Junior Group Leader in Computational Chemistry

This tenure-track position is roughly comparable to an assistant professor at a US university or to a new investigator position at Max Planck Institutes in Germany. We offer the opportunity to establish a research group with a generous and negotiable starting package that includes investments in the necessary equipment, consumables, and salaries (including several coworkers/students). 

IOCB Prague prides itself on scientific excellence, international character, and a friendly working atmosphere. Strong applications from any country are welcome and we encourage female and minority candidates to apply. A successful female applicant may be eligible for additional support.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline, preferentially also with a postdoc experience
• Excellent expertise in various aspects of computational chemistry. Experience with related experimental techniques is an advantage.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Independence, accountability, and reliability
• Excellent communication and management skills

We offer:

• Work in a young, progressive, and collaborative scientific community of medicinal chemists, virologists, immunologists, computational chemists, biologists and biochemists
• State-of-the-art instrumentation including an in-house high-performance computing facility
• Competitive financial remuneration with a starting salary of 90 000 CZK/month
• 5 weeks of paid vacation plus 4 days of personal leave
• Health insurance and a full benefits package including contribution to supplementary pension insurance, contribution to sports/culture/leisure time, and meal subsidy
• Financial and logistics support for parents returning to work after their maternity/parental leave
• Location in the stunning city of Prague, with a vibrant atmosphere and excellent quality of life

Additional information:

• Expected starting date of the position is January 1, 2027 (negotiable).
• Initial full-time fixed-term contract is for three years, with the expectation of extension by another two years based on an interim evaluation. After the five-year period, decision is made, based on a final evaluation, about promotion to a Senior Group Leader.  

How to apply:

• Please send a cover letter, research plan, and structured CV, together with contact details of three references to Šárka Kněžická at Tato e-mailová adresa je chráněna před spamboty. Pro její zobrazení musíte mít povolen Javascript. by June 30, 2026. Informal inquiries may be addressed to Pavel Jungwirth at Tato e-mailová adresa je chráněna před spamboty. Pro její zobrazení musíte mít povolen Javascript. 
• Suitable candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview to be held in person at IOCB in the period of September 9-11, 2026. 

Source: IOCB Prague

IOCB Prague (Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences) is a leading internationally recognized research institute whose primary mission is the pursuit of basic research in organic, medicinal, and computational chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, and associated disciplines. 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, pharmacology, and other fields.