Call for Applications: Group Leader Scientist Position on Myopia Research

Institutional context

The Institut de la Vision

The Institut de la Vision is an internationally recognized research center in neurosciences, vision and ophthalmology with 18 teams involved in interdisciplinary basic and translational research. This translational research is highly supported by the Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire FOReSIGHT including the Vision Institute and famous clinical centers in ophthalmology such as the 15-20 National Hospital of Vision, the Adolphe de Rothschild Fondation Hospital or La Salpétrière Hospital. Affiliated with Sorbonne University, INSERM and CNRS, the Institut de la Vision is located on the 15-20 Hospital campus. It brings together a community of more than 300 scientists with interests in neurobiology, development, genetics, therapeutics, photonics and mathematical modeling, with a shared interest in vision and ophthalmology. It offers a unique research environment with multiple research laboratories, state- of-the-art facilities with comprehensive (high tech) phenotyping platforms, imaging facilities, single-cell sequencing core facilities, etc.

The French Institute of Myopia

The French Institute of Myopia, opened in March 2024 in Paris, is at the forefront of research on myopia and vision science, supported by the prestigious Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation Hospital. The French Myopia Institute aims to be the first and most important research and innovation institute on pathological myopia in adults and children in Europe and to become the contact institution for myopia research teams in the world. It aims to become the reference center for the control and management of myopic children and adults but also for tele-expertise and training of professionals. All ophthalmological specialties (optic nerve, retina, myopia control, pediatric ophthalmology, refractive surgery...) are brought together in the same location to ensure the best and most complete management of the patients.

The French Myopia Institute is the first patient clinical pathway integrating medical expertise and research on severe myopia, with a 3-year objective of taking in more than 30,000 patients seen, 80% of whom will participate in research protocols. The French Myopia Institute will provide the first robust clinical data from European myopic patients with longitudinal follow-up. 

The Rothschild Foundation Hospital

The Rothschild Foundation Hospital is a leading French Hospital in ophthalmology, with more than 190, 000 patients seen each year by experts in all pathologies of the retina and optic nerve, The Rothschild Foundation Hospital conduct world-class research in ophthalmology, including clinical and AI research. The French imaging reading center in Rothschild Foundation Hospital houses a unique database of ophthalmological images associated with the development of algorithms for diagnostics based on Artificial Intelligence. The Rothschild Foundation Hospital has a strong and long-standing partnership with the Vision Institute.

This collaborative network offers access to state-of-the-art research facilities, multidisciplinary collaborations, and a vibrant scientific community focused on high-impact translational research.

Laboratory space for 6-8 scientists and a competitive start-up package (1 ME from the French Myopia Institute) will be provided.

Key responsabilities

• Lead and develop a world-class research program focused on myopia, exploring its underlying mechanisms, innovative prevention and treatment strategies using a variety of experimental models.

• Specific topics include, but are not restricted to: bioinformatics, mechanisms of signalization, pathology modeling and clinical outcome prediction, prevention or consequence of myopia and related diseases.

• Engage in translational research initiatives, with a focus on developing therapeutic approaches and strategies for clinical practice.

• Secure competitive research funding and foster partnerships with both academic and industry stakeholders.

• Supervise and mentor a team of researchers, promoting scientific excellence, career development, and collaboration.

• Disseminate research findings through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and other scholarly activities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in ophthalmology, vision science, neuroscience, genetics, or a related field, with a strong track record of publications and research leadership in myopia or related areas.

• Demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding and in establishing fruitful collaborations across academic, clinical, and industry sectors. Candidates should meet criteria to obtain national and international grant funding. 

• Experience in leading and mentoring research teams, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic research environment.

• Strong communication skills and an ability to engage with a diverse network of stakeholders, from clinicians to policymakers.

• A strategic vision for advancing myopia research and its translation to public health applications.

Application process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, a detailed CV, a summary of scientific achievements (2-3 pages), a detailed 5-year research plan (2-3 pages), and have 2-3 recommendation letters sent directly.

Applications and letters should be sent to: katia.marazova@inserm.fr 

Applications will be evaluated until 1^st March 2025

Short-listed candidates will be notified by 15^th March 2025 and invited for interviews on 15-30^th March 2025

Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee, which will include scientific leaders from the French Myopia Institute, Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation Hospital, and the Institut de la Vision: Pr José-Alain Sahel, Dr Serge Picaud, Dr Olivier Marre, Pr Aude Couturier, Pr Dan Milea, Dr Sophie Bonnin, Pr Isabelle Audo, Dr Christina Zeitz.

The French Myopia Institute, Foundation Adolphe de Rothschild hospital, and the Institut de la Vision are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment process.