Junior Group Leader in Computational Chemistry

IOCB Prague is a leading research institution under the umbrella of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Our mission is basic research at the interface of chemical and biological sciences and translation of results from basic research into applications and commercial assets.

JUNIOR GROUP LEADER IN COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY

IOCB Prague welcomes applications for a Junior Group Leader in computational chemistry with an emphasis on state-of-the-art tools of biomolecular modelling (including AI/machine learning) applied to research with close ties to biochemical/biophysical experiments.

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

• 1 January 2027 (negotiable)

CONTRACT

• The 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, a 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 [email protected] by 30 June 2026. Informal inquiries may be addressed to Pavel Jungwirth at [email protected].
• Suitable candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview to be held in person at IOCB in the period of 9 – 11 September 2026.