MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship

• European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to researchers of any nationality who wish to engage in R&I projects by either coming to Europe from any country in the world or moving within Europe (12-24 months).
• Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to European nationals or long-term residents who wish to engage in R&I projects with organisations outside EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries (12-24 months outgoing phase in a non-associated Third Country & 12 months mandatory return phase to a host organisation in Europe).
• Boost your chances of success with ERA Fellowships! If you are applying for the European Postdoctoral Fellowship with a host institution in a widening country (such as Lithuania), and your proposal is not funded under the MSCA PF call due to budget limitations, it will automatically be resubmitted to the ERA Fellowships call, which will give your project an additional opportunity to receive support.
• Additional incentive available for researchers applying with host institutions in Lithuania! The Government of the Republic of Lithuania has transferred some European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funds to the Horizon Europe programme, enabling the European Commission to finance more well-evaluated MSCA PF projects submitted with Lithuanian institutions.

HOST INSTITUTION AND RESEARCH GROUP

Founded in 1579, VU combines centuries of academic excellence with a strong contemporary research culture. As the largest university in Lithuania, it comprises 15 academic units and brings together more than 3,400 academic staff and over 26,000 students. Its active research community is supported by extensive infrastructure, including research institutes, 3 university hospitals, the oldest academic library in the Baltics, 3 botanical gardens, and an astronomical observatory, creating a fertile environment for scientific discovery and innovation.

VU consistently ranks as the top university in the country, excelling in both education and a broad range of fundamental and applied research. Recognised among Central and Eastern Europe’s leading research institutions, it fosters cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research and maintains strong partnerships within a global academic network.

The Institute of Chemical Physics at the VU Faculty of Physics conducts interdisciplinary research at the interface of theoretical and computational physics, chemistry, and molecular science, with a focus on quantum chemistry, molecular modelling, and quantum effects relevant to biological and material systems. The institute provides access to national and institutional HPC resources, including VU’s “HPC Saulėtekis” and LitGrid-HPC, as well as experimental infrastructure through collaborative links to spectroscopy laboratories and international research facilities. The available expertise and infrastructure support advanced doctoral and postdoctoral research in computational and molecular sciences.

SUPERVISOR

Dr. Mindaugas Mačernis is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Chemical Physics, Vilnius University. His research focuses on theoretical chemical physics and quantum chemistry, with particular expertise in computational physics and high-performance computing (HPC). His work addresses quantum-chemical modelling of organic and biomolecular systems, including electronic and vibrational properties of pigments such as carotenoids and proton transfer mechanisms in biomolecular environments. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, including Journal of Chemical Physics, Journal of Physical Chemistry A, and Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, with contributions covering DFT-based modelling, Raman spectroscopy, and theoretical analysis of molecular systems. He has been involved in several national and European research projects related to HPC applications and the development of advanced computational methodologies.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL SKILLS

• The candidate is expected to have a solid background in theoretical or computational physics, physical chemistry, or a related discipline. Prior experience with quantum chemistry methods, including DFT, TD-DFT, and ab initio approaches, as well as molecular modelling and analysis of electronic and vibrational molecular properties, is required.
• Competence in high-performance computing (HPC), including work in Linux environments, use of batch systems, and parallel calculations, is expected.
• Experience in scientific programming or scripting (e.g. Python, Bash, Fortran or C++) and data analysis is considered an advantage.
• The candidate should be able to work independently, demonstrate strong analytical skills, and show readiness for interdisciplinary research.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English and the ability to collaborate in an international research environment are essential.

POSSIBLE RESEARCH TOPICS

Topic: Protein-Controlled Hydrogen-Bond Networks and Environmental Effects in Active Centers of Organic Molecular Systems

Description: The project aims to investigate how protein environments and associated hydrogen-bond networks, including structured water molecules, control the structure and function of active centers involved in key biological processes. The study will focus on selected protein-based systems, such as DNA-cleaving enzymes (e.g. BcnI), proton-transfer proteins (e.g. bacteriorhodopsin), and photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes. Particular attention will be paid to the role of hydrogen-bond networks in substrate recognition, proton transfer pathways, and the modulation of photophysical properties of organic molecules. The influence of confined water molecules, protein-imposed conformational constraints, and hydrogen bonding to pigments (e.g. carotenoids) on reactivity, energy transfer, and photoprotection will be analysed. The project will employ quantum-chemical methods and computational modelling to elucidate how protein environments regulate hydrogen-bond networks and thereby determine biological function.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

• Supported fellows must be in possession of PhD at the call deadline (September 9, 2026).
• Have up to 8 years experience in research from the date of award of the doctoral degree at the call deadline.
• Fellows must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the beneficiary (for European Postdoctoral Fellowships), or the host organisation for the outgoing phase (for Global Postdoctoral Fellowships) for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the call deadline

Detailed information on the eligibility can be found on p. 81-83 of the MSCA Work Programme 2026-2027.

HOW TO APPLY?

• Contact the supervisor Dr. Mindaugas Mačernis (mindaugas.macernis@ff.vu.lt) directly to express your interest in making a joint application based on your research interests. Do not forget to provide the following documents (cc to research@cr.vu.lt):
  • curriculum vitae
  • list of publications
  • proposal summary
• Request a letter from your supervisor endorsing you as a candidate and send it to the Research Projects Office (research@cr.vu.lt).
• After receiving your supervisor’s endorsement, you can start preparing your MSCA PF project proposal. Please note that in order to prepare and submit your application on time (by September 9, 2026), you can seek support from VU Research Projects Office (research@cr.vu.lt).

For more information follow the link.