The State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre is excited to share an opportunity for 2 (two) young researchers to apply for group leader position to carry out original research projects as a part of the call “My First Research Team” (MPK). The expected start date of project activities is no later than 1 September 2026.
When selected, the two young researchers will receive a fixed-term full-time appointment of up to three years and funding of up to EUR 350,000 to cover salaries of the research teams (incl. the group leader) as well as implementation costs for project activities. Group leaders will be expected to carry out a research project related to Lithuania’s Smart Specialisation priority fields (priorities can be found here).
Young researchers who have obtained a doctoral degree within the last 7 years prior to the deadline for submitting applications may apply for the position of principal investigator (groups leader) of an R&D project (this period excludes maternity and childbirth leave, paternity leave or childcare leave, and long-term incapacity due to illness). The candidates also must not have acted as principal investigators of projects funded by the Research Council of Lithuania under the measures and programmes listed in the call.
The candidate should be able to demonstrate potential in the areas of scientific excellence, mentorship, expert activity, and dissemination of their achievements, collaborate with other research groups, researchers, and the wider community, as well as present a high-quality, original, and feasible research plan.
Two topics are open for applications:
- Zoonotic parasites, molecular identification, food safety, meat products, meat animals.
- Mechanical-motion modulation of phytohormone metabolism to obtain safer, more sustainable bioproducts enriched with functional compounds.
Required attachments to the application:
- Project application.
- Narrative CV of the applicant for the MPK project‘s Principal investigator.
- Copy of the doctoral degree diploma.
- Project budget table.
Documents to be submitted with the application if applicable:
- Certificate confirming maternity, paternity, or parental leave.
- Certificate confirming a period of long-term sick leave.
Applications with required documents should be submitted by email mpk@gamtc.lt till 30 January 2026 16:00 EET. Applications received after deadline will not be evaluated.
Information about this call is available on the Euraxess website.
If you have any questions, please email: mpk@gamtc.lt
