Research Technician

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is Europe’s life sciences laboratory – an intergovernmental organisation with more than 110 independent research groups and teams at the forefront in the development of cutting-edge technologies and services to the scientific community. It operates across six sites in Heidelberg (headquarters), Barcelona, Cambridge, Grenoble, Hamburg and Rome. Our mission is to perform basic research in molecular biology; train scientists, students and visitors at all levels; offer vital services to scientists in the public and private sectors within the member states; develop new instruments and methods; and engage actively in technology transfer.

We are looking for a highly motivated person with experience in molecular biology, microbiology, bacterial genetics, genomic sample preparation and/or analytical chemistry (metabolomics), to join the Zimmermann-Kogadeeva research group at EMBL Heidelberg.

The Zimmermann-Kogadeeva group combines experimental and computational approaches to investigate the metabolic interactions in gut microbial communities and between the gut microbiota and the host. The ongoing projects focus on investigating metabolic capacities in single gut bacteria, as well as synthetic and native gut communities using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, bacterial genetics, biochemical assays and DNA/RNA-sequencing technologies.

Your role 

• Collaborating with researchers at the interface of experimental microbiology, analytical sciences, and computational biology/bioinformatics.
• Working on different aspects of experimental lab support, from managing routine lab operations (ordering, inventory, instrument maintenance) to performing high-throughout screens to investigate metabolic capacities of individual bacteria and metabolic interactions in microbial communities, on your own or in collaboration with the other lab members.
• Developing and optimising experimental procedures and methods within the scope of ongoing projects.

You have 

• A Degree (Diploma, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree) or advanced Degree in a relevant field (including PhDs - salary will be commensurate with experience).
• Expertise in Microbiology approaches (culture bacteria, isolate strains, genetic manipulations).
• Experience in molecular biology protocols (e.g. cloning protocols, DNA and RNA extraction, primer design, PCR).
• Experience in Biochemistry protocols (protein purification and analysis, enzyme assays).
• Generally good laboratory practice and stringent documentation compliance.
• High motivation, proactive personality, independence and solution-oriented approach.
• Strong organisation, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

You may also have

• Expertise in anaerobic microbiology.
• Experience in microbiome research (library preparation for 16S rRNA sequencing/shotgun metagenomics and metatranscriptomics).
• Experience in metabolomics/proteomics/lipidomics based on HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS measurements.
• Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g. Excel, Prism, R).

Contract length:

3 years

Salary:

Grade 4 or 5 (monthly salary starting at €3.704,83 or €4.031,02 after tax and before 12.99% EMBL social security deductions) + other paid benefits based on personal circumstances

Application process:

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.

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

16/04/2026