Your role

Main goals of the project

• Use single-molecule, third generation sequencing technologies to explore CRISPR-Cas systems in prokaryotes,
• Specifically, develop a suitable protocol to sequence full length CRISPR arrays in microbial ecosystems,
• Perform comparative analyses of CRISPR systems in different human and/or environmental microbiomes.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Design and perform experiments in coordination with your supervisor,
• Appropriately manage the lab space: ensure that the equipment is kept in optimal conditions and needed items are in stock; properly arrange the sharing of instruments, when needed; quickly report malfunctioning,
• Present your work at internal/external meetings, seminar and conferences,
• Lead the draft of scientific papers,
• Proactively contribute to further research proposals,
• Depending on workload and needs, assist junior members of the laboratory,
• Plan, manage and document your work in coordination with your supervisor,
• Explore potential collaborations inside and outside VU LCS.

Required qualifications and experience                     

Essential:

• PhD degree in cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or similar field.
• Very good knowledge of microbiology (including environmental microbiology),
• Expert knowledge of molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning, PCR, electrophoresis, blotting, culturing) and lab space management,
• excellent management and organizational skills,
• excellent communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills,
• fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Desirable:

• prior experience or training in next-generation sequencing experiments, particularly long-read technologies,
• prior experience working on CRISPR-Cas systems,
• experience training and supervising students.

Why join us             

The Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University (www.gmc.vu.lt/en/) is a Partner Institute 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.

We are an institution of world-class research and studies with outstanding people, a very collegial working environment and excellent up-to-date infrastructure.  

The Life Sciences Center (VU LSC) is a faculty level operational unit of Vilnius University (VU, which is a major public research and higher education institution in Lithuania). VU LSC conducts scientific research, studies and technological development in disciplines including biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, neurobiology, molecular medicine, biotechnology, cell and structural biology and other related sciences. The Center is home to 250 PhD degree researchers and around 1 000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Integration of studies and research provides an incoming stream of young talents.

We offer                   

• A competitive salary of up 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 state-of-the-art research facilities and instrumentation,
• Adequate lab and office space.

Application process           

If you are interested in this position, please, send us your online application including:  

• Motivation letter,
• CV (Curriculum vitae),
• List of publications,
• PhD diploma/certificate,
• The names and contact details of 2-3 referees,
• Please include reference number GR-01 in the email subject line.

Please send the above documents to the e-mail address: 

Informal enquiries about the position can be directed to Dr Giancarlo Russo ()

Application deadline: 30 September, 2021.

Prospective employment starting day: 1 October, 2021. 

Selection process                     

Recruitment of candidates will be based on their scientific excellence. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding any discrimination.

Successful applicants will be preliminarily contacted by phone or email to discuss the position in detail and eventually invited for an online or in-person interview. The interview dates will be agreed upon in due course. 

Practical information         

1. Checklist
2. Visas&Requirements for entry
3. Residence permits
4. Social insurance
5. Relocation
6. Employment
7. Social information/Life in Vilnius

Your role

• Complete research activities: purify proteins, prepare cell strains, clone plasmids for laboratory use. Principal techniques include molecular biology, high throughput sequencing, biotechnology and bioinformatics,
• train undergraduate and graduate students on basic experimental techniques,
• 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.

Required qualifications and experience                     

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related scientific field (Master‘s degree preferred),
• six months or more of laboratory research experience; 
• 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,
• programming skills (desirable),
• fluency in English and Lithuanian, both written and spoken.

Why join us             

The Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University (www.gmc.vu.lt/en/) is a Partner Institute of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (www.embl.org) centered on genome editing technologies. Established in September 2020, the Partnership aims to advance scientific understanding of the biology and mechanisms of CRISPR and other microbial defense systems with genome editing utility. The Partnership is based on the scientific and technological potential of the VU LSC research in targeted genome modification. Prof. Virginijus Šikšnys of VU LSC is a strong ally of the Partnership and one of the pioneers in the breakthrough CRISPR gene editing technology; he led much of the early work in characterizing the molecular machinery involved in CRISPR-Cas function.

We are an institution of world-class research and studies with outstanding people, a very collegial working environment and excellent, modern infrastructure. We aim to assure that researchers with diverse experiences and identities excel and feel supported at our Institute.

The Life Sciences Center (VU LSC) is a faculty level operational unit of Vilnius University (VU, a major public research and higher education institution in Lithuania). VU LSC conducts scientific research, studies and technological development in disciplines including biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, neurobiology, molecular medicine, biotechnology, cell and structural biology and other related sciences. The Center is home to 250 PhD degree researchers and around 1000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Integration of studies and research provides a steady stream of highly capable, young talent to LSC research groups.

We offer                   

• A competitive salary, up to 1800 EUR (net), dependent on qualifications and availability.
• 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, it operates as an equal opportunity employer and as such, encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

Application process           

Ready to join our team? Please, submit the following documents to the e-mail addresses: ,  with the reference number SKJ-01:

• Motivation letter
• CV (Curriculum vitae)
• Diploma/certificate
• The names and contact details of 2 referees.

Application deadline: 30 September 2021

Prospective employment starting day (earliest): 1 October 2021

Selection process                     

Recruitment of candidates will be based on her or his 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 online or in-person interview with Dr Jones.

Interview dates: interviews will be conducted as applications are received.

Practical information         

1. Checklist
2. Visas&Requirements for entry
3. Residence permits
4. Social insurance
5. Relocation
6. Employment
7. Social information/Life in Vilnius

Postdoctoral Researcher

The Arias lab 🇱🇹 is looking for a researcher (postdoctoral fellow) to join us in our efforts to create Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products (ATMPs) with the aid of gene editing technologies.

The ideal candidate is able to fulfill the following responsibilities and hold these qualifications:

Responsibilities

Conduct and design RnD projects on Gene Editing on human-systems.

Understand technological trends and integrate emerging technologies to own projects.

Oversight and mentor the RnD activates of junior associates.

Analyze datasets and draft research articles.

Qualifications

You currently hold a PhD degree or are scheduled to obtain one soon.

Fluent communication in oral and written English.

Have published at least one scientific research article.

Experience in cell biology, cancer, metabolism or compatible RnD areas.

Experience in molecular biology or compatible RnD areas.

Experience in programming in python, octave, R and or bash is desirable.

Experience in gene editing is desirable.

Salary - 17.79 EUR/hour before taxes 

Junior researcher at the LSC-EMBL                  

A 50% effort Junior Researcher position is available at the laboratory of Prof. Patrick Pausch at the Vilnius University, Life Sciences Center - EMBL Partnership Institute for Genome Editing Technologies. The group develops next generation gene editing technologies, using an integrative approach combining explorative microbiology, quantitative biochemistry and high-resolution structural biology. The lab has access to state-of-the-art equipment at the Life Sciences Center (https://www.gmc.vu.lt/en/oac/core-facilities-and-instrumentation ) and EMBL (https://www.embl.de/services/core_facilities/ ). The candidate will work in a collaborative project with the laboratories of Profs. T. Karvelis, S.K. Jones and V. Šikšnys, concerning the development of hypercompact next generation genome editors.

Location: Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
Contract Duration: 1 years (with possibility of extension)
Closing Date: 2024.03.31
Reference number: PP-24-1

Your role:
Key responsibilities:
● Design and perform experiments (molecular biology, biochemistry).
● Documentation and internal presentation of research. The candidate is further expected to present the research at national and international meetings.
● Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts.
● Assist in the training of laboratory members based on experience.

Required qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree in the life sciences with relevant laboratory experience (Master’s degree desirable)
● experience in molecular biology and biochemistry (experience in cell culture desirable)
● excellent project management skills;
● excellent communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills;
● curiosity and passion for research;
● fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Why join us

The Vilnius University Life Sciences Center and European Molecular Biology Laboratory (LSC-EMBL) partnership institute is a highly collaborative center to advance genome editing technologies. Our mission is to develop next generation editing tools for applications in biotechnology, agriculture and medicine.
The LSC and EMBL are institutions of world-class research, very collegial working environments and excellent up-to-date infrastructures.
The Life Sciences Center (VU LSC) in itself is a faculty level operational unit of Vilnius University (VU, which is a major public research and higher education institution in Lithuania). VU LSC conducts scientific research, studies and technological development in disciplines including biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, neurobiology, molecular medicine, biotechnology, cell and structural biology and other related sciences. The Center is home to 250 PhD degree researchers and around 1,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Integration of studies and research provides an incoming stream of young talents.

We offer

● A competitive above-average salary, up to 950 EUR (Net) based on qualification (50% effort). VU LSC is committed to internationality, diversity and equality, operate as equal opportunity employer and as such encourages applications from underrepresented groups;
● access to state-of-the-art research facilities and instrumentation;
● adequate lab and office space;
● possibility to proceed with a PhD (fellowships will be awarded in addition to the project salary)

If you are interested in this position, please, send us your online application including:
● Motivation letter
● Curriculum vitae
● Theses and if available, publications
● Diplomas and certificates
● The names and contact details of 2 referees
● Please include reference number PP-24-1 in the email subject line.

Please send the above documents to:
Informal inquiries about the position can be made to Prof. Patrick Pausch ().
Application deadline: March 31, 2024.
Prospective employment starting day: May 1, 2024 (negotiable).

Recruitment of candidates will be based on their scientific excellence. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding any discrimination.
Successful applicants will be invited for an interview.
Interview dates: interviews are planned to be held in April 2024.

Group Leader at the EMBL Partnership Institute for Genome Editing                   

Job type: Principal Investigator

Qualification: PhD

Job duration: fixed 4-year term

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 at the rank of Group Leader with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2024.

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, RNA engineering, or delivery technologies. The ideal applicant is an early career researcher, wishing to establish a research group as an independent researcher.

We offer a four-year appointment that includes a competitive salary within an 800,000 EUR starting package, a very collegial working environment and world-class research facilities. This appointment can be extended for five additional years upon positive evaluation.

Your role

You will carry out an original research project in the field of genome editing technologies, where you will 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 apply for national and international grants, and supervise undergraduate and graduate students. Students pursuing a PhD in your laboratory will typically receive governmental scholarships independent of your core funding.

Qualification

You should have an excellent record of accomplishment that demonstrates your curiosity and passion for addressing emerging problems within the scope of our institute. 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

Please apply until May 7, 2024: 

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

Each application will be reviewed by the Search Committee.  Successful applicants will be invited for an online interview in May 2024. The same interview conditions will be applied for all candidates.