The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is hiring a Laboratory Officer to join its Genome Biology Unit in Heidelberg, Germany. The role offers a salary starting from €4,147.92/month after tax, a 3-year contract renewable up to 9 years, and an extensive benefits package. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed this listing for accuracy and completeness.
About EMBL and the Genome Biology Unit
EMBL is one of the highest ranked scientific research organisations in the world. Its Headquarters Laboratory is located in Heidelberg, Germany, with additional sites in Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton near Cambridge (UK), Monterotondo near Rome (Italy) and Barcelona (Spain).
The position is based at the Heidelberg site, within the Genome Biology Unit. The successful candidate will join Dr. Arnaud Krebs's group, which develops and applies genomics technologies to understand the basic mechanisms regulating gene expression in higher eukaryotes. The group works in an interdisciplinary manner across diverse projects, integrating experimental and computational biology approaches.
Primary Responsibilities
🔬 Coordinate day-to-day laboratory activities, ensure the smooth running of experiments, and provide hands-on technical support to research projects
🛠️ Assist lab members with experiments, troubleshooting and protocol optimisation
📊 Coordinate quality control and benchmarking of key reagents; contribute to the implementation and evaluation of new tools, reagents and experimental workflows, particularly in next-generation sequencing and other high-throughput technologies
📦 Manage laboratory stocks, budgets, equipment and resources
🗂️ Maintain laboratory organisation
🎓 Train new group members; teach and mentor students and visitors
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Required Qualifications
🎓 Master's or PhD degree in life science
🧪 Proven experience in the day-to-day management and operations of a laboratory
🔬 Expertise in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture
📋 Excellent organisational skills, ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes with a high degree of autonomy
🗣️ Proficiency in spoken and written English
What Gives You an Edge
🧬 Prior experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a plus
🌐 Experience working in an international or multicultural environment
Salary and Contract
💶 Starting salary: €4,147.92/month after tax (Grade 5), plus generous benefits and financial allowances based on individual circumstances
📌 Note: the figures above exclude the 12.99% personal pension and insurance contributions
📅 Contract length: 3 years, renewable for up to 9 years
🗓️ Onsite interviews are foreseen to take place during the week of 07 December 2026
Financial Benefits
💴 Salary free of income tax
💰 Monthly family, child and non-resident allowances
📈 Annual salary review
🏦 Pension scheme, death benefit, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
Health, Leave and Flexibility
🏥 Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family, including all prescriptions and generous dental and optical cover
🌴 30 days annual leave per year, in addition to public holidays
⏰ Flexible working arrangements
🚚 Relocation package including installation grant (conditions apply)
Family Benefits and Campus Life
👶 Kindergarten on the Heidelberg campus
🤒 10 days of child sick leave
🤱 Generous paid maternity and parental leave, plus monthly family and child allowances
☕ On-site cafeteria, library and casual dress code
🏃 Extensive sports and social club activities, available both on campus and remotely
Benefits for International Newcomers
🛂 Visa exemption for successful international candidates
🏫 Education grant for private schooling
✈️ Financial support to travel back to your home country every second year
📍 Monthly non-resident allowance
What Else You Need to Know
🔍 EMBL recruits internationally; successful candidates are offered visa exemptions — visit EMBL's International Applicants page for details
📄 EMBL is a signatory of DORA; find out how DORA principles are applied to recruitment and performance assessment processes on EMBL's website
🤝 EMBL is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and flexible culture, encouraging applications from all genders, identities, nationalities and diverse backgrounds
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter and a CV through EMBL's online application system. Applications close at 23:59 CET on the closing date. EMBL aims to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for this EMBL Laboratory Officer position?
The position is graded at Grade 5 with a starting salary of €4,147.92/month after tax. This figure excludes the 12.99% personal pension and insurance contributions. The salary is free of income tax, which is a significant benefit of EMBL's intergovernmental status.
How long is the contract?
The initial contract is 3 years. It is renewable for up to 9 years total.
What academic background is required?
A Master's or PhD degree in life science is required. Expertise in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture is also a core requirement.
Is NGS experience required?
NGS experience is listed as a plus rather than a strict requirement. The core requirements are a life science degree, lab management experience, molecular biology expertise and English proficiency.
When are interviews expected to take place?
Onsite interviews are foreseen to take place during the week of 07 December 2026.
What documents do I need to apply?
You need to submit a cover letter and a CV through EMBL's online application system.
Is relocation support available?
Yes. EMBL offers a relocation package including an installation grant (conditions apply), as well as visa exemption for international hires and a monthly non-resident allowance.
Deadline
⏳ 23 November 2026
