Junior Group Leader position at the Gregor Mendel Institute (GMI) in Vienna

The Gregor Mendel Institute (GMI) is seeking to recruit a Junior Group Leader. We are looking for a researcher who will contribute to our mission of making fundamental discoveries that enhance our understanding of how plants and other autotrophic organisms function. At GMI, we believe in empowering scientists at all levels to pursue bold, curiosity-driven research in an intellectually stimulating, diverse, and collaborative environment.

About the position

Junior Group Leaders receive non-renewable appointments of up to eight years. Candidates should be postdocs looking to start their own independent research group, or group leaders who established their own lab within the last three years.

Candidates are expected to propose creative and innovative research programs, including ones that may be difficult to fund through conventional funding schemes. We welcome high-risk projects, provided they are backed by a solid contingency plan. Successful candidates will lead their research programs independently, while benefiting from a highly collaborative atmosphere among GMI Group Leaders and neighboring institutes. They will enjoy complete intellectual freedom to pursue whatever questions fascinate them, and receive generous core funding at the ERC level. Additionally, they will benefit from a minimal hierarchical structure, outstanding facilities, and efficient administrative support.

About GMI and the Vienna BioCenter

GMI is part of the Vienna BioCenter, one of Europe’s leading life sciences research hubs, home to over 2,000 scientists from more than 80 countries. The working language is English. The BioCenter offers:

• World-class core facilities
• Dedicated PhD and Postdoc programs
• An interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment
• Subsidized on-campus childcare

The campus is located near the center of Vienna, consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities. 

Application process

To apply, please send:

• Your CV
• A letter of motivation
• A brief description of your research program (max. two pages)

 to junior_recruitment@gmi.oeaw.ac.at.

For full consideration, apply by May 20, 2025. Informal inquiries are welcome and can be directed to any GMI Group Leader.