Position Overview

The Search Committee of the University Hospital Institute for inflammatory bowel disease Infiny (IHU Infiny) invites applications for the Director position of the IHU, to lead an international interdisciplinary institute dedicated to research, and innovation and improving care in IBD.

IHU Infiny was launched in 2023 under the France 2030 program and currently holds “emerging IHU” status. Based in Nancy, France, on the Brabois University Hospital campus, the institute brings together leading clinical, academic, and scientific expertise to transform the management of IBD through precision and holistic medicine.

KEY RESPONSABILITIES

The Director will lead a key phase of growth and development.

The Director will:

• Be responsible for leading and managing the scientific, clinical, and strategic development of the institute, playing a key role in ensuring its national and international scientific and clinical impact
• Build, manage and foster high-performing multidisciplinary translational teams
• Integrate research, clinical practice, and innovation across all activities, promoting an end-to-end approach from fundamental science to patient-centered solutions
• Represent IHU Infiny and develop strong national and international partnerships

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education requirement

PhD, MD-PhD is required

Required qualifications

International recognition and a strong scientific track record in IBD-related fields

Proven experience running research units or institutions

Demonstrated skills in team management, planning, interdisciplinary leadership, and collaborative governance

Demonstrated success in securing competitive funding Experience in translational research, public-private partnerships, and innovation

A track record of attracting, motivating, and retaining world-class scientific and clinical talent, while building a productive organizational culture

A strong commitment to innovation and to the translation of research into impact for patients and healthcare systems

A strong commitment to training and mentoring

High professional integrity

The position is based in Nancy, France.

Under French law, candidates must be under 67 years of age at the end of the first term (4 years, renewable once).

IHU Infiny values equity, diversity, and inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups.

ABOUT IHU INFINY AND ITS FOUNDING ECOSYSTEM

IHU Infiny is supported by a strong alliance of founding institutions. The CHRU de Nancy, one of France’s top 5 clinical research hospitals, contributes world-class clinical expertise and access to patients within a regional health cluster of 17 000 professionals. The Université de Lorraine, with more than 60 000 students including 9500 international students, plays a major role in scientific research through numerous joint research units with INSERM and CNRS. Its Faculty of Medicine, located on the same campus as the IHU, is a key partner in medical training, clinical integration, and translational research. The university is also highly recognized for its strengths in public health. INSERM, France’s national institute for health and medical research, provides scientific leadership and extensive expertise in both basic and translational biomedical research, through its integration into the IHU’s core research programs. The Métropole du Grand Nancy supports innovation and infrastructure through initiatives such as the Brabois Science Park. Together, these founding members create an exceptional environment for scientific leadership and innovation.

HOW TO APPLY

The recruitment is overseen by a search committee composed of 8 members:

• Prof. Ailsa HART, BA (Hons) BMBCh FRCP PhD, Professor of Gastroenterology, St Mark’s Hospital Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research, London, UK; IHU Infiny Scientific Advisory Board member
• Prof. Marietta IACUCCI, MD-PhD, Professor of Gastroenterology at University College Cork, Ireland; IHU Infiny Scientific Advisory Board member
• Prof. Richard FRACKOWIAK, Emeritus Professor, University College London; IHU Infiny Scientific Advisory Board member
• Prof. David LAHARIE, MD-PhD, Professor of Gastroenterology, Bordeaux University Hospital, President of GETAID
• Dr. Bénédicte CARON, MD-PhD, Gastroenterologist, Nancy University Hospital; Head of clinical research at IHU INFINY
• Dr. Benoît CHASSAING, PhD, Head of Microbiome Host Interactions at Institut Pasteur; Head of fundamental and translational research at IHU Infiny
• Prof. Pierre-Louis THARAUX, MD-PhD, Deputy Director of the Inserm Institute for Pathophysiology, Metabolism & Nutrition Prof.
• Sébastien RICHARD, Professor of Neurology, President for Research at Nancy University Hospital

Applications must be submitted by October 15, 2025 by clicking Apply now

The appointment will be made at the appropriate academic level taking into account experience.

Should candidates have any questions regarding the position, the scientific program, the recruitment process, the institute’s governance or scientific environment, or available institutional and financial resources, they are invited to refer to the attached document or contact the Search Committee.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, including a presentation of their strategic vision. The search committee will make recommendations to the Management Board, which will make the final appointment.

Appointment expected early 2026.