The VBHI is launching an international search for its future Director. At a pivotal stage in its development, the VBHI is looking for a leading scientist with vision and a strong ability to bring people together — someone who can drive its international ambition, strengthen its ecosystem and accelerate its impact on brain health.
A University Hospital Institute dedicated to brain health
Recognised as an “IHU” (University Hospital Institute) in 2023 as part of the France 2030 investment plan, VBHI is one of 19 University Hospital Institutes in France.
Based in Bordeaux, VBHI brings together more than 100 experts in neuroscience, public health and cardiovascular sciences around a shared ambition: to improve the prevention of stroke and dementia by advancing our understanding of cerebral small vessel disease.
Founded by the University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux University Hospital, Inserm, Inria, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and Fondation Bordeaux Université, and supported by AP-HP, CNRS and IRD, VBHI draws on a unique ecosystem bringing together research, healthcare, innovation, education and partnerships.
A new phase of growth and international ambition
With an investment of €102 million over ten years, including €40 million through France 2030, VBHI is now entering a new phase of development.
By 2030, the Institute will have a dedicated 3,500 m² university hospital facility bringing together state-of-the-art imaging technologies, advanced laboratories, innovative clinical facilities and an incubator dedicated to innovation.
This new infrastructure will support VBHI’s ambition to become an international centre of excellence in cerebrovascular health, through a resolutely interdisciplinary approach.
From artificial intelligence applied to neuroimaging and integrated multi-omics approaches to translational research and precision medicine, VBHI develops programmes at the interface between fundamental research, technological innovation and clinical practice.
The Institute also leads the BrainVasc clinical cohort, which aims to follow 10,000 participants with cerebral small vessel disease, as well as an integrated prevention clinic, a Living Lab and high-level training programmes.
Beyond scientific excellence, VBHI has a strong societal ambition: to help reduce health inequalities, particularly in Africa and across the Global South.
Leadership to bring together research, healthcare, innovation and education
In this new phase, the future Director will lead the scientific and strategic development of VBHI and strengthen its profile both in France and internationally.
Working at the intersection of research, medicine, innovation and partnerships, the Director will bring together the different communities that make up the Institute and continue to build its unique ecosystem.
The future Director will be responsible for:
- defining and implementing VBHI’s scientific strategy, ensuring research excellence and clinical impact;
- providing overall leadership for the Institute and representing it with its founding institutions, funders, academic and industry partners;
- strengthening collaboration between research and clinical teams to foster closer integration between healthcare, research, innovation and education;
- expanding VBHI’s national and international profile by developing new academic collaborations worldwide;
- contributing to the Institute’s long-term sustainability through fundraising and the diversification of its funding sources.
An internationally recognised scientific leader
VBHI is looking for an internationally recognised scientist with an outstanding track record and strong leadership skills, able to shape an ambitious vision for the Institute’s future.
The successful candidate will have a high level of scientific expertise in cerebrovascular health, neuroscience or a related field, with an MD-PhD or PhD.
The role calls for a combination of:
- scientific excellence and leadership, with the ability to bring teams and institutions together around a shared ambition;
- a strong translational vision, strengthening links between fundamental research and clinical applications and helping move innovation through to the patient;
- international experience, to further develop VBHI’s global profile and partnerships;
- the ability to develop resources, including through philanthropy, industry partnerships and competitive funding opportunities;
- the ability to work in a complex, bilingual environment, bringing together several founding institutions and partners.
More than an outstanding scientist, VBHI is looking for a leader who can embody its mission, articulate its vision and bring its entire ecosystem together around a shared goal: to transform the prevention and management of cerebrovascular diseases in the long term.
Interested in joining VBHI?
The position is based in Bordeaux, France, with the new Director expected to take up the role between January and September 2027. The term of office is four years, renewable once.
The Selection Committee welcomes applications from leading scientists in France and internationally and is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, regardless of gender or background.
Applications should be sent to selection-committee@vbhi-institute.org by 15 October 2026.
The application should include:
- a CV detailing academic and professional positions held, leadership responsibilities and involvement in scientific organisations or learned societies;
- a list of publications, distinctions and major scientific achievements;
- a cover letter outlining the candidate’s motivation and strategic vision for the future development of VBHI.
Applications will be reviewed by an international Selection Committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with the Committee in November–December 2026.
View the full job posting on Nature Careers.
Joining the leadership of VBHI means helping to build an internationally recognised institute and developing new solutions to prevent stroke and dementia, for the benefit of patients and society.
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