Group Leader in Host-Microbiome Data Science

The Institute for Digestive Research at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) invites applications for a full-time appointment as the rank of Group Leader position in the field of host-microbiome interactions and data-driven precision medicine.

We seek an ambitious and creative early-career or mid-career researcher with strong expertise in computational biology, microbiome research, or machine learning applications in health. The successful applicant will establish and lead an independent research group that complements the institute’s mission to advance personalized approaches to digestive health through integrative science.

The anticipated start date of 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 environment with world-class research infrastructure. Upon successful evaluation, the appointment may be extended.

Your Role

You will develop and lead a cutting-edge research program focused on host–microbiome interactions, with applications in personalized health and chronic disease prevention. You will lead and manage a dynamic, multidisciplinary research team in pursuing ambitious research goals. You will collaborate closely with clinicians, bioinformaticians, and laboratory scientists within the institute and across LSMU, and actively engage in international collaborations, particularly within EU Horizon projects such as miGut-Health and PerPrevCID. Your research will be supported by access to population-based multi-omics datasets, including more than 1,500 metagenomes from the Kaunas region cohort. 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 bioinformatics, microbiome research, systems biology, 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

The Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (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 provides a collaborative, diverse 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 until September 10th, 2025: 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. Lithuanian University of Health Sciences 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.