Senior Principal Investigator, Junior Principal Investigator, and Postdoctoral Positions

Cluster hire of PIs and postdocs in the fields of evolution, biodiversity conservation and ecology, genetics, neuroscience, brain-computer interface, human disease mechanisms and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences and Computational Sciences.

About the KIZ

The Kunming Institute of Zoology (KIZ) is part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Located at the head of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, KIZ is dedicated to research in the fields of evolution, genetics, human disease mechanisms, ecology, and biodiversity conservation.

KIZ provides a fertile environment for scientific innovation and vibrant interactions, offering competitive remuneration packages and high-quality training programs for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The Institute currently has 43 research groups and attracts postgraduate students from around the world. It is home to several major research platforms, including the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, the National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genotypic Analysis of Model Animals (our primate facility), and the Kunming National High-level Biosafety Primate Research Centre (Level-3 Lab). For more information, see www.kiz.ac.cn or english.kiz.ac.cn.

KIZ welcomes applications for (1) Senior Principal Investigators, (2) Junior Principal Investigators, and (3) Postdoctoral Fellows from interested individuals of all nationalities and ethnicities.

Position Details

1. Senior Principal Investigators (Level 3)

To lead large research teams that tackle high-risk/high-reward questions in one or more of the research fields listed above.

Qualifications:

• Candidates should have made significant contributions in one or more of the research fields listed above.
• Candidates should have shown the ability to independently fund and lead a research team.
• Candidates should have demonstrated a high degree of scientific integrity and interest in collaborative research.

Support:

Senior PIs will receive full support from KIZ to establish a research team of research technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. In addition, KIZ will provide excellent research facilities, attractive start-up funding, and competitive salary, benefits, and housing subsidy.

2. Junior Principal Investigators (Level 4)

To establish independent research programs in one or more of the research fields listed above.

Qualifications:

• Candidates should have a PhD degree in a relevant field.
• Candidates should have excellent scholastic achievements and exhibit the potential to develop into an independent scientist.
• Candidates should demonstrate a strong team spirit and a high degree of scientific integrity.

Support:

Junior PIs will be supported with the resources necessary to establish an independent research programme, including start-up funds, laboratory space, and a salary and benefits, including a housing subsidy. A mentorship committee of three senior PIs will provide guidance in research direction and laboratory management.

3. Postdoctoral Fellows

To join one of the well-funded research laboratories in KIZ, contributing your expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, molecular and cell biology, ecology, bioinformatics, and/or statistics.

Qualifications:

• Candidates should have a PhD degree in a relevant field.
• Candidates should demonstrate promising scholastic achievements, commitment to a high degree of scientific integrity, and be ambitious and self-motivated.
• Candidates should have the ability to work both independently and as a team member and are encouraged to carry out independent research projects.

Salary description

Salaries for Senior and Junior PIs will be competitive with the international market, depending on experience and achievement level. Salaries for postdoctoral fellows will be commensurate with salary levels in China.

How to Apply (send to [email protected])

1. Cover letter (please specify your target position) 
2. CV (include birthdate, nationality, and full publication list)
3. Research proposal (3 pages outlining your vision and alignment with KIZ’s research foci)
4. Contact information for 3 references

Deadline: We will begin assessing applications on 12 September 2025.

Explore: www.kiz.ac.cn