Scientific Officer

We are looking for a highly motivated person with experience in molecular biology, C. elegans genetics, and imaging to join the Köhler research group at EMBL Heidelberg. 

The Köhler group combines genetics and quantitative imaging to study how chromatin is organised during meiosis to allow for the production of haploid gametes from diploid precursor cells.
Your role 

• Coordinate day-to-day laboratory activities and ensure smooth workflow.
• Train new lab members in both basic and advanced techniques.
• Support ongoing lab projects through close collaboration with team members.
• Develop, manage, and lead an independent research project aligned with the lab’s goals.

You have 

• A PhD degree in a relevant field.
• Expertise with handling C. elegans.
• Experience in molecular biology techniques.
• Experience in microscopy, including confocal microscopy and live imaging of e.g. C. elegans.
• Experience in both scientific project management and lab managment. 
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
   

Contract length: initial contract for 1 year, with the possibility of an extension depending on the extension of the group’s stay

Salary: salary grade 5 or 6 (monthly salary starting at €4.031 or € 4.580 after tax and before 12.99% EMBL social security deductions) + other paid benefits based on personal circumstances

Application instruction: Please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining why you believe this is the right position for you and whether you would be willing to relocate to Heidelberg.

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

06/04/2026