Postdoctoral Researchers (m/f/d) - New Strategies for Female-Controlled Non-Hormonal Contraception

Postdoctoral Researchers (m/f/d) – New Strategies for Female‑Controlled Non‑Hormonal Contraception

The BioMed X Institute in Heidelberg is establishing a fully funded research group focused on New Strategies for Female‑Controlled Non‑Hormonal Contraception . Applications are invited for one group‑leader position and two postdoctoral researcher positions. The call is supported by the Gates Foundation.

If you hold a PhD with an outstanding track record or a strong interest in women’s health, please submit a project proposal together with your curriculum vitae. Successful applicants will join a multidisciplinary team engaged in the development of contraceptive solutions that are safe, effective, reversible, and culturally acceptable, especially in low‑ and middle‑income countries.

Major Objectives

• Identification and/or validation of innovative non‑hormonal mechanisms of action for continuous or on‑demand contraception (systemic or intravaginal).
• Demonstration of contraceptive efficacy in vitro and/or in vivo, with emphasis on safety, tolerability, maintenance of a natural bleeding cycle, and reversibility.

Mechanisms of Interest

• Follicle maturation and ovulation
• Sperm function within the female reproductive tract
• Gamete interaction through fertilization up to implantation
• Effects on the endometrium

Key Considerations

• Safety and tolerability
• Maintenance of natural bleeding cycles
• Efficacy and reversibility of contraceptive effect

Scope Exclusions

• Systemic sex hormones or hormone‑like effects
• Male contraceptive discovery and development
• Post‑implantation mechanisms
• Adjunct molecules for co‑delivery with hormonal regimens
• Barrier methods such as condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps or intrauterine approaches
• Basic reproductive biology without a clear link to non‑hormonal contraceptive discovery
• Permanent contraception

Candidate Profile

Group‑Leader Position

PhD (or equivalent) in women’s health or a related field with a track record of innovative research. Experience ranging from three to six years of postdoctoral research, with a proven ability to lead and manage a research program.

Postdoctoral Positions

Recent PhD (or equivalent) within the last three years, specializing in cutting‑edge technologies relevant to contraceptive discovery. Candidates should demonstrate both technical expertise and creative problem‑solving skills.

What We Offer

• A fully funded research position with an annual budget of $900,000 , covering salary, consumables, services, travel, overhead, and access to core facilities at the University of Heidelberg.
• Initial two‑year term with the possibility of extension up to five years, or transition into a startup company.
• A flexible, international research environment with a collegial and supportive culture.
• Participation in the BioMed X Boot Camp, where you will learn to craft a compelling pitch presentation in five days.
• Flexibility over start dates; successful candidates may begin on June 1, 2026 .

Application & Selection Process

• Submit your application online at .
• Provide a competitive project proposal (3–5 pages) outlining your experimental approach, and a CV that highlights your publications.
• Deadline for applications: December 7, 2025 .
• Selected candidates will be invited to a five‑day innovation boot camp in Heidelberg from February 9 to 13, 2026 .
• During the boot camp, applicants will refine their proposals with mentors and present them in front of a jury on the final day. Successful candidates will receive a position at BioMed X Institute.

About BioMed X

BioMed X is an independent research institute with sites in Heidelberg, Germany; New Haven, Connecticut; Ridgefield, Connecticut; and a global partner network. We operate at the intersection of academia and industry, conducting biomedical research and drug discovery in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, women’s health, cardiometabolic diseases, platform technologies, and artificial intelligence. Our projects are supported by leading pharmaceutical companies and external funders, and run by early‑career scientists recruited from top global institutions. We foster translation of biomedical research through rigorous validation, clear deliverables, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.

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