Lead – Proteomics, CBR Biomarker Centre of Excellence

Job category

Academia

Job location

India

Job type

Workplace type

Job description

The Centre for Brain Research (cbr-iisc.ac.in) at the Indian Institute of Science has embarked on a unique collaborative endeavour - a Biomarker Centre of Excellence in partnership with the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) and with support from Gates Ventures. This ambitious initiative aims to establish a sophisticated platform for the discovery and validation of neurodegenerative disease biomarkers. In addition to plasma biomarkers, the Centre will also explore digital biomarkers to build a more comprehensive understanding of disease onset and progression. A unique strength of this Centre of Excellence is that it will function under the scientific guidance of Professor Henrik Zetterberg (UK DRI and University of Gothenburg), a globally recognised pioneer in biomarker research, and Professor Siddharthan Chandran, Director of the UK DRI, both of whom are Visiting Faculty Members at CBR. The Centre will integrate the state-of-the-art in fluid biomarker assays, high-throughput proteomics, and AI-driven analytics with unique, diverse cohorts from India and the UK in order to accelerate breakthroughs in early diagnosis. It will foster cross-institutional partnerships, training, and knowledge exchange to build capacity and advance global brain health research. The Lead for Proteomics will provide strategic, scientific, and operational leadership for the Biomarker Centre of Excellence (CoE). Therefore, this role requires a combination of scientific expertise, strategic foresight, team management, and collaborative engagement. Besides overseeing research projects and mentoring a multidisciplinary team, the Lead will ensure rigorous quality standards for biomarker research and serve as the primary liaison to internal and external partners in this endeavour. The Lead will report to the Director, CBR.

Responsibilities:

• Cooperate with the CBR leadership in formulating and implementing the CoE’s scientific vision, research strategy, and long-term roadmap • Oversee the design, execution, and evaluation of biomarker discovery, validation, and translational projects • Formulate and maintain requisite standard operating procedures, quality assurance processes, and risk management frameworks • Monitor advances and trends in science and technology to ensure the CoE stays at the leading edge of biomarker research • Mentor a multidisciplinary team including research scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and technicians and support their professional development • Oversee the CoE’s operational and financial management, including budgets, procurement, and reporting to various stakeholders • Ensure compliance with scientific, ethical, and data governance standards • Collaborate with imaging and digital biomarkers teams to create multi-modal biomarker profiles • Foster strong linkages with international networks and maintain active engagement with the UK DRI Fluid Biomarker Lab to ensure global alignment and collaborative growth • Build and nurture cordial relationships with collaborators and potential partners including research centres, academic institutions, clinical partners, technology providers, and vendor organisations • Represent the CoE in national and international meetings, disseminate research findings through publications and presentations • Contribute proactively to the broader vision of CBR, including capacity-building, outreach, and public engagement initiatives.

Requirements:

Essential Qualifications • PhD and notable postdoctoral experience in proteomics/ biomarker research, neuroscience, molecular biology, clinical chemistry, or a related field • Proven track record of independent research excellence (as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and research grants) and leadership in biomarker or translational science • Deep understanding of biomarker assay technologies, validation strategies, and data interpretation • Significant experience managing and mentoring research teams, including scientists, technicians, and administrative staff • Strong organisational, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to foster collaborations across disciplines and geographies Desirable Qualifications • Experience leading or coordinating large-scale, multi-centric, collaborative projects • Experience in technology evaluation, vendor management, research agreements, and contract negotiation • Recognised contributions to scientific advisory boards/panels, expert committees, and professional societies • Familiarity with AI-driven data analytics, biobanking, and digital health tools.

Compensation:

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience • Access to world-class research infrastructure and cross-institutional training opportunities • Direct engagement and collaboration with UK DRI researchers, Health Data Research UK (HDR UK), and other leaders in biomarker science and neurodegeneration research • Opportunity to interface with the Indian Institute of Science’s vibrant, interdisciplinary research ecosystem spanning engineering, life sciences, and data science • Support for overall professional development • Additional benefits as per CBR policies.