Head of the Models of Infectious Diseases (MID) Module

02. 10. 2026 Information Jobs

The Czech Centre for Phenogenomics is a large research infrastructure at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. CCP provides integrated expertise and services for the generation, phenotyping, and preclinical evaluation of disease models, supporting research into gene function and the mechanisms of human disease. As an active member of the IMPC and INFRAFRONTIER research infrastructures, CCP combines advanced model generation, phenotyping, animal facilities, preclinical testing, and data analysis in a collaborative environment.

This position provides the opportunity to shape and lead one of CCP’s most specialised research platforms. The Models of Infectious Diseases (MID) Module operates a certified BSL-3/aBSL-3 facility for in vivo and in vitro infectious-disease research, including infection models, high-containment studies, and integrated phenotyping workflows. MID is an important part of CCP’s development toward a comprehensive translational infrastructure combining infection models, preclinical testing, and advanced data analysis. The module also contributes to CCP’s broader national and European role in infectious-disease preparedness and high-consequence pathogen research, including activities linked to ERINHA-CZ.

The role

The successful candidate will provide scientific, strategic, and operational leadership of MID and will play an important role in shaping CCP’s development in infectious-disease modelling and high-containment preclinical research. The position is designed for a scientist who combines strong scientific expertise with leadership capacity, strategic vision, and a commitment to high-quality research infrastructure and service delivery.

As a Module Head within CCP’s organisation, the successful candidate will operate at the level of a Principal Investigator (PI) responsible for research and services, compliance, reporting, and day-to-day module development, while working within CCP’s common strategic, financial, and quality framework.

Key responsibilities

  • Develop the long-term scientific vision and strategic roadmap for MID, ensuring sustainable growth, scientific merit, and integration within CCP and international research infrastructures
  • Lead the scientific, technological, and operational development of the MID Module as CCP’s dedicated platform for infectious-disease models
  • Provide services and oversee the operation of the certified BSL-3/aBSL-3 facility and related infection-model workflows
  • Develop infectious-disease models and associated phenotyping pipelines for relevant viral, bacterial, and other pathogens
  • Coordinate, lead, mentor, and support MID staff, and ensure effective planning of capacities for services and research, priorities, biosafety standards, and daily operations
  • Ensure close collaboration with other CCP modules and contribute to integrated workflows across the research and preclinical pipeline
  • Participate in planning, reporting, grant development, infrastructure development, and strategic activities at CCP level
  • Represent MID in interactions with academic users, collaborators, service partners, and relevant national and international networks, especially in ERINHA-CZ

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific background in infectious diseases, microbiology, virology, immunology, infection biology, experimental pathology, or a related biomedical field. Experience with infectious-disease models, translational infection research, and regulated or high-containment research environments will be highly advantageous.

The role requires an individual with clear leadership potential or proven leadership experience, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to manage a complex scientific and service environment with demanding biosafety and quality requirements. The successful candidate should be able to combine scientific excellence with practical decision-making, team coordination, and a service-oriented approach.

Requirements

  • PhD or equivalent in microbiology, virology, immunology, infection biology, molecular biology, medicine, veterinary medicine, or a related field
  • Proven experience in infectious-disease research, experimental in vivo infection models, or translational infection-related biomedical research
  • Expertise relevant to pathogen-host interactions, infectious-disease mechanisms, infection phenotyping, or related preclinical studies
  • Demonstrated ability to lead or coordinate a team, laboratory unit, scientific platform, or research program.
  • Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken
  • Ability to develop new methods, contribute to research and innovation, and engage in competitive grant activities
  • Strong awareness of biosafety, regulatory compliance, experimental quality, and ethical standards relevant to infection research
  • Experience with BSL-3/ABSL-3 operations, infection challenge models, therapeutic testing, vaccine studies, or collaboration with clinical, public-health, or research-infrastructure partners will be an advantage

We offer

  • A senior scientific leadership position within a nationally and internationally recognised large research infrastructure
  • A highly international, collaborative, and stimulating working environment
  • Access to advanced technologies and state-of-the-art research infrastructure, including one of the most advanced animal BSL-3 facilities in the Czech Republic integrated with CCP phenotyping and downstream analysis capacities
  • Opportunity to shape the strategic and scientific development of a key CCP module
  • Support for professional growth, scientific development, and participation in national and international collaborations
  • Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, together with an IMG’s employee benefits package

Contract and start date

This is a long-term position. The initial appointment will be for one year and may be extended based on mutual agreement and successful performance, with the possibility of an indefinite appointment after subsequent extensions, in accordance with Czech labour legislation.

The expected start date is by agreement.

Selection procedure

Eligible applications will be reviewed by a selection committee in accordance with the recruitment procedures of the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Candidates selected for the next stage will be invited to an in-person interview.

How to apply

Applicants are invited to submit:

  • A cover letter explaining their interest in leading the MID Module and outlining how their experience fits the role
  • A structured curriculum vitae
  • Applicants are encouraged to include a brief statement outlining their vision for the scientific and strategic development of MID over the next three to five years
  • Contact details for two or three references

Applications should be submitted electronically to Jana Šafránková at jana.safrankova@img.cas.cz by 15 November 2026.

For informal enquiries about the position, applicants may use the same contact email address.