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Looking for an outstanding Junior Group Leader in Biosciences

The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) invites applications for a tenure-track Junior Group Leader position in Biosciences with a strong emphasis on exciting biomedical projects at the interface of chemistry and biology. The successful candidate is a creative personality with a competitive research program that will take full advantage of the unique opportunities IOCB Prague provides – close interaction with organic, medicinal and biological chemistry groups and drug discovery effort. We expect the candidate has a PhD preferably less than 6 years ago, relevant postdoctoral experience, the ability to lead a research group and a potential to successfully secure European and national starting grants. The Institute offers support to establish an independent research group with a generous financial starting package including salaries for up to 5 co-workers and a fully equipped laboratory space. The application deadline is June 30, 2025.

This tenure-track position is comparable to an Assistant Professor at a US university, or to a new investigator position at the Max Planck Institutes in Germany. IOCB aims to enhance its international character and applications are welcomed from all countries in the world.

IOCB Prague in a nutshell:

  • A leading research institute in the Czech Republic in the framework of the Czech Academy of Sciences, with an international outreach – the institute recently opened a US branch, IOCB Boston.
  • Many years of successful basic and applied interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology and chemistry.
  • Operates in three major research clusters: BIO (biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, physiology, cell biology, chemical ecology, virology, diagnostic tools); CHEM (drug discovery, organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, natural products chemistry, materials chemistry, chemical biology, nanochemistry); PHYS (drug design, molecular modeling, computational chemistry, quantum chemistry, molecular spectroscopy, analytical chemistry, separation science)
  • A powerful system of technology transfer aimed at successful commercialization of relevant results
  • Collaboration with top research institutes and commercial partners worldwide
  • Cutting-edge technology and equipment
  • International multicultural environment with English as the common language
  • Unprecedented financial position allowing for freedom to choose and pursue projects
  • Completely renovated historical campus with new buildings dedicated to organic chemistry and Cryo-electron microscopy.
  • Located in Prague near the city center in the vicinity of several universities and the National Library of Technology

Junior groups at IOCB Prague:

  • Junior groups are starting with cutting-edge projects. They are established to drive research at the forefront of the field and get the resources to develop into world-leading groups with a dynamic and creative research portfolio.
  • Junior Group Leaders are selected in an open competition.
  • Newly established groups are provided with a starting package, salary resources, and equipped laboratory space.
  • Junior groups are mentored and their progress is accompanied by an interim evaluation after three years and a complex evaluation by the IOCB International Advisory Board after five years aimed at promotion to senior group status. The successful Junior Group Leaders are expected to establish an internationally visible research group, publish independent research in respected journals, and secure funding from national and international grant agencies (e.g. the European Research Council and the Czech Science Foundation).

The Institute offers:

  • An opportunity to establish a research group with a negotiable and generous starting package that includes investments for necessary equipment, consumables and salaries for up to five co-workers
  • Fully equipped laboratory space
  • Excellent research infrastructure, which is free to use
  • Strong logistical and administrative support to receive external funding
  • Competitive salary of the group leader
  • Assistance and financial support to parents with children
  • Support and help with relocation and immigration process
  • Health insurance and full benefits package incl. contribution to supplementary pension insurance and contribution to leisure activities

The candidate brings:

  • A competitive and cutting-edge research program in life sciences at the interface of organic chemistry and biology
  • Potential to successfully secure external funding through starting or junior grants by European and national agencies (e.g. the European Research Council and the Czech Science Foundation)
  • A PhD degree in biosciences no more than 6 years ago
  • Relevant postdoctoral experience
  • The ability to lead a research group
  • Potential for in-house and external collaboration

Application package:

  • Motivation letter
  • CV
  • Competitive research proposal (max. 5 pages) for a five-year period
  • Publication list
  • Three letters of recommendation from respected scientists (incl. PhD and postdoc supervisors) should be sent directly to the IOCB Director Prof. Jan Konvalinka: director@uochb.cas.cz, who can also provide further information.

Timelines:

  • Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2025, in English as a single pdf document to director@uochb.cas.cz
  • Shortlisted candidates invited for interviews on September 18–19, 2025
  • Expected start date: January 2026


Source: https://www.uochb.cz/en/open-positions/360/junior-gl-position-in-biosciences-start-date-january-2026


IOCB Prague / Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (www.uochb.cz) is a leading internationally recognized scientific institution whose primary mission is the pursuit of basic research in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and materials chemistry, chemistry of natural substances, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. An integral part of the IOCB Prague’s mission is the implementation of the results of basic research in practice. Emphasis on interdisciplinary research gives rise to a wide range of applications in medicine, pharmacy, and other fields.

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