PostDoc grant: Decode obesity drivers in dogs and cats

Would you like your PostDoc project funded while conducting your studies at a leading pharmaceutical company and benefiting from a fully resourced research environment? Through the opn2TALENTS PostDoc grant program on opnMe, Boehringer Ingelheim’s open science portal, we invite high-caliber scientists to propose innovative approaches to a defined research question in cross-species obesity biology.

For this PostDoc position within Boehringer Ingelheim’s Animal Health NID team at the Discovery Research site in Biberach/Riss, Germany, we invite you to submit a 4–5-page scientific proposal using our submission template and addressing the following question:

How would you propose to identify conserved obesity-driving molecular drivers across dogs and cats while leveraging species-specific mechanisms for target and biomarker discoveries?

We are inviting proposals for a well-structured project that can be completed within a three-year timeframe. The project should use cross-species systems biology and integrative molecular, functional, and multi-omics approaches to distinguish conserved obesity drivers from species-specific modifiers across dogs and cats. Proposals should consider relevant metabolic tissues and organ systems—including adipose tissue, liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, and immune compartments—and explain how the findings could support robust target and biomarker discovery in Animal Health, with translational relevance to Human Pharma.

Eligibility requirements:

• PhD or equivalent degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, systems biology, molecular biology, veterinary medicine, life sciences, or a related field.
• Strong expertise in systems biology, multi-omics data integration, or computational analysis of complex biological datasets.
• Knowledge of obesity, metabolic disease biology, endocrinology, or related research areas. Experience with one or more relevant approaches, such as transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell analysis, network biology, comparative genomics, biomarker discovery, or functional validation.
• Proficiency in scientific programming and quantitative data analysis. Ability to formulate testable hypotheses and develop a realistic, innovative research plan suitable for completion within three years.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently, proactively, and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• A track record of independent research, demonstrated through publications, presentations, or patents.
• Very good oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in cross-functional and international teams. Fluency in English is mandatory; German language skills are an advantage.

How to apply

Please upload your research proposal using the submission template, together with your CV, publication list, and letters of recommendation, on opnMe by October 21, 2026, 11:59 pm PST. Apply via: https://www.opnme.com/opn2talents/ah-02-cross-species-obesity?cid=af:nat-careers:o2tAH2:extredirect:joblist

Rewards and Benefits

• As the selected applicant, you will have the opportunity to pursue your submitted research project as a fully resourced PostDoc under expert mentorship within Boehringer Ingelheim’s Animal Health Non-Infectious Diseases team in Biberach/Riss, Germany.
• Obtain a PostDoc position for up to three years, with salary, expenses, and additional company benefits included.
• Work in a state-of-the-art research environment with access to relevant data, technologies, scientific infrastructure, and internal expertise.
• Collaborate in a cross-functional, international setting that connects Animal Health research with Human Pharma expertise on a shared biological challenge.
• Benefit from expert mentoring, training opportunities, participation in international conferences, and the possibility to publish results in high-ranking scientific journals.
• Join Boehringer Ingelheim’s vibrant PostDoc community, with broad opportunities for scientific exchange and professional development.

Working at Boehringer Ingelheim

Our purpose is to transform lives for generation. 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 invited for only one day during this time frame.

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 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”.