The laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering at the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center – a partner institution of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (www.embl.org) for genome editing technologies (VU LSC-EMBL) – is searching for a junior / postdoctoral researcher with a focus on stem cell biology, developmental biology or cellular biology.
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Location: |
Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania |
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Contract Duration: |
1 year (with possibility of extension. Annual renewal of employment will be based upon performance review, progress towards research goals, and continuation of funding) |
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Closing Date: |
24 January, 2022 |
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Reference number: |
JA-01 |
Your role
Your role:
• Assist the group leader with daily lab operations including ordering supplies, scheduling and coordinating lab efforts.
• Organize lab materials, order reagents, prepare lab stocks and maintain general lab safety requirements.
• Complete research activities: Prepare cell strains, clone plasmids for laboratory use. Principal techniques include molecular biology, stem cell biology, cell biology, genome engineering and bioinformatics.
• Train undergraduate and graduate students on basic experimental techniques (postdoc).
Key responsibilities:
• To plan your own work and objectives and manage your experimental work within the project along with the Supervisor.
• To communicate and coordinate experiments with collaborators.
• To introduce and apply new techniques and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches and methods where required.
• To contribute to the smooth running of the Group, including the effective use of resources, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities.
Required qualifications and experience
The preferred candidate will have:
Essential:
• Master’s degree (junior) / PhD (postdoc) in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, stem cells field or similar field.
• very good knowledge of stem cell biology or cell biology (including genome engineering, differentiation, disease modelling, especially if applying for the Postdoctoral position).
• curiosity and passion for enabling and pursuing research.
• excellent communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• excellent organization and management skills.
• enthusiasm in addressing new and emerging genome editing problems.
• fluency in English, both written and spoken. Fluency in Lithuanian is advantageous.
Desirable:
• Prior experience or training in differentiation to linages of the immune, cardiac, neural, retinal, pancreatic or other lineages.
• prior experience working on nuclease systems: TALEN, zinc fingers or CRISPR-Cas systems.
• prior experience with knock-in or knock-out in human cells.
• prior experience on human pluripotency.
• experience in training and supervising students (Postdoc).
Why join us
The Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University (www.gmc.vu.lt/en/) is a partner institution of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (www.embl.org) for genome editing technologies established in September 2020 with the aim to advance scientific understanding of the biology and mechanisms of CRISPR as well as other antiviral defence systems. Partnership is based on the scientific and technological potential of the VU LSC in the targeted genome modification. Prof. Virginijus Šikšnys of VU LSC is one of the pioneers in the breakthrough CRISPR gene editing technology, who did much of the early work in characterizing the molecular machinery involved in CRISPR-Cas function.
The Stem Cell Engineering laboratory is one of six inaugural research groups comprising the VU LSC - EMBL Partnership Institute, centred on developing novel genome editing technologies. Our group aims to bridge stem cell and genome engineering technologies for the creation of cell-based therapeutics and to realize their potential for the benefit of human health and society. You will build connections with international research teams, receive mentoring in scientific development and career advancement, and learn how to solve pressing biological problems with interdisciplinary strategies.
We are an institution of world-class research and study with outstanding people, a very collegial working environment and excellent up-to-date infrastructure.
We offer
• A competitive salary of 1800 to 2300 EUR after taxes, depending on qualifications and experience.
• An international and vibrant environment. VU LSC highly values diversity and operates as an equal opportunity employer with no discrimination of any sort. Recruitment of candidates will be based on their merits.
• Access to the state-of-the-art equipment across the Life Sciences Center and EMBL campuses.
VU LSC is committed to internationality, diversity and equality, operating as equal opportunity employer and as such, encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
Application process
If you are interested in this position, please submit the following documents to the email address:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Diploma/certificate
- The names and contact details of 2 referees
Please include reference number JA-01 in the email subject line.
Application deadline: 24 January, 2022
Prospective employment starting day (earliest): 1 February, 2022
Selection process
Recruitment of candidates will be based on their qualifications, scientific excellence and community contributions. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding any discrimination.
Successful applicants will be contacted by phone or email and may be invited for an in-person interview with Dr Jonathan Arias. Questions can be addressed to .
Interview dates: Interviewing will begin on 24 January, 2022.