Scientific position

Junior Group Leader position in organic synthesis

Job description

IOCB Prague invites applications for a Junior Group Leader position in synthetic organic chemistry with a strong emphasis on synthetic approaches to complex target molecules at the interface of chemistry and biology.

This tenure-track position is comparable to 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 is committed to inclusivity and diversity. Applications from any country are welcome, and we strongly encourage female and minority candidates to apply.

IOCB Prague in a nutshell:

  • A leading research institute in the Czech Republic in the framework of the Czech Academy of Sciences
  • Decades of successful basic and applied research in organic chemistry, biochemistry, the chemistry of natural products, theoretical chemistry, and physical organic chemistry
  • Operates in three major research clusters: BIO (biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, physiology, cell biology, chemical ecology, diagnostic tools, neuroscience); 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)
  • 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
  • Unparalleled financial standing that provides freedom in choosing and pursuing projects
  • Completely renovated campus with a new building dedicated to organic chemistry
  • Located in Prague near the city center and adjacent to several universities and the Czech National Library of Technology


Junior groups at IOCB Prague:

  • Junior groups start with cutting edge projects. They are established to drive research at the forefront of the field and are given the resources to develop into world-leading groups with dynamic and creative research portfolios.
  • Junior Group Leaders are selected in an open competition.
  • Newly established groups are provided with a starting package, salary resources, and fully equipped laboratory space.
  • Junior groups are mentored, and their progress is subjected to an interim evaluation after three years and a complex evaluation by the IOCB International Advisory Board after five years with the aim of promotion to senior group status.
  • 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).

Requirements

The successful candidate will:

  • bring a competitive and cutting-edge research program in synthetic organic chemistry aimed at the synthesis of complex target molecules at the interface of organic chemistry and biology;
  • demonstrate the potential to successfully secure external funding through starting or junior grants from European and national agencies (e.g. the European Research Council and the Czech Science Foundation);
  • hold a PhD in organic chemistry for no more than 6 years (excluding parental leave and public service);
  • have relevant postdoctoral experience;
  • possess the ability to lead a research group;
  • be open to both in-house and external collaboration.

We offer

  • the opportunity to establish a research group with a generous and negotiable starting package that includes investments in necessary equipment, consumables, and salaries for up to five coworkers;
  • fully equipped laboratory space;
  • an outstanding and free to use research infrastructure;
  • strong logistic and administrative support in securing external funding;
  • a competitive group leader salary;
  • assistance and financial support for mothers with children;
  • support and assistance in relocating.

How to apply

Timelines:


Application package:

  • Motivation letter
  • CV
  • Competitive research proposal (max. 5 pages) for a five-year period
  • List of publications
  • 2–3 letters of recommendation from respected scientists (incl. PhD and postdoc supervisors) must be sent directly to IOCB director Dr. Zdeněk Hostomský, who can also provide further information.

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