Group Leader – Genome Editing/Cellular immunotherapy

Job type: Principal Investigator

Qualification: PhD

Job duration: fixed 5-year term (can be extended for additional 4-years upon positive evaluation)

Job hours: full-time

Discipline: Life Sciences

Description

Vilnius University Life Sciences Center EMBL Partnership Institute for Genome Editing Technologies invites applications for a full-time appointment Group Leader position, with an anticipated start date of September, 2026. Welcome applications until April 1, 2026.

The VU LSC-EMBL Partnership Institute focuses on research and development of next-generation genome editing tools and technologies, enabling innovative applications and translational research. We seek exceptional candidates with strong expertise in the fields of genome editing and cellular immunotherapy (CAR-T cells, NK-cells, engineering of immune cells, cell reprogramming, etc.) The ideal applicant is an early career researcher, wishing to establish a research group as an independent researcher and develop its own research programme at the interface of genome editing and cellular immunotherapy.

We offer

A five-year appointment that includes a competitive salary (60 000 – 77 000 EUR/year) within a 1,000, 000 EUR core funding for the entire 5-year period, a very collegial and friendly working environment and access to world-class research facilities. This appointment may be extended for an additional 4-years, subject to a positive evaluation conducted before the end of the fourth year of the initial appointment.

Your role

You will carry out an original research project in the field of genome editing technologies, where you will build, lead and manage an independent research group in pursuing ambitious research goals. You will work in close collaboration with the other five groups that form the VU LSC-EMBL Partnership Institute. You will be expected to develop your own research programme and strong publication record, actively apply for international and national grants, and to supervise undergraduate and graduate students. Students pursuing a PhD in your laboratory will typically receive governmental scholarships independent of your core funding.

Required qualification

You should hold a PhD (or equivalent degree) in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related area. Your record should include demonstrated excellence in research, mentoring, attracting funding and disseminating your achievements. Beyond the quality, originality, and feasibility of your research plan, your potential for synergy within the VU LSC-EMBL Partnership Institute will be highly valued.

Why join us

In 2020, the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center (VU LSC) established a partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) with the aim of developing the next generation of genome editing technologies. As a member of this Partnership, you will benefit from the scientific and technological potential of the VU LSC in targeted genome modification and EMBL’s broad excellence in the life sciences.

Our Partnership Institute is situated within the VU LSC, which hosts over 50 research groups, 200 senior researchers and more than 1 000 students. As the nation’s leading research organization, Vilnius University ensures steady access to young talents, both local and foreign. At each level, we strive for internationality, diversity and equality, and thus strongly encourage your application. Finally, to learn more about the exceptional quality of life offered in Vilnius, Lithuania, please visit: https://www.govilnius.lt/

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 of 3–5 pages including figures
• names and contact information of 3 referees  

Application until April 01, 2026:  recruitment@gmc.vu.lt

Other useful information

Recruitment of the candidate will be based on their scientific excellence and the quality of the research proposal. The proposed research project will be evaluated on its not only quality, originality, and feasibility but also on the benefits it will bring to the VU LSC-EMBL Partnership Institute. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly, avoiding any discrimination. Vilnius University 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

Qualified applicants will be invited to attend an online interview with the Search Committee in April-May2026. Following the interview process, a formal offer letter will be issued in writing to the candidate selected for the position.