Principal Investigator at Vilnius-Utrecht Center for Advanced Disease Modeling

The newly established Vilnius–Utrecht Center for Advanced Disease Modeling at Vilnius University invites applications from highly motivated, creative, and ambitious researchers for Principal Investigator positions. This newly established international Center brings together the complementary strengths of Vilnius University (VU), University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht), and Utrecht University (UU) to build a positive research culture fostering environment for translational research in disease biology.

The Center will focus on advanced models of human disease, integrating frontier cellular and molecular technologies, in the clinically relevant domains spanning cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, infections / immune dysregulation, circulatory health and rare diseases.

Proposed research programs should complement and synergize with existing expertise across VU, UMC Utrecht, and/or UU.

We welcome applicants who wish to establish an independent research group and who aspire to contribute to a rapidly growing, interdisciplinary research ecosystem bridging the Baltic region and the Netherlands.

Our offer

• An initial 3-year appointment with the opportunity to transition into a tenure-track position.
• An attractive start-up package of up to €1 million to support rapid research team development, covering research operating costs, services, small equipment and personnel.
• Access to brand-new research facilities at the VU Medical Science Center, including state-of-the-art research and innovation facilities at UU/UMC Utrecht with dedicated support for research visits.
• Relocation and integration support for you and your family to Vilnius.
• A transparent, supportive and inclusive research & innovation environment.
• The opportunity to join a vibrant, international network spanning Vilnius and Utrecht, with strong potential for joint projects, research visits and exchanges, and co-supervision of students and fellows.

Candidate profile and requirements

We are searching for applicants who:

• Hold a PhD in biomedicine, life sciences, or a connected field.
• Conduct innovative research in advanced cellular and molecular disease modelling (e.g., organoid systems, microphysiological platforms, spatial-omics and others).
• Have a minimum of three years of postdoctoral research experience and demonstrate the ability to establish a well-defined, independent research program.
• Present a research vision that aligns with and enriches ongoing work at VU and UU/UMC Utrecht.
• Show enthusiasm for building a collaborative, interdisciplinary program within a newly developing Center.

Employment conditions

Full-time position (3 years) with the possibility to continue into a tenure-track role. Annual salary from €53,000, in accordance with experience, plus additional benefits including mobility support for short-term visits at UU/UMC Utrecht. Dedicated grant expertise and technology transfer offices, as well as numerous opportunities for personal development.

How to apply

The applicants should send the following documents via e-mail (to: kristijonas.puteikis@mf.vu.lt ) by February 15th 2026 - 22:59 CET:

• Narrative CV (1-2 pages);
• Research program proposal (3-4 pages).

Selected candidates will be invited for an online interview with the selection committee.

Join us in Vilnius – one of the top-rated cities for work-life balance globally! Learn more about the quality of life and opportunities in Vilnius here.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTIONS

Vilnius University

With more than 440 years of academic heritage, Vilnius University (VU)  is the oldest and most comprehensive university in Lithuania, consistently ranked as the nation’s leading institution for research and education. Today, VU continues to evolve, combining deep academic traditions with a forward-looking vision that brings together 15 diverse academic units—from humanities and social sciences to physics, medicine, and life sciences. 

Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine , the university’s largest academic unit, operates in close partnership with Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos , one of the region’s most advanced healthcare providers with more than 8,000 employees. Our research priorities span key domains of cardiometabolic health, oncology, digital and precision medicine, brain health, maternal and child health, and human genomics. Anchored by the newly established Medical Science Center , a 19,000 m² state-of-the-art complex dedicated to biomedical and translational research, and complemented by disease-specific and populational biobanks, Santara Medical Campus has become one of Lithuania’s fastest-growing biomedical research hubs.

Translational research is further strengthened by the strategic collaboration with the Life Science Center  that brings together expertise in fields ranging from neurobiology and structural biology to oncology and synthetic biology. With internationally recognized strengths in genome editing, since 2020 the Center also hosts the EMBL Partnership Institute for Genome Editing Technologies , reinforcing Lithuania’s position in advanced biotechnology.

This integrated ecosystem offers the rare combination of accessible resources, supportive governance, and strategic national investments - an environment for building ambitious research programs in a collaborative setting.

University Medical Center Utrecht

University Medical Center Utrecht  is a leading international university medical center, with almost 13,000 employees. Together with its global partners, UMC Utrecht aims to improve the health of people and create the healthcare of tomorrow. UMC Utrecht's research  is at the forefront of innovation, spanning six strategic programs (brain, infection & immunity, cancer, circulatory health, child health, regenerative medicine). We embrace a dynamic, multidisciplinary approach, putting patients at the heart of everything we do. UMC Utrecht educates professionals for the healthcare of the future within the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Utrecht University.

Utrecht University

Utrecht University is a wide-range, international research university of high standing . It is working together towards a better world, by researching complex issues beyond the borders of disciplines so new insights can be applied. Teaching and research are strongly connected. We work together in tight communities. We believe equality, diversity and inclusion  are important and promote the transition to open science .

Life Sciences  is one of the four interdisciplinary UU themes, combining Life Sciences research from UMC Utrecht, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine  and Faculty of Science , and other Utrecht Science Park  partners. Life Sciences in Utrecht is broad and innovative, spanning human, veterinary, and plant health. Creating impact through health innovations that address current and future societal challenges. Our vision is that progress in health and wellbeing comes from blending expertise across disciplines. By linking molecular and technological sciences, we create the foundation for translating discoveries into innovative approaches that address major societal challenges.