Head of BSL-3 Laboratory
The Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (a public research institution) is part of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Currently, the institute’s scientific activities are fully focused on research in the fields of molecular, structural, and cellular biology, immunology, functional genomics, and bioinformatics.
The institute was founded in 1962 as the Institute of Experimental Biology and Genetics of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences (ÚEBG), which emerged from the former Institute of Biology of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences. In 1976, ÚEBG was merged with several biochemical laboratories of the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (ÚOCHB) and renamed the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences (IMG).
Research at the Institute of Molecular Genetics is based on four pillars, comprising 27 research and research-service groups that conduct basic research, as well as service groups (or research services) that, among other things, operate advanced imaging and sequencing equipment and provide proteomic and cytometric services. The third pillar consists of four research infrastructures located both in Krč and at the BIOCEV Center in Vestec, and the final key pillar is the international environment and collaboration.
Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague (IMG) and the National Infrastructure of Chemical Biology (CZ-OPENSCREEN) invite applications for the position of Head of a newly established Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory. We are seeking a highly qualified and responsible scientist with demonstrated expertise in the operation and management of high-containment laboratories.
Head of BSL-3 Laboratory
The BSL-3 laboratory is an integral component of the infrastructure and is dedicated to the safe handling, propagation, and characterization of Risk Group 3 biological agents for the preparation of substrates used in high-throughput and high-content screening assays to identify novel therapeutic candidates against bacterial and viral pathogens. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing, validating, and operating the BSL-3 facility in full compliance with national biosafety and biosecurity regulations. This includes developing and implementing standard operating procedures, conducting risk assessments, documenting activities, overseeing occupational health and safety measures, and coordinating with institutional biosafety officers and regulatory authorities.
Requirements
- Experience with BSL-3 laboratory environments is required
- PhD in microbiology/virology or related biomedical areas
- Proficiency in conducting pharmacology and toxicology studies
- Capacity to conduct research independently, develop new methods, and adapt new techniques
- Ability and willingness to guide the group of scientists/technicians working in the BSL-3 laboratory
- Teamwork skills, ability to collaborate with other units in the infrastructure, and effective time management
- Ability to present and publish results of scientific work
- Independence, creativity, flexibility, abstract, and critical thinking
- Good verbal and written communication skills in English
Responsibilities
- Organize and lead the operation of the BSL-3 laboratory
- Conduct and oversee research activities on bacterial threats under BSL-3 containment conditions
- Analyze data, prepare reports, and present research findings
- Maintain and oversee lab equipment and safety protocols
- Overseeing laboratory work and ensuring compliance with safety regulations
We offer
- Full-time contract
- Competitive salaries depending on the candidate’s experience
- The contract is initially for 1 year with the possibility of extension up to 5 years
- Unique opportunity to work at state-of-the-art infrastructure in the multidisciplinary team of biochemists, biologists, medicinal chemists, and cheminformaticians
- 6 weeks of vacation
- On-campus sports facilities (squash, volleyball, basketball, and fitness)
- Expected starting date: 1 March 2026
How to apply
The job application should include a cover letter and a structured CV, to be sent to Dr. Nataliya Romanyuk ([email protected]).
