JOB OPENINGS

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Ph.D. position in the Pausch laboratory

 

Elective topics 

A:   Bacterial immune systems against phage

B:   Development of genome editors   

C:   High-throughput studies on jumbo phage-host interactions

 

Starting fall 2026 

(an earlier start may be arranged through a paid internship)

 

Our projects

Our research focuses on the mechanistic characterization of bacterial adaptive and innate immune systems that defend against bacteriophages, including systems such as CRISPR-Cas or retrons (Elective topic A). In parallel, we explore the translation of these systems into tools for targeted nucleic acid manipulation and genome editing in living cells (Elective topic B). Supported by an ERC Starting Grant, we also develop high-throughput screening approaches to uncover novel functions of phage-encoded factors during interactions between jumbo phages and their bacterial hosts (Elective topic C).

 

Your profile

A:   M.Sc. in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, or similar.

B:   M.Sc. in cell biology, biomedicine, molecular biology, or similar.

C:   M.Sc. in bioinformatics, microbiology, biochemistry, or similar.
 

We offer

Integration into a cutting-edge research and collaborative environment at the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center -EMBL Partnership Institute at Vilnius University. The Pausch Lab has multiple laboratory spaces for BSL-2 microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, with reliable local access to cell culture and other facilities (e.g. cryo-EM).

Vilnius offers PhD students a high quality of life with affordable living costs, a vibrant international research community, and a strong network of institutes. Its green, and culturally rich environment makes it easy to balance focused research with an active social and outdoor lifestyle.

 

Attractive salary

First year: € ∼1800 (net)

2-4th year: € ∼2000 (net)

 

Contact

Please send your application to Prof. Dr. Patrick Pausch (email)

Your application should include the following: 

• Cover letter stating the topic of interest and your motivation

• Up-to-date CV with contact details of two referees

• Your most recent academic transcript

Review of applications will begin immediately, and candidates will be interviewed until the positions are filled.

For any informal enquiries, please get in touch with Prof. Pausch via email.