What we are looking for

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

AI-Enabled Therapy of Early Diabetic Kidney Disease in Barbados

If you hold a PhD or expect to complete your PhD soon with an outstanding track record or strong interest in this field, we invite you to apply with a project proposal for a position in our new research group (1 group leader, 1 postdoctoral researcher).

This call for application is supported by the Government of Barbados and the European Union.

Despite major advances in diabetes research, early diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains biologically heterogeneous and poorly understood, particularly in Caribbean populations of African descent. Most mechanistic insights derive from non-representative cohorts, limiting biomarker discovery and therapeutic precision. Recent multi-omic and machine learning approaches have revealed molecular DKD subtypes, yet their applicability to Caribbean Black populations, including Barbadians with distinct genetic and environmental backgrounds, remains unexplored.

The objective of this project is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving early DKD in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes in Barbados through deep molecular profiling and advanced machine learning tools. By combining multi-layer molecular characterization of Barbadian patients and healthy controls with AI-driven modeling, the project aims to construct a population-specific digital African twin to enable refined patient stratification and inform adaptive treatment strategies.

Research proposals should focus on the following key deliverables:

Performance of focused molecular profiling of Barbadian Type 2 Diabetes patients with early DKD and matched healthy controls.
Development of an AI-driven digital African twin model capturing population-specific molecular heterogeneity, disease trajectories, and predictive stratification features.
Identification and validation of novel molecular biomarkers informing personalized DKD risk assessment and treatment adaptation in Barbados.

Original ideas reaching far beyond the current state-of-the-art are particularly encouraged. Pure integration or reanalysis of existing data, approaches solely based on established biomarkers, or projects lacking integration of AI-based modeling and mechanistic insight are out of scope.

Please note that generic project proposals which were generated by large language models such as ChatGPT will not be considered.

Group leader positions are intended to suit candidates with a PhD (or equivalent) in AI/ML, epidemiology, nephrology, cardiometabolic diseases, 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 six years of relevant postdoctoral research experience.

What we offer

A position in a fully funded research group with an annual budget of 500,000 EUR. The funding package covers salaries, materials, services, travel, overhead, as well as access to the core facilities on the campus of the University of the West Indies.
A project term of 2 years with an option to extend to a total term of up to 5 years.
An exciting research opportunity in a multidisciplinary and international research community with a collegial and flexible working environment.
Continuous coaching by key opinion leaders from top academic institutions and experienced researchers from the pharma industry.
Participation in the BioMed X boot camp: Here you will 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 in Barbados starting September 1, 2026.

Application & Selection Process

Please apply online at https://career.bmedx.com/call/2026-BRB-C01
As part of the online application procedure, you will be asked to submit a competitive project proposal that gives us an idea of your scientific expertise and creative potential (3-5 pages describing your unique experimental approach) and your curriculum vitae including your publication record.
Deadline for applications: March 8, 2026
After a first selection round, candidates will be invited to a five-day innovation boot camp in Barbados from May 4 to 8, 2026. With guidance from experienced mentors, candidates will jointly work on their project proposals and present them in front of a distinguished jury on the final day. Successful candidates will be offered a position at the BioMed X Institute in Barbados.

About BioMed X

BioMed X is a leading innovation hub for pharma. With our global network of research institutes at top universities and incubators within pharmaceutical companies, we bridge the gap between academia and industry. We are pioneers in applying the principles of design thinking and crowdsourcing to drug discovery and development. With our unique model, we identify key challenges across all therapeutic areas, recruit top academic talent, and co-create tailored solutions with our pharma partners. In our stimulating ecosystem, early-career researchers grow into future scientific leaders. They perform exploratory research, deliver industry-grade results, and pave the way to next-generation therapies. At BioMed X, we value curiosity, diversity, and purpose. Our goal is to serve as a vital catalyst for innovation in global health for the benefit of all patients.

Contact

BioMed X Barbados Ltd.

Saint Michael, Barbados

Email: career@bmedx.com

Web: https://bmedx.com

BioMed X jobs

Group Leader - AI-Enabled Therapy of Early Diabetic Kidney Disease in Barbados