The Lithuanian Institute of History is announcing a competition for the position of principal investigator under the programme "My First Research Team". The programme is funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania (Progress Measure No. 12-003-03-06-01 "Increasing the attractiveness of a career in research and promoting brain circulation – My First Research Team").

We are looking for ambitious candidates who want to lead a research project aimed at creating an artificial intelligence ecosystem for working with 18th-century Lithuanian historical sources. The project gives early-career researchers the opportunity to assemble and lead their own research team, develop research and experimental development (R&D) activities, achieve the planned research results, engage in international cooperation and pursue an independent research career. Participation in this programme is considered an important step at the beginning of a researcher's career.

Call overview

Position: Principal Investigator (PI)

Qualifications: Doctorate degree obtained within the last 7 years (counting from the deadline for submitting applications; this period does not include pregnancy and maternity leave, paternity leave or childcare leave, long-term sick leave)

Duration of employment: Fixed-term 36-month project contract; start date no later than 1 September 2026.

Workload: Full-time, hybrid working pattern

Salary: 3,398.22 euros per month (gross).

Qualification requirements

Candidates must hold a doctoral degree and demonstrate significant scientific achievements, leadership potential and relevant research experience. The ability to disseminate research results through academic publications and scientific events is essential for the position. A high level of computer literacy is required, and experience working with artificial intelligence technologies is considered an advantage.

Additional requirements:

• excellent knowledge of Polish and knowledge of early modern Polish paleography;
• knowledge of the Lithuanian language at a level not lower than B1.

Candidates who have previously been principal investigators in projects funded by the Research Coucil of Lithuania under the following measures and/or programmes are not eligible to participate in the selection process:

1. 2014–2020 ESF Operational Programme Measure 01.2.2-LMT-K-718 "Targeted research in the field of smart specialisation";
2. 2014–2020 ESIF Action Programme Measure 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 "Development of scientific competence of scientists, other researchers and students through practical scientific activities", except for measures to promote scientific activities of students and post-doctoral internships;
3. Projects by groups of scientists;
4. The 2016–2024 National Programme for Lithuanian Studies and Dissemination;
5. Short-term research in the fields of health and education;
6. National science programmes: Welfare Society, Healthy Ageing, Sustainability of Agro-, Forest and Water Ecosystems, Towards Future Technologies, Modernity in Lithuania;
7. Competitive priority research programmes: Welfare Society, Strengthening Society's Resilience and Crisis Management in the Context of Contemporary Geopolitical Events;
8. Special programme for the development of information technology science and the knowledge society;
9. Projects implemented under bilateral and multilateral international agreements (treaties): Lithuania–Taiwan projects, Baltic Research Programme, Lithuania–Poland projects;
10. 2022–2030 Development Programme Manager Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania Science Development Programme Progress Measure No. 12-001-01-02-01 "Strengthening Innovation Ecosystems in Science Centres" Annex 13 to the description Project implemented (applies to scientific directors of applied competence centres, thematic directors leading research teams, and their proposed teams that will carry out R&D projects in accordance with the internal procedures of the relevant partner institution).

Submission of applications

Applications should be sent by email to atranka@istorija.lt The application must include the following documents:

1. A completed application form in Lithuanian (the form can be downloaded);
2. Curriculum vitae (CV) in narrative (functional) format in Lithuanian or English, highlighting scholarly achievements and their impact;
3. A free-form list of works (publications, conference presentations, participation in projects, leadership experience, etc.);
4. A letter of motivation in Lithuanian or English;
5. Copy of doctoral degree diploma;
6. Certificate of maternity, paternity or childcare leave (if applicable);
7. Certificate of long-term incapacity for work (if applicable).

Application deadline: 16 February 2026, 23:59 (CET+1)
Email subject line: "My First Research Team - Application"

For questions regarding the call and the application process, please contact: mindaugas.sapoka@istorija.lt

Selection process

The evaluation will be based on clear, transparent, objective and non-discriminatory criteria, ensuring equal treatment of all candidates. The selection process consists of three stages:

1. Administrative compliance check;
2. Evaluation of the content of applications;
3. Interviews with selected candidates.

Applications that pass the administrative check will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Experience in carrying out R&D activities;
• Experience in organising and managing R&D activities;
• Experience in disseminating R&D results and ability to predict their impact on society, science and policy;
• Expert and consulting activities;
• Awards, prizes and other recognitions;
• Participation in the study process (teaching activities);
• Other significant academic, scientific or professional activities.

Interviews with selected candidates will take place at the end of February and will be conducted in Lithuanian. During the interview, the selection committee may assess the candidates' knowledge of Polish and their skills in Polish palaeography.

Applicants' personal data will be processed in accordance with applicable personal data protection legislation and will be used only for the purposes of administering and evaluating the call.