Open Employment Positions at LSC

PhD position in the Pausch laboratory

Elective topics
A: Bacterial immune systems against phage
B: Development of genome editors
C: High-throughput studies on jumbo phage-host interactions

Starting fall 2026
(An earlier start may be arranged through a paid internship)

Our projects
Our research focuses on the mechanistic characterization of bacterial
adaptive and innate immune systems that defend against bacteriophages,
including systems such as CRISPR-Cas or retrons (Elective topic A). In
parallel, we explore the translation of these systems into tools for targeted
nucleic acid manipulation and genome editing in living cells (Elective topic
B). Supported by an ERC Starting Grant, we also develop high-throughput
screening approaches to uncover novel functions of phage-encoded factors
during interactions between jumbo phages and their bacterial hosts
(Elective topic C).

Your profile
A: MSc in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, or similar.
B: MSc in cell biology, biomedicine, molecular biology, or similar.
C: MSc in bioinformatics, microbiology, biochemistry, or similar.

We offer
Integration into a cutting-edge research and collaborative environment at the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center -EMBL Partnership Institute at Vilnius University. The Pausch Lab has multiple laboratory spaces for BSL-2 microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, with reliable local access to cell culture and other facilities (e.g., cryo-EM).

Vilnius offers PhD students a high quality of life with affordable living costs, a vibrant international research community, and a strong network of institutes. Its green and culturally rich environment makes it easy to balance focused research with an active social and outdoor lifestyle.

Attractive salary
First year: € ∼1800 (net)
2-4th year: € ∼2000 (net)

Contact
Please send your application to Prof. Dr. Patrick Pausch ()

Your application should include the following:

• Cover letter stating the topic of interest and your motivation
• Up-to-date CV with contact details of two referees
• Your most recent academic transcript

Review of applications will begin immediately, and candidates will be interviewed until the positions are filled. For any informal enquiries, please get in touch with Prof. Pausch via:

Group Leader – Genome Editing/Cellular immunotherapy (application deadline 2026-04-01)

Job type: Principal Investigator

Qualification: PhD

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

Job hours: full-time (40 hours/week).

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.

The VU LSC-EMBL Partnership Institute focuses on the 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 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 who wishes to establish an independent research group 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 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) to develop 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 you to apply. 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 via the email address 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:   

Other useful information

The candidate's recruitment will be based on their scientific excellence and the quality of their research proposal. The proposed research project will be evaluated not only on its 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 and avoiding 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 third parties, and may contravene any rights of third parties.

Selection process

Qualified applicants will be invited to attend an online interview with the Search Committee in April-May 2026. Following the interview process, a formal offer letter will be issued in writing to the candidate selected for the position.