Group Leader in Gastrointestinal Cancer Immunology

The Institute for Digestive Research at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) invites applications for a full-time Group Leader position in the field of gastrointestinal cancer immunology.

We seek an ambitious and innovative early-career or mid-career researcher with strong expertise in tumor immunology, immune-oncology, spatial and single-cell immune profiling, or related fields. The successful applicant will establish and lead an independent research group focused on immune mechanisms in gastrointestinal cancers, with potential applications in biomarker discovery, immune therapy development, or precision oncology.

The anticipated start date is December 1st, 2025. The position includes infrastructure support, access to core facilities, and integration into large-scale EU-funded projects. We offer a three-year appointment with a competitive annual gross salary of 72,000 EUR, along with support for team recruitment, consumables, and equipment. The position is embedded in a collegial, interdisciplinary research environment. Upon successful evaluation, the appointment may be extended.

Your Role

You will develop and lead a cutting-edge research program focused on immune mechanisms in gastrointestinal cancer, with potential applications in immune profiling, response prediction, and therapy optimization. You will lead and manage a dynamic, multidisciplinary research team, collaborate closely with clinicians, pathologists, bioinformaticians, and sequencing core facilities across LSMU, and actively engage in international research networks, particularly within EU Horizon projects such as ONCOSCREEN and AIDA . Your research will benefit from access to well-annotated clinical cohorts, tumor biobanks, and state-of-the-art technologies, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics platforms. You will be expected to apply for national and international research funding. You will mentor undergraduate and graduate students.  Students pursuing a PhD in your laboratory will typically receive governmental scholarships independent of your core funding.

Qualifications

You should have an excellent record of accomplishment that demonstrates your curiosity and passion for addressing emerging problems within the research scope of Institute for Digestive Research. You should hold a PhD (or equivalent degree) in immunology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, oncology, or a related area. Your portfolio should demonstrate excellence in research, mentoring, securing research funding and communicating scientific findings. In addition to the quality, originality, and feasibility of your research plan, your potential to create synergies within the Institute will be highly valued.

Why Join Us

LSMU is one of the leading institutions in the Baltic countries for biomedical research and education, uniting strong traditions in clinical medicine, public health, and life sciences. It offers access to national biobanks, clinical cohorts, and modern research infrastructure, and actively participates in international networks and EU-funded projects.

Based in Kaunas, LSMU offers a collaborative, inclusive research environment and a high quality of life in a culturally rich, family-friendly city.

Learn more: https://kaunasin.lt/en/live-in-kaunas/

All qualified candidates are invited to apply by e-mail below. Applications must include:

• Motivation (cover) letter
• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• PhD diploma/certificate
• Statement of research interests describing past research accomplishments
• Research proposal (3–5 pages, including figures)
• Names and contact details of 3 referees

Please apply by September 10th, 2025, via email to: vsti@lsmu.lt

Other Useful Information

The recruitment process will be based on the candidate’s scientific excellence, the originality and feasibility of the research proposal, and the alignment with the institute’s thematic priorities. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding any discrimination. LSMU operates as an equal opportunity employer and as such encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

Candidates must not submit information in their application that is confidential and/or protected by the intellectual property rights of the third parties and may contravene any rights of the third parties.

Selection Process

Each application will be reviewed by the Search Committee. Successful applicants will be invited for an online interview in October 2025. The same interview conditions will be applied to all candidates.