Selection Procedures

10/12/2026
Institute of Experimental Botany of the CAS announces an open competition in accordance with the Act No. 283/1992 Coll. on the Czech Academy of Sciences, and the Statutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences for a position Group Leader / Head of Laboratory - Plant Biology.

(Research focus: Regenerative competence, cell-fate reprogramming and somatic embryogenesis)

Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IEB CAS), Prague, Czech Republic

The Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences invites applications from outstanding scientists for a Group Leader / Head of Laboratory position in Plant Regenerative Biology. The successful candidate will lead and scientifically reshape the current Laboratory of Biologically Active Compounds at our Prague-Lysolaje campus. We aim to develop an internationally competitive programme in plant regenerative biology. The new Group Leader will have substantial freedom to define the scientific direction, experimental systems and methodological approaches of the laboratory. The laboratory currently consists of five staff members (three senior researchers and two technical staff) and has expertise and infrastructure in plant tissue culture, regeneration biology and related experimental approaches. The successful candidate may build on these strengths, including existing know-how in somatic embryogenesis in conifers, but continuity with the current research programme is not required.

RESEARCH SCOPE

We welcome research programmes addressing the broad theme of plant regenerative biology — including, but not limited to, cell fate determination, totipotency and reprogramming, meristem and embryo biology, and the translation of these processes into clonal propagation, breeding and biotechnology. Applicants are free to propose any model system and any methodological approach that best serves their scientific question. Proposals that take the laboratory in new directions are welcome, provided they are consistent with the IEB’s strategic focus on cutting-edge basic research with a selected applied focus.

THE CANDIDATE

We welcome applications from emerging as well as established independent scientists. Exceptionally strong senior postdoctoral researchers who can demonstrate clear readiness to establish an independent research programme are also encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate should have:

• a PhD in plant biology, developmental biology, molecular or cell biology, biotechnology, or a closely related field;
• an excellent research and publication record appropriate to career stage, with clear evidence of significant intellectual contributions;
• a compelling and original scientific vision in plant regeneration, developmental plasticity, embryogenesis or a closely related field, together with demonstrated scientific independence and the potential to establish an internationally visible research programme;
• the ability to develop mechanistic, hypothesis-driven research rather than primarily optimise technological protocols;
• evidence of the ability to obtain competitive research funding, for example as PI or co-PI, through an individual fellowship or an equivalent independent funding track record;
• the ability to lead and mentor researchers at different career stages and to build a collaborative research environment;
• excellent communication skills and proficiency in English.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will establish and lead an ambitious independent research programme; provide scientific leadership to the laboratory and progressively develop its scientific and personnel profile; recruit, supervise and mentor team members; publish original research in internationally respected journals; secure competitive national and international research funding; and develop collaborations within IEB CAS and with leading international research groups.

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

The Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences (www.ueb.cas.cz/en) is a public research institute focused on plant genetics, molecular and cell biology, physiology and biotechnology, with 12 research groups and more than three hundred employees. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary plant-science environment at the Prague-Lysolaje campus.

The laboratory provides established methodological expertise and biological material in plant tissue culture and regeneration. Researchers have access to dedicated laboratory and office space, in vitro culture facilities, microscopy, plant cultivation facilities and shared institute-wide research infrastructure.

APPOINTMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

IEB CAS will provide a five-year institutional support package designed to give the new Group Leader sufficient stability to establish a competitive and internationally visible research programme.

• a competitive full-time salary for the Group Leader, negotiated individually according to experience and qualifications;
• institutional personnel funding for a core research team, at a level currently corresponding approximately to two senior research positions and two technical positions at the Institute's standard institutional salary levels;
• dedicated laboratory and office space and access to the Institute's shared research infrastructure;
• an individually negotiated start-up budget for consumables, minor equipment and other costs required to establish the proposed research programme.

The institutional personnel funding represents the stable core of the laboratory. As is standard in the Czech research environment, salaries of research staff may be supplemented from competitive external research funding. The Group Leader will be expected to progressively complement institutional funding through national and international research grants and may use such funding to strengthen the team, increase salary levels and recruit additional researchers.

The precise composition of the laboratory will not be predetermined. The successful candidate will evaluate the laboratory's existing expertise and personnel and develop the team progressively according to the scientific needs of the new research programme, in consultation with the Institute.The initial appointment as Head of Laboratory will be for five years. The progress of the laboratory and its newly developed programme will be reviewed after three years, followed by a final evaluation after five years. A positive final evaluation is expected to lead to continuation of the laboratory and a long-term appointment.

The anticipated starting date is negotiable, preferably in the second or third quarter of 2027.

APPLICATION

Applications should be submitted in English and include:

1. Cover letter explaining motivation for applying - max. 1 page.
2. Curriculum vitae - max. 3 pages.
3. Full publication list, highlighting five selected research outputs. For each selected output, briefly describe its scientific significance and your personal contribution.
4. Track record of competitive research funding, clearly indicating your role as PI, co-PI or applicant.
5. Research vision for the next five years - max. 3 pages. The proposal should outline the major scientific questions, methodology, expected outputs, principal resource and collaboration needs, and a realistic strategy for national and international external funding. It may build on or redirect the laboratory's existing expertise and infrastructure.
6. Names and contact details of three referees.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present a research seminar and discuss their five-year scientific programme with the selection committee. At the second stage, candidates may be asked to develop a brief concept for a competitive external grant application, including a potential application to the Czech Science Foundation.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your application as a single PDF file to hr@ueb.cas.cz with the subject line “Head of Lab — Plant Regenerative Biology”.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15 December 2026

Informal enquiries about the position are welcomed and will be treated in confidence. Please contact the Chair of the Search Committee at search.regbio@ueb.cas.cz Upon request, a site visit can be arranged for prospective applicants (candidates) before they submit their application.

The Institute reserves the right not to fill the position if no candidate meeting the required scientific standard is identified.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

IEB CAS is committed to equal opportunities, fair recruitment and a working environment free from discrimination and welcomes applications from candidates of all nationalities and backgrounds. Personal data submitted as part of the application will be processed in accordance with GDPR.

Application deadline: 12/15/2026