Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is a major contributor to frailty, reduced mobility, and diminished quality of life in aging populations. Beyond age-related decline, sarcopenia frequently co-occurs with chronic conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and liver disorders, exacerbating its clinical impact. While muscle-intrinsic mechanisms have been extensively studied, emerging evidence highlights the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) as a critical and early site of dysfunction in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia.
Despite its importance, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying NMJ degeneration in aging and disease-associated sarcopenia remain poorly understood. A deeper understanding of NMJ biology could unlock novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving neuromuscular integrity and function.
For this PostDoc grant, we invite you to submit your research plan that focuses on elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration in primary and/or secondary sarcopenia using suitable in vitro / ex vivo model systems. A successful research proposal to our question will focus on these topics:
- Advance the understanding of NMJ biology in the context of primary (age-related) and secondary (disease-associated like CKD, liver disease etc.) sarcopenia.
- Elucidate molecular and cellular mechanisms contributing to NMJ degeneration and remodeling during sarcopenia progression.
- Identify potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers for early intervention and monitoring of NMJ integrity.
With your solution, you will impact an indication with high unmet medical need and lack of suitable treatment strategies. You will be able to benefit from the ecosystem of a large pharmaceutical player while contributing to sarcopenia research by targeting NMJ dysfunction, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Apply now to join the sarcopenia group of Boehringer Ingelheim in Biberach as part of the prestigious PostDoc grant program opn2TALENTS.
Potential solutions may include the use, development and validation of in vitro / ex vivo neuromuscular junction (NMJ) models (human and murine) to support mechanistic studies in the sarcopenia research area. This could involve, but is not limited to the following approaches:
- Establishment of human and murine 2D and 3D models
- Mimicking aging using pharmacological, genetic or other approaches
- Exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration using mechanical stress, reporter assays/optogenetic, patch-clamp and calcium imaging, live cell imaging etc.
Any project based on in silico models.
Any project based on in vivo models.
Any project that addresses the role of the neuromuscular junction dysfunction in the context of autoimmune disorders, toxic and drug-induced disorders, or any other genetic disorders.
As a winner of this call, you will have the unique opportunity to pursue your own submitted research project as a fully resourced two-years PostDoc (with the option for a one-year extension), in the Obesity and Sarcopenia team at Boehringer Ingelheim at our Discovery Research site in Biberach/Riss, Germany. As part of an international team of world-class scientists working on cardio-renal-metabolic diseases you will learn the processes and challenges of drug discovery in the pharmaceutical industry from the inside.
At Boehringer Ingelheim, you will have access to a fully equipped laboratory within a state-of-the-art research facility, including cutting-edge tools such as Mantarray®. You will benefit from mentorship by our internal experts, opportunities to attend international conferences, and the chance to publish your findings in high-ranking journals. As part of the vibrant PostDoc community in Biberach, you will enjoy numerous opportunities for scientific and cross-functional exchanges to foster your personal and professional development. Additionally, you will gain firsthand experience in the drug discovery process, including its challenges, through specialized training and mentoring programs.
In addition, you can benefit from the rich packages for employee benefit. Our most important asset in achieving our global vision is our people. We prioritize the growth of our people through mentoring, coaching, skill-building, leadership development, and academic support. Our infrastructure promotes wellness with sports groups, health counseling, onsite medical services, and regular check-ups. Achieve work-life balance with flexible work hours, remote working, childcare support, counseling, and convenient amenities. We ensure financial health with employer loans, private insurances, access to discounts, and a company pension scheme. You can also benefit from our excellent healthy on-site catering and the opportunity for take-away meals. We offer relocation support and interim accommodation to make joining us easy.
Your proposal outlining your own research plan should contain a clear description of the planned activities to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration in primary and secondary sarcopenia using in vitro and ex vivo suitable model systems.
Additional requirements:
- PhD with strong background in molecular and cell biology, medicine and pharmacology or related field.
- Hands-on in vitro and ex vivo experience in the field of muscle biology.
- Strong understanding of neuro muscular junctions and the pathways that drive the pathophysiology of sarcopenia.
- Displayed examples of creativity that led to out-of-the-box scientific ideas and results.
- Track record of independent research as exemplified through publications or patents.
- Ability to drive projects in a matrix environment.
- Very good oral communication and presentation skills as well as the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams in a matrix environment.
- Fluent language skills in English are mandatory, German language skills is a plus.
Please use our PostDoc grant application template to provide a 4–5-page non-confidential proposal (available for download here). Please complement with your CV, publication list, and recommendation letters.
If confidential data exists that would strengthen the proposal, please indicate that information is available to share under a Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA). If we find the non-confidential concept proposal sufficiently interesting, we will execute a CDA for confidential discussions.
All incoming applications accompanied by a research plan will be evaluated by a scientific jury, and, upon selection, you as the winner will have the opportunity to pursue your research project as defined by yourself as part of your PostDoc studies at Boehringer Ingelheim. An attractive package including salary, expenses, and additional company benefits will apply.
We can only accept research proposals if they arrive by the submission deadline on January 22, 2026, 11.59 pm PST.
