Vacancy notice: Group Leader, Virology, Trieste

Vacancy notice: Group Leader, Virology Posted on August 8, 2026August 8, 2026 by Tijana Delic

Duty Station: Trieste, Italy

Closing date: 30 September 2026

The ICGEB invites applications for the post of Group Leader, Virology – vacancy notice PU/TS/11-26. Under the direct supervision of of the Director-General and the guidance and support of the Scientific Coordinator, the Group Leader will be required to perform the duties listed in the attached vacancy notice.

The application details and requested qualifications are in the attached notice.

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VACANCY NOTICE PU/TS /11-26\n

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), established in 1983, is an international, intergovernmental organisation conceived as a Centre of excellence for research, training and technology transfer to industry in the field of biotechnology to promote sustainable global development. The Centre conducts innovative research in life sciences and strengthens the research capability of its over 60 Member States through training, funding programs and advisory services. Located in Trieste (Italy), New Delhi (India) and Cape Town (South Africa), and in collaboration with over 40 Affiliated Centres worldwide, the three ICGEB Components provide a scientific and educational environment of the highest international standards. Further information is available at

The ICGEB invites applications for the post of Group Leader, Virology POST TITLE: Group Leader, Virology DUTY STATION: Trieste, Italy DATE REQUIRED: 1 st March 2027 TYPE OF CONTRACT: Fixed- term appointment DURATION: An initial period of one year with further extensions of four years, subject to satisfactory performance. LEVEL: P2 (UN Scale) DUTIES: Under the direct supervision of the Director-General and guidance and support of the Scientific Coordinator, the Group Leader will:\n

\n Initiate and establish in- field collaborations and networks with scientists in the ICGEB Member Countries that work on Virology.\n Provide strategic leadership in developing and implementing research through an internationally competitive experimental resea rch programme on Virology.\n Develop and secure funding for a vigorous, externally funded research program in Virology through competitive grant applications, resource mobilization from donors, provision of expert technical assistance to the country, policy development and enhancement of research capabilities in ICGEB Member Countries.\n Contribute to development of regional anti-viral policies, strategies, programs and activities in collaboration with UN technical clusters ie. WHO, in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and European networks.\n Collaborate with the other ICGEB Group Leaders in the overall scientific organization in its Trieste, New Delhi, and Cape Town components.\n Supervise, mentor and manage the research activities of the junior staff, Fellows and technicians in group;\n Take part in ICGEB’s training and capacity-building activities;\n Perform other work-related duties, as may be required.\n\n

QUALIFICATIONS: PhD in Virology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, or a related discipline. Relevant professional experience at the international level virology research and collaborative programmes addressing infectious diseases and virological outbreaks. Previous experience in infectious/communicable diseases or Biological Safety Levels 3 (BSL3) facilities would be advantageous.\n

COMPETENCIES: The successful candidate will develop an internationally competitive experimental research programme addressing questions in molecular biology and/or biotechnology related to virology. ICGEB’s priority is to perform research of direct relevance to its Member Countries, therefore a strong translational aspect would be an advantage The candidate will have a proven ability in working and collaborating at international level, as well as a proven track record in securing competitive research grant funding. P revious experience of working in a BSL3 facility, together with future research priorities requiring the use of such facilities is desirable. Candidates with experience in conducting collaborative research programs in low r esource settings are encouraged to apply. The candidate will also be expected to demonstrate strong science communication and technical writing skills. Previous experience working with international organizations would be an advantage.\n

LANGUAGES: Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.\n

APPLICATION DEADLINE : 30 th September 2026\n

HOW TO APPLY:\n

Applicants must complete an on-line application by creating an account on the ICGEB Service Gateway, accessible HERE by clicking “Sign Up” and submitting a full curriculum vitae and a statement of proposed research (maximum five pages), outlining the motivation for applying and the vision for their research in the ICGEB community and Member States to ICGEB. Applicants who already have an ISG account should click “Login” and select “Work with us - Apply for a job position”. If you experience problems in registering or logging- in to your ISG account, please contact Visualizzare la mail su uncareer.net.\n

ICGEB is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. Candidates are assessed against the criteria listed in the vacancy notice, and evaluation is a competency-based interview and may include tests.