How to apply for Request for Candidates, Broad-Spectrum Preventatives

About Intercept

Intercept is a philanthropic initiative with an ambitious mission: to catalyze the development of technologies that radically reduce the burden of respiratory infections and eventually eliminate them. Unlike traditional biotech funders, Intercept takes a proactive, milestone-driven approach—offering funding from exploration through Phase 2 while allowing innovators to retain IP ownership (with a contingent mission license). Working here means joining a high-impact, mission-driven effort to prevent the next pandemic.

About the role

This is not a typical employment role—it's a call for candidates to submit project proposals for developing broad-spectrum preventatives against respiratory viruses. You'll be responsible for designing a medical product that prevents ≥75% of symptomatic respiratory infections with minimal side effects, and for demonstrating a credible pathway through Phase 2 development. If selected, you'll receive funding to advance your project, with the expectation to report milestones and publish results within 12 months.

A typical day

As a funded candidate, your day might involve designing experiments to test your preventative's efficacy against multiple respiratory viruses, analyzing data to support milestone decisions, and coordinating with CROs or academic partners to advance toward Phase 2. You'll also spend time preparing progress reports for Intercept, planning publications, and engaging with their team to ensure alignment with their mission.

Who Intercept is looking for

• A researcher or innovator with a strong track record in antiviral drug development, vaccines, or monoclonal antibodies targeting respiratory viruses (e.g., influenza, RSV, coronaviruses).
• Experience in advancing candidates from discovery through Phase 2 clinical trials, including IND-enabling studies and early-stage clinical trial design.
• Ability to articulate a clear Target Product Profile (TPP) that aligns with Intercept's goal of ≥75% efficacy against symptomatic respiratory infections with minimal side effects.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to manage milestones, publish results, and navigate IP ownership while accepting a contingent mission license.

Tips for this application

• Clearly map your proposed product to Intercept's Target Product Concept—explicitly state how it achieves ≥75% prevention of symptomatic respiratory infections and minimal side effects.
• Include a detailed milestone plan that covers exploration through Phase 2, with realistic timelines and go/no-go decision points.
• Emphasize your willingness to publish results within 12 months and maintain IP ownership with a contingent mission license; this is a key differentiator for Intercept.
• Demonstrate a broad-spectrum approach: show how your preventative could work against multiple respiratory viruses, not just one.
• Highlight any prior experience with philanthropic funding or mission-driven projects, as Intercept values alignment with their radical reduction goal.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your vision for a broad-spectrum preventative that aligns with Intercept's mission to eliminate respiratory infections.", 'A concise summary of your proposed product and its credible pathway to Phase 2, including key milestones.', 'Your commitment to publishing results within 12 months and maintaining IP ownership with a contingent mission license.', 'Why you are uniquely positioned to execute this project, including relevant technical and clinical expertise.']

Research before applying

• Visit Intercept's website (interceptfund.com) to understand their funding model, target product concept, and past projects.
• Research the current landscape of broad-spectrum preventatives for respiratory viruses, including recent breakthroughs and challenges.
• Understand the regulatory pathway for respiratory virus preventatives, including FDA guidance on endpoints for prevention trials.
• Look into Intercept's leadership and advisors to understand their scientific and philanthropic priorities.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How does your proposed preventative achieve ≥75% efficacy against symptomatic respiratory infections? What data supports this?
• What is your milestone plan from exploration through Phase 2, and what are the critical go/no-go criteria?
• How will you ensure minimal side effects while maintaining high efficacy?
• Describe your experience with IND-enabling studies and early-phase clinical trials for respiratory viruses.
• How do you plan to balance IP ownership with the contingent mission license, and what are your publication plans?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Proposing a product that only targets a single respiratory virus without a clear path to broad-spectrum activity.
• Failing to provide a detailed milestone plan or realistic timeline for Phase 2 development.
• Being unwilling to publish results within 12 months or insisting on full IP control without the contingent mission license.