Scientific Training Officer (maternity cover)

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of early-career scientists globally and to work within one of Europe's leading life sciences research organizations. As a staff member of the EMBL International Centre for Advanced Training (EICAT), your role is pivotal in contributing to the organization's training mission. Working within a dynamic team, you will be responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of scientific practical courses, leveraging your scientific training and organizational skills. In the run-up to some courses, weekend work may be necessary which is compensated by time-off or overtime pay. You will work in a team with two scientific training officers. You will report to the External Scientific Courses Programme Lead. The role is based on-site at EMBL Heidelberg in Germany and while full participation onsite to deliver courses is mandatory, hybrid working options are possible between events in agreement with your line manager.

Your role 

Course Operations (in collaboration with your course team colleagues):

Collaborate with course organisers to plan wet lab and computer training practicals.

Prepare protocol booklets.

Assess the practicality and logistics of implementing course activities.

Collaborate closely with course organizers, trainers, and tutors and other users to facilitate smooth lab activities.

Support supplier relationships if needed. In particular: Coordinate/assist the delivery, installation, and uninstallation of course-specific training/demo equipment and reagents.  Assist with the negotiation of in-kind sponsorship with companies.

Coordinate with the IT team for set up of computational practicals/courses and the Core Facilities for access and use of equipment and training for wet lab practicals.

Assist course organizers and trainers in managing pre-course work and course content through EMBL’s learning management system (EMBLeCampus), ensuring participants have access to necessary materials. (Training will be provided).

Training Lab Operations:

Manage inventory and equipment in the training lab, ensuring supplies are well-stocked and equipment is in optimal condition.
Ensure adherence to access guidelines, booking procedures, and safety protocols in the training laboratory for all users, while participating the implementing and advancement of sustainability measures in accordance with awarded LEAF certification.

Assist with monitoring and planning the training lab budget.

Ad-hoc Support and Collaboration:

Provide support to senior team members on ad-hoc tasks as needed.

Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, sponsors, suppliers, and co-trainers.

Foster positive working relationships with EMBL staff, including but not limited to Internal Training, IT, Purchasing, Finance, Health & Safety, Facility Management, Core Facilities, and Science Education and Public Engagement (SEPE).

You have 

• A MSc or PhD degree in the molecular life sciences or a technical school degree (BTA/CTA/PTA) with relevant research or professional experience in academia or industry.

• Proficiency in a broad portfolio of wet lab molecular biology techniques, especially cell culture work.

• Basic computational skills or a willingness to support computer training laboratory setup for courses.

• Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to meeting deadlines.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, initiative and a problem-solving attitude are required.

• Willingness to learn and progressively assume responsibilities.

• Open-minded, friendly, and collaborative mindset when interacting with various stakeholders.

• Team-player

• Excellent professional fluency in English

You may also have

• Advanced computational data analysis experience.

• A good level in German would be advantageous.

• Previous experience with e-learning or learning management systems (e.g. Moodle).

• Project management tools for progress tracking

Contract length:

1 year

Salary:

Grade 04 - 06 depending on experience (supernumerary) 

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.

Campus life & benefits:

• Attractive income tax free salary and full inclusion in the national system including related benefits

• Flexible working arrangements - including hybrid working patterns 

• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition to public holidays

• 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: On-site Kindergarten (Heidelberg), maternity leave and holiday clubs on campus

What else you need to know

• 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 shown below.

Closing Date

22/04/2026