Find a Career in Life Sciences in Vilnius
Building on a tradition of innovation that includes Prof. Virginijus Šikšnys’ ground-breaking work in the field of CRISPR technology, Vilnius is fast becoming a life sciences hub. Working in Vilnius alongside world-famous professionals is sure to give your career in the life sciences a boost. The life sciences industry is a strategic priority for the Lithuanian Government and the Mayor of Vilnius. Prestigious life sciences institutions, colleagues who’ve worked on the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of the CRISP-Cas9 gene-editing tool, biotechnology companies, and clusters working on a growing number of R&D projects will help you achieve new heights in your career. The sector’s annual growth is one of the fastest in the EU. Moreover, the ecosystem is based on sharing collective know-how and working together to make new discoveries.
K29 | Photo by A. Didžgalvis
Academic Environment
Vilnius has a lot to offer for those following an academic path in the life sciences, including taking part in postdoctoral research or continuing your Ph.D. Vilnius University’s Life Sciences Centre is a key player in the field of life sciences – you can specialise in biotechnology, biochemistry, or biosciences with field-leading scientists as mentors. Your studies will be enhanced by the centre’s modern infrastructure and the opportunities you’ll have to cooperate with recognised international research institutions and business partners.
Also, the European Laboratory of Molecular Biology (EMBL) is opening a partnership institute at the LSC, providing new opportunities for Lithuania to contribute research and innovations in the life sciences at a global scale. The EMBL unit in Vilnius will develop and strengthen technology related to gene therapy, which was pioneered in part by VU LSC Prof. Šikšnys.
Photo by M. Longmire
The Life Sciences Ecosystem
- The research environment in Vilnius is well-developed and features open-access R&D centres and a Sunrise Valley that unites two universities, 20,000 students, 5,000 researchers, and innovative businesses to form a local ecosystem driving innovation and entrepreneurship.
- The Lithuanian Biotechnology Association unites 23 companies and scientific institutions, as well as 62 people to promote biotechnology and its wide applications.
- For more than 45 years, Vilnius University’s Institute of Biotechnology has been maintaining the highest scientific standards and making technological advancements in the broadly defined field of molecular biotechnology.
- Vilnius University’s Life Sciences Centre is an important boost for the field in the city. It has supported an increasing number of R&D projects carried out in collaboration with industry players, and various technologies developed and patented by research teams working out of the centre have gone on to be licensed by private companies.
- The Life Sciences Digital Innovation Hub Cluster serves as a platform for business-research partnerships and is dedicated to fostering digital innovation in the life sciences by bringing research, business and public sector institutions and organisations together.
- The Vilnius University Biotechnology Business Incubator provides access to modern infrastructure, R&D services and the highest quality professional consultations for small and medium enterprises working in the life sciences.
- Life Sciences Baltics is the main international forum in the Baltics for world-class biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device experts.
- The bespoke Santara Valley BioTech science valley is a dedicated to companies focused on BioTech, innovative medical technologies, molecular and bio pharmacy, and sustainable development.
- The European Laboratory of Molecular Biology (EMBL) is opening a partnership institute at the LSC. This partnership will provide new opportunities for Lithuania to contribute research and innovations in the life sciences at a global scale.
How can you boost your career?
There are more than 400 companies active in the life sciences industry in Vilnius, and more than 50 startups focused on the life sciences. You can see a few of them below.
What it’s like to live in Vilnius?
Beyond the exclusive career opportunities in Vilnius, the city also allows you to find a perfect work/life balance. Relocating is a smooth process – you will be joining a vibrant and welcoming local community and receive help to get the hang of Vilnius. Even though the city is almost 700 years old, it boasts all the benefits of a metropolis without the drawbacks of a large city. It’s compact, so you can get around easily – walk, ride a bike, take a scooter or use a car-sharing service for out-of-town trips. As one of Europe’s capitals with the most green spaces, you’ll be able to hike in forests right in the city centre or go for a run along the Neris River. And if you do become a local, you should know that residents of Vilnius score high on the Happiness Index.