworks that combine multi-modal experimental data to identify and prioritize key neuroimmune targets and pathways.
• Identification and mechanistic validation of novel neural or glial modulators influencing immune activation, tolerance, and/or autoimmunity.
• Demonstration of platform utility for systematic screening of genetic, molecular, and/or biologic modulators of the CNS–immune axis.
• Establishment of a translational link to a high-impact autoimmune disease indication , including rationale for clinical relevance and potential development path.

Original ideas reaching far  beyond the current state-of-the-art are particularly encouraged, especially those enabling  first-in-class target discovery. Purely descriptive studies or approaches lacking a perturbation-driven, scalable platform will not be prioritized.

Please note that generic project proposals which were generated by large language models such as ChatGPT will not be considered.

Group leader positions are intended to suit candidates with a PhD (or equivalent) in  neuroscience, immunology or in a related area who would like to develop themselves towards a leadership career path either in academia or industry and have typically between three and six years of relevant postdoctoral research experience.

Candidates for postdoctoral positions are expected to have completed a PhD (or equivalent) within the last three years and a certain degree of specialization in one or more relevant cutting-edge technologies.

What we offer

• A position in a fully funded research group with an annual budget of 1.58 million USD . The funding package covers salaries, materials, services, travel, overhead, as well as access to the core facilities on the campus of  Yale University .
• A project term of 3-5 years .
• An exciting research opportunity in a multidisciplinary and international research community with a collegial and flexible working environment.
• Continuous coaching by key opinion leaders from top academic institutions and experienced researchers from the pharma industry.
• Participation in the BioMed X boot camp: Here you will learn how to build a compelling pitch presentation in only 5 days.

There is flexibility over starting dates, but successful applicants are welcome to take up post in  New Haven starting  January 1, 2027 .

Application & Selection Process

• Please apply online at  .
• As part of the online application procedure, you will be asked to submit a  competitive project proposal that gives us an idea of your scientific expertise and creative potential (3-5 pages describing your unique experimental approach) and your  curriculum vitae , including your  publication record .
• Deadline for applications:  August 16, 2026 .
• After a first selection round, candidates will be invited to a five-day  innovation boot camp in New Haven from October 19 to 23, 2026 . With guidance from experienced mentors, candidates will jointly work on their project proposals and present them in front of a distinguished jury on the final day. Successful candidates will be offered a position at the BioMed X Institute in  New Haven .

About BioMed X

BioMed X is a Build-to-Solve innovation engine for pharma, patient-focused foundations, and investors. 

Together with our partners, we identify the biggest R&D pipeline gaps, we crowdsource the world’s brightest scientific talents, and we co-create original solutions at our innovation labs worldwide that benefit patients. 

With our global network of research institutes at top universities and incubators, we bridge the gap between academia and industry. 

We are pioneers in applying the principles of design thinking and crowdsourcing to drug discovery and development. 

In our stimulating ecosystem, early-career researchers grow into future scientific leaders. They perform exploratory research in a richly funded and strongly supported setting, where they can focus on the science to deliver industry-grade results, and pave the way to next-generation therapies. 

At BioMed X, we value curiosity, diversity, and purpose. Our goal is to serve as a vital catalyst for innovation for the benefit of all patients. 

Company

BioMed X is a Build-to-Solve innovation engine for pharma, patient-focused foundations, and investors. 

Together with our partners, we identify the biggest R&D pipeline gaps, we crowdsource the world’s brightest scientific talents, and we co-create original solutions at our innovation labs worldwide that benefit patients. 

With our global network of research institutes at top universities and incubators, we bridge the gap between academia and industry. 

We are pioneers in applying the principles of design thinking and crowdsourcing to drug discovery and development. 

In our stimulating ecosystem, early-career researchers grow into future scientific leaders. They perform exploratory research in a richly funded and strongly supported setting, where they can focus on the science to deliver industry-grade results, and pave the way to next-generation therapies. 

At BioMed X, we value curiosity, diversity, and purpose. Our goal is to serve as a vital catalyst for innovation for the benefit of all patients. 

Company info

Website

Telephone

View phone number on nature.com

Location

BioMed X Germany GmbH
Im Neuenheimer Feld 515
Heidelberg
Baden-Wuerttemberg
69120
DE