About ComARCComARC (International Competence Centre for Autonomous, Remotely Operated and Connected Systems) is a new international R&D centre jointly established by VILNIUS TECH and Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), with Fraunhofer FKIE (Germany) as the lead international partner. The Centre shall focus on applied research and innovation for next-generation autonomous, remotely operated and interconnected air, ground and maritime systems. Its mission is to build a world-class research hub capable of delivering high-impact, dual-use technologies, components and design solutions for uncrewed autonomous platforms and their applications. The Centre will also support industrial innovation through the establishment of Sandbox environment for prototyping and testing autonomous platforms.
The Three Principal Scientist Positions
Each Principal Scientist will lead one thematic research group:
- Electronic & RF Systems and Embedded AI Applications
Research may include topics such as electronic & RF systems design, embedded systems, perception, autonomy algorithms, AI/ML for edge and swarm systems, communication links, cybersecurity and trusted autonomy. - Microsystems, Components and Advanced Materials
Research may include topics such as advanced sensors, micro- and nano-systems, specialised components, advanced materials, structures, energy systems and integration technologies for autonomous platforms. - Uncrewed Platform Designs for Air, Ground, and Sea Domains
Research spans innovative design solutions of mobility platforms for air, land and sea, remote operation technologies, human–machine teaming, platform dynamics, mission systems and applied demonstrators in Sandbox environment to be created at ComARC.
Each Principal Scientist will have to assume a full-time position with residence at VILNIUS TECH campus in Vilnius, Lithuania. They will oversee an approximately €2.5 million, three-year budget for a research group of about 15 researchers, define the group’s research priorities, lead the recruitment of researchers and doctoral students, and initiate competitive R&D project applications.
Candidate Qualification Requirements
Candidates should hold a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or another field aligned with the thematic scope of the respective research group. They are expected to meet the university’s Senior Scientist qualification benchmarks, including:
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A strong publication record — typically ≥15 papers in WoS SCIE/SSCI-indexed journals, with at least 7 published within the past 5 years.
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Experience in supervising early-career researchers (PhD candidates, postdocs) and/or leading R&D projects and teams.
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A proven ability to attract external research funding and experience in coordinating international research consortia would be an advantage.
Applicants with equivalent research achievements may also be considered.
Selection Process
The selection process is open for candidates from around the world and will follow a three-stage procedure:
- Qualification Screening – evaluation of CVs and research portfolios; 3–4 candidates per position will be invited to interview.
- Online Interview – assessment of scientific excellence, leadership potential, and project management experience.
- On-site Meeting in Vilnius – presentation of research vision; meetings with university administration, faculty and ComARC partner representatives. Travel costs for finalists will be reimbursed.
All applicants will receive written feedback. Finalists recommended by the Selection Committee will be offered a three-year fixed-term contract, with a possibility of extension.
Salary and Benefits
- Base gross annual salary of 110,000 Euro, inclusive of two months of paid annual leave.
- Research funding and operational support through VILNIUS TECH and ComARC facilities.
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Possibility of holding a Professor or Associate Professor position and title with teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels and PhD supervision rights; teaching activities would be compensated through additional salary supplements.
- Practical assistance with immigration procedures and settling in Vilnius, eligibility for state relocation grant of 4255 Eur.
- Residence in a lively European capital of human dimensions, where countless cultural and recreation amenities, green spaces, and everyday services come with a lower cost of living than in most Western countries.
How to apply
Please send a single PDF (maximum 10 pages) containing your CV and a research portfolio summarising your most important publications, research projects, leadership roles, and experience in supervising early-career researchers to ComARC@vilniustech.lt.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis from January 2026 until all positions are filled.