Prolonged Retention of Oral Peptide Formulations in the Gut

What we are looking for

The BioMed X Institute in Heidelberg is establishing a new, fully funded research group in the following field:

Prolonged Retention of Oral Peptide Formulations in the Gut

If you hold a PhD or master’s degree with an outstanding track record or strong interest in the fields of drug delivery science, pharmaceutical technology, or gastrointestinal physiology, we invite you to apply with a project proposal for a position in our new research group (1 group leader, 2 postdoctoral researchers, 2 research assistants).

Each BioMed X project team is sponsored by an industry partner. The sponsor of this call for application is Novo Nordisk.

Despite significant advancements in biomedical research, oral delivery of therapeutic peptides remains challenging due to poor permeability and rapid transit through the gastrointestinal tract. Traditional oral formulations often fail to maintain sufficient contact time at the target absorption site, limiting the efficiency of permeation enhancers locally and ultimately restricting therapeutic efficacy.

There is an urgent need for novel oral formulation technologies that ensure prolonged retention of the dosage form within the lower small intestine with continuous release and effective absorption of therapeutic peptides, facilitating enhanced bioavailability and patient compliance. Addressing this need involves designing delivery systems that maintain gastrointestinal safety and compatibility, without interfering with motility or causing obstruction. We invite researchers from academic institutions worldwide to propose groundbreaking research projects aimed at developing innovative oral formulation technologies capable of localized retention of tablets or capsules in the lower small intestine for a duration of 20 to 30 minutes. Proposals should demonstrate how these technologies will significantly enhance peptide absorption via passive diffusion without adversely affecting intestinal motility or mucosal health.

Research proposals should specifically target the following key objectives:

• Development of novel oral formulations demonstrating prolonged retention times in a smart ex-vivo model of the small intestine.
• Organotypic in vitro validation of enhanced peptide absorption facilitated by absorption enhancers such as sodium caprate, sodium caprylates (e.g., SNAC), chitosan, or bile acids within the retention period.
• Comprehensive validation in suitable animal models confirming retention efficacy, enhanced absorption, as well as absence of mucosal irritation or motility impairment.

Proposals showcasing highly original approaches that significantly advance current oral peptide delivery methods are particularly encouraged. However, proposals involving active pharmaceutical ingredients for altering gastrointestinal motility are out of scope.

Group leader positions are intended to suit candidates with a PhD (or equivalent) in Biological Sciences, Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or in a related area who would like to develop themselves towards a leadership career path either in academia or industry and have typically between three and five years of relevant postdoctoral research experience.

Candidates for postdoctoral positions are expected to have completed a PhD or equivalent within the last three years and a certain degree of specialization in one or more relevant cutting-edge technologies.

What we offer

• A position in a fully funded research group with an annual budget of 1,040,000 EUR. The funding package covers salaries, consumables, services, travel costs, overhead, as well as access to the core facilities on the campus of the University of Heidelberg.
• An initial term of three years, with the possibility of prolongation up to a total of five years.
• An exciting research opportunity in a multidisciplinary and international research institution with a collegial and flexible working environment.
• Participation in the BioMed X Boot Camp where you learn how to build a compelling pitch presentation in only 5 days.

There is flexibility over starting dates, but successful applicants are welcome to take up post starting March 1, 2026.

Application & Selection Process

• Please apply online at https://career.bio.mx/registration/2025-BMX-C02
• As part of the online application process, you will be asked to submit: (i) A competitive project proposal that gives us an idea of your scientific expertise and creative potential (3-5 pages describing your unique experimental approach); (ii) Your curriculum vitae including your publication record.
• Deadline for applications: October 12, 2025
• After a first selection round, candidates will be invited to a five-day innovation boot camp in Heidelberg from December 8 to 12, 2025. With guidance of experienced mentors, candidates will jointly work on their project proposals and present them in front of a jury on the final day. Successful candidates will be offered a position at the BioMed X Institute in Heidelberg.

Want to learn more?

Join our Webinar Info Session in the upcoming weeks. More information after the registration.

About BioMed X

BioMed X is an independent research institute with sites in Heidelberg, Germany, New Haven, Connecticut, XSeed Labs in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and a worldwide network of partner locations. We operate at the interface between academia and industry, performing biomedical research and drug discovery & development in the fields of oncology, immunology, neuroscience, platform technologies, and artificial intelligence.

All our research projects are supported by leading pharmaceutical companies and conducted by early-career scientists recruited from the best schools around the world. The combination of global crowdsourcing with local incubation of the best research talents and ideas allows us to solve the biggest challenges in biomedical research.

We stand for free, creative, and curiosity-driven research combined with a solid validation of results, timelines, and deliverables. We serve a large purpose in advancing translational biomedicine by leveraging synergies and fostering cross-pollination across disciplines.