Job Details

Laboratory Officer

The Laboratory Officer contributes to the delivery of the Mahamid Group's research, technology development and training objectives by managing the experimental laboratory operations and providing specialist expertise. The role works closely with the Principal Investigator and Group members, and is responsible for effective operations through coordination of workflows, equipment, inventories, procurement, and other laboratory resources. The position also encompasses design and execution of experiments upon request of the Principal Investigator to support research within the Group and with its international collaborations. The Laboratory Officer participates in the establishment of new methods, troubleshooting complex technical issues, promoting reproducible research practices, and knowledge transfer. Operating with high degree of autonomy, the role anticipates operational requirements, resolves technical and logistical challenges, and contributes to organizational objectives through effective collaboration, communication, and decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, including dedicated instrumentation maintenance and resource planning in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
• Oversee responsible documentation of laboratory resources, inventories, and experimental protocols.
• Coordinate interventions with institutional and external technical, maintenance, and safety services, and act as the primary laboratory contact during operational or emergency situations.
• Support technical training and guidance to trainees, PhD fellows and postdoctoral researchers and collaborators.
• Develop and implement new experimental approaches to support reproducible and high-quality research.
• Facilitate and support collaborative activities with academic and industry partners.
• Oversee planning and organisation of key Group activities, including Group retreats, to support an effective and collaborative Group culture.
• Contribute to the Group's and EMBL's training activities and courses as a tutor.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

You have

• PhD qualification in biology, biophysics, biochemistry or related field.
• Research experience in a cutting-edge scientific environment.
• Strong knowledge of molecular biology and/or cell biology.
• Demonstrated experience in cryo-focused ion beam preparations and cryo-electron tomography of biological secimens.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to manage competing priorities and delivering outcomes with a high degree of autonomy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with excellent written and spoken English.

You may also have

• Postdoctoral research experience in relevant disciplines, or experience in a similar laboratory management or coordination role.
• Expertise in fluorescence microscopy, correlative cryogenic light and electron microscopy, quantitative image analysis and/or cryo-electron tomography data processing.
• Experience working in an international or multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in German.

Important Application Information

We strongly encourage early applications. Please submit a cover letter and CV as a combined PDF, in that order. Include the names and contact details of 2-3 references. Pre-screen interviews will be conducted, with promising candidates invited to a full interview onsite at EMBL Heidelberg in September/October 2026. References will be contacted for support letters during the pre-screening phase.

Salary and Contract Guidance

Grade 5 or Grade 6 (depending on experience) with a monthly salary starting from 4.147,92 EUR net of tax, excluding health insurance and pension contributions, plus additional EMBL benefits. Contract Duration is 3 years, with possibility for renewal, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.

Why Join Us

EMBL is curiosity-driven, community-oriented and international. As an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, we believe that diversity enables us to collaborate more effectively and be innovative in our approaches. We are, therefore, committed to creating an inclusive and flexible culture - one where everyone can realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to our organisation.

We encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing team – we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and personal experiences reflect the diversity of the populations that our science serves. We actively encourage applications from all genders and cultures, ethnic groups and all demographics to help us avoid perpetuating biases and oversights at this transformational point in our people strategy.

Enjoy Lots of Benefits

• Financial incentives: Salary free of income tax, Monthly family, child and non-resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
• Flexible working arrangements
• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition to public holidays
• Relocation package including installation grant (if applicable)
• Campus life: Free shuttle bus (Heidelberg), library, subsidised on-site cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
• Family benefits: Kindergarten (Heidelberg), 10 days of child sick leave, generous paid maternity/parental leave and monthly family & child allowances
• Benefits for international newcomers: Visa exemption, education grant for private schooling, financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly non-resident allowance.
• For detailed information please visit our employee benefits page here

What Else You Need to Know

• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Visit our International Applicants page, to find out more.
• EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here.
• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.
• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date

31/08/2026