7 September 2026
We are offering an exceptional PostDoc grant to identify conserved molecular drivers of obesity across dogs and cats while leveraging species-specific differences to optimize target and biomarker discovery. This unique opportunity gives highly talented scientists the chance to pursue their own postdoctoral research proposal within Boehringer Ingelheim's Animal Health Non-Infectious Diseases team in Biberach/Riss, Germany.
Excess body weight has become an increasingly common health concern in companion animals, affecting millions of dogs and cats worldwide. Although obesity is prevalent in both species, important differences in their metabolic adaptations and disease trajectories provide a unique opportunity to uncover both shared and species-specific drivers of metabolic dysfunction. Despite advances in obesity research, the extent to which obesity-driving regulatory networks are conserved across canine and feline species remains poorly understood. By integrating molecular, functional, and systems-level insights from relevant metabolic tissues, researchers can distinguish conserved disease drivers from species-specific modifiers and identify robust therapeutic targets and biomarkers. To join Boehringer Ingelheim and contribute to this research, we invite scientists to answer 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?
Should your submission become accepted, you will conduct your proposed project as part of a cross-functional, international team working on non-infectious diseases in companion animals and closely integrated with Human Pharma research teams. As obesity represents a shared biological challenge across Animal Health and Human Pharma, this project offers a unique opportunity to generate translational insights across both fields. You will have access to a state-of-the-art research environment, cutting-edge technologies, expert mentoring, international conferences, training opportunities, and the possibility to publish your results in high-ranking journals.
Please submit your complete application package, including your project plan, CV, publication list, and letters of recommendation to become eligible for this call. All applications that arrive through October 21, 2026, 11:59 pm PST will be reviewed by our scientific expert team.
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About our opn2TALENTS program:
Would you like to advance your research career as a PostDoc at one of the leading pharmaceutical companies? Our opn2TALENTS program gives outstanding scientists the opportunity to pitch their ideas in response to a defined scientific question and, if selected, execute their proposed postdoctoral research at Boehringer Ingelheim. The position initially covers 24 months, with the option to extend it by another 12 months.
About opnMe:
opnMe.com, the open innovation portal of Boehringer Ingelheim, fosters science and collaboration in areas of high unmet medical need. Through programs such as opn2TALENTS, opn2EXPERTS, techMATCH, and Molecules to Order, opnMe connects external scientific expertise and ideas with Boehringer Ingelheim research to help advance drug discovery and innovation.