Co-Director, Institute of Human Biology

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The Position

A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Roche.

The Institute of Human Biology (IHB) is a leading academic institute embedded within an industry environment, dedicated to advancing human model systems, including organoids, and related technologies to accelerate drug discovery and development. Our mission is to make cutting-edge scientific discoveries that can be transformed into impactful solutions for the benefit of patients. To achieve this mission, IHB takes a collaborative approach and brings together under one roof multidisciplinary and innovative experts across basic biology, (bio)engineering, data science and computation, and translational application. By fostering collaborations between academia, industry, and external partners, we aim to create a unique ecosystem where academic excellence meets real-world impact.

We are seeking to fill two positions, one for a Co-Director of Exploratory Biology and one for a Co-Director of Computational Biology.

As a Co-Director at IHB, you will have the outstanding opportunity to establish your own world-class independent research program while playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our institute. As a Principal Investigator, you will be a key member of our leadership team, influencing the strategic direction of IHB and spearheading high-impact research initiatives that push boundaries and drive innovation. The position comes with substantial core funding (up to 12 FTE) from the Institute, ensuring you will have the necessary resources to build your own internationally competitive and impactful research group. You will collaborate with academic and industry leaders to forge meaningful partnerships that enhance our mission and expand the reach of our work. We are looking for a dynamic leader who has a proven track record of pioneering academic research and ideally has experience in translating academic science into industrial applications. Your ability to inspire and mobilize multidisciplinary teams will be essential as you work to create impact in a leading institute that bridges the gap between academia and industry.

The Opportunity

• Independent Research Program: Establish your own lab and research program in the fields of human biology and human model systems with an internationally competitive funding package and access to an extensive network of experts and ground breaking technology platforms.

• Pioneering Science with Impact: Through your own research lab, you will develop a distinctive research program and produce groundbreaking, world-leading science and work. You generate high impact and translational work that is pushing the boundaries of HMS and brings value to the institute and our key partners and collaborators.

• Strategic Leadership: As part of our Leadership Team you will deploy and implement the institute's strategic vision, aligning academic research with industry priorities and societal needs.

• Research/ Scientific Leadership/ Chairing: As Scientific Co-Director and Head of an IHB Core (Exploratory Biology or Computational Biology), you oversee and guide multiple research groups’ research programs across multiple sub-disciplines, ensuring alignment with the institute’s mission and long-term goals. Foster innovation, scientific excellence, and collaboration across teams.

• Partnership Development: Cultivate and expand relationships with pRED and other Roche partners and key academic collaborators. Lead initiatives to establish collaborative partnerships, joint ventures, and research consortia that improve the institute’s impact.

• Talent Development: Mentor and develop a diverse group of researchers, scientists, and faculty members. Build opportunities for professional growth and ensure the institute attracts and retains top talent.

• Representation, Advocacy, and Commercialization: Serve as a key spokesperson for the institute, representing its mission, values, and research outcomes at conferences, symposia, and industry events. Advocate for funding and policy support from governmental and private entities. Collaborate with partners within Roche to translate research discoveries into commercially viable solutions. Lead initiatives focused on technology transfer, intellectual property management, and commercialization of innovations.

Who you are

• Ph.D. in life sciences, biotechnology, engineering, data science, or a related field, with 10+ years of leadership experience in academia, industry, or research institutions.

• Proven track record of high-impact research leadership, demonstrated through excellent communication skills, publications, patents, and successful industry collaborations.

• Expertise in managing interdisciplinary teams and fostering collaborations across academia, industry, and research sectors.

• Strong grant writing skills with a history of securing external funding and successfully managing large-scale projects and budgets.

• Proven institutional impact on research, education, and innovation, alongside experience in technology transfer and innovation management.

What we offer

An outstanding leadership opportunity at the forefront of academic and industrial research. Shape and influence a world-class research agenda with profound impact on both science and society. Unparalleled access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, all within a collaborative and innovative environment. A competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that promotes professional growth and development.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a cover letter, detailed CV, and a research statement comprising a 2-page summary of your previous research and a 3-page overview of your research vision.

The application deadline is February 16, 2025, CET, or until the positions are filled.

IHB Fast Facts

IHB website: https://institutehumanbiology.com
IHB Director: Hans Clevers
Co-Directors: Marianne Manchester, Matthias Lutolf, Daniele Soroldoni
Planned Size: 250 researchers
We offer free access to cutting-edge technologies and core facilities.
PhD program: Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich via the Next Generation Bioengineers Programm e

Basel Hub and the Swiss Landscape

Basel is an international hub for research and innovation. The University of Basel, Department of Biosystems Sciences and Engineering of the ETH Zürich, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University Hospital Basel, and Institute of Human Biology, nurture training environments for basic science learning and exploration. Together with headquarters and research innovation centers for world-leading pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology startups, the city is a melting pot of research development and commercialization. IHB has also established close links with outstanding Swiss academic entities.

Who we are

At Roche, more than 100,000 people across 100 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we’ve become one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity.

Basel is the headquarters of the Roche Group and one of its most important centres of pharmaceutical research. Over 10,700 employees from over 100 countries come together at our Basel/Kaiseraugst site, which is one of Roche`s largest sites. Read more .

Besides extensive development and training opportunities, we offer flexible working options, 18 weeks of maternity leave and 10 weeks of gender independent partnership leave. Our employees also benefit from multiple services on site such as child-care facilities, medical services, restaurants and cafeterias, as well as various employee events.

We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, and strive to identify and create opportunities that enable all people to bring their unique selves to Roche.