Principal Investigator in Genome Editing and Cellular Immunotherapy
Closing date: 24 January 2027
Qualification: PhD
Job duration: fixed 5-year term (can be extended for additional 4-years upon positive evaluation)
Employment - Hours: full-time (40-hours per week)
Monthly salary: from 4900 EUR
Description
Life Sciences Center EMBL Partnership Institute for Genome Editing Technologies at Vilnius University is seeking a highly motivated, creative and outstanding scientist to establish an independent research programme at the interface of Genome Editing and Cellular Immunotherapy.
The ideal applicant is an early-career researcher (up to 8 years after PhD), wishing to develop innovative approaches at the interface of genome editing and immune-cell-based therapies (cellular immunotherapy), with the long-term goal of developing transformative approaches for human health. Applicants working on next-generation CAR-T/CAR-NK therapies, in vivo genome editing, engineered immune cell platforms, or translational immunotherapy are especially encouraged to apply.
We offer
- A 5-year full-time appointment, with the possibility of extension for up to 4 additional years, subject to a positive external interim evaluation.
- An attractive start-up package of up to €1 million, including a competitive salary (€60 000 – €77 000 EUR/year), to support a research team development and cover research operating costs.
- Laboratory space outfitted with general equipment for life sciences research
- Access to world-class research instrumentation and core facilities at Life Sciences Center and EMBL: TRACEGET Core Facilities; LSC Facilities and Instrumentation; EMBL Scientific Services.
- A multidisciplinary and collaborative research ecosystem, bringing together expertise from diverse scientific fields and fostering innovative approaches to complex research questions.
- A highly collaborative, supportive and friendly working environment, where collaboration, open communication, and the exchange of ideas are encouraged.
- An access to a large pool of highly motivated and talented undergraduate and master’s students.
- Opportunities for professional and scientific development, including collaboration with experienced researchers and engagement with a broad international research community.
Your role
You will be expected to develop and lead an independent and internationally competitive research programme in the interface of genome editing and immunotherapy, establish a strong publication record in leading journals, and secure competitive national and international research funding.
The successful candidate will build and lead a research team, closely collaborate with the other five groups that form the VU LSC-EMBL Partnership Institute, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and actively contribute to a dynamic and collaborative scientific environment.
You will also be expected to engage with clinical and industrial partners where appropriate and help translate fundamental discoveries into innovative therapeutic approaches.
You will be expected to supervise undergraduate and graduate students. PhD candidates in Lithuania will typically be supported through government-funded scholarships that are independent of your core research budget.
Required qualification
- PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in life sciences, biomedicine, or a related field.
- Up to 8 years of research experience after the PhD
- Demonstrated research excellence, evidenced by a strong publication record and research achievements.
- Expertise in one or more relevant areas, such as immunology, genome engineering, cellular immunotherapy, gene and cell therapy, cancer and cell biology, or related areas.
- Experience in mentoring and supervising students, early-career researchers, or other team members.
- Experience in attracting competitive research funding, including successful participation in grant applications.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, international research environment.
- Potential to establish and lead an independent, internationally competitive research program.
How to apply
The applicants should send the following documents via e-mail to:
- motivation (cover) letter
- curriculum vitae
- list of publications
- copy of 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 who are willing to provide recommendation letters
Application submission deadline – 24 January 2027 – 23:00 CET
Selected candidates will be invited for an online interview with the Selection Committee in February – March 2027.
Expected starting date: Q2 or Q3 2027, by October 2027 at the latest
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.
Join us in Vilnius – one of the top-rated cities for work-life balance globally! Vilnius University is located in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, with a rapidly growing European life science ecosystem. The city offers exceptional opportunities for collaboration across academia, industry, and healthcare, while providing an excellent quality of life through its vibrant culture, abundant green spaces, and convenient access to major European destinations.
Learn more about the quality of life and opportunities in Vilnius
Why join us
ABOUT INSTITUTIONS
Vilnius University (VU) with more than 440 years of academic heritage, 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.
Life Sciences Center (LSC), the University’s academic unit hosting over 50 research groups, 200 senior researchers and more than 1 250 students, is one of the leading life sciences research hubs in Central and Eastern Europe, bringing together internationally recognized expertise in biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, and biomedical sciences. With internationally recognized strengths in genome editing, since 2020 the Center also hosts the EMBL Partnership Institute for Genome Editing Technologies.
The EMBL partnership institute, founded in 2020 at the Life Sciences Center in partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), focuses on developing and advancing next generation genome editing tools and technologies, enabling innovative applications and translational research. The Institute’s principal investigators have attracted multiple prestigious ERC and EMBO Installation Grants, reflecting the excellence of their research.
As a member of this Partnership Institute, 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. The Partnership provides a strong foundation for developing an internationally visible research programme and establishing impactful collaborations across Europe.
VU LSC is home to the recently established Translational Center for Gene Technologies (TRACEGET), a state-of-the-art core facilities providing access to advanced instrumentation, and multidisciplinary scientific expertise, creating exceptional environment for innovative biomedical and translational research, particularly in cancer, age-related diseases and gene-based therapies.
Laboratory of Dr Stephen Knox Jones is looking for a postdoctoral researcher and Ms or PhD student
More information on the Jones!Lab website.