Application Specialist in Advanced Light Microscopy - Imaging Centre

Since its inauguration in 2021, the EMBL Imaging Centre (IC) has rapidly established itself as a world-leading user facility for cutting-edge light and electron microscopy (LM and EM). Its core mission is to provide researchers across EMBL's member states with open access to the most advanced imaging technologies, enabling investigations that span molecular, cellular, and organismal scales. By offering high-end instrumentation as well as completely new developments as reliable, expert-supported services, the EMBL Imaging Centre plays a central role in advancing pioneering life science research – positioning itself at the forefront of integrated life science infrastructure in Europe (for more information see ).With the EMBL Imaging Centre now fully operational and continuing to grow in scope, we are seeking new team members to join our team.The Advanced Light Microscopy Team led by Timo Zimmermann at the EMBL IC is looking for expert imaging professionals with a strong motivation for highest-level user service provision.

Areas of expertise may include but are not limited to super-resolution microscopy, non-linear microscopy, label-free imaging methods, cryo-fluorescence microscopy and correlative methods such as correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM).Other Positions Currently Open In The EMBL ICApplication specialist in advanced cryo-electron microscopyLab Manager IC servicesYour roleThe successful applicants will be part of an international, highly collaborative team comprising microscopy engineers, application specialists, image analysts and project managers having the mission of highest-level user service provision and workflow development.Key ResponsibilitiesSupporting users in all aspects of advanced light microscopy as well as correlative microscopy experiments: sample preparation, introduction to the imaging technology and auxiliary equipment, assistance and trouble-shooting during imaging and data collection, data management as well as data analysis.Setting-up, testing, and ensuring smooth running of the instrumentation, interacting with optical and service engineers and helping to maintain and develop the local infrastructure.Developing expertise across the technology and service portfolio of the light microscopy team, and staying up to date with the latest developments in the light microscopy field.Developing – in close collaboration with your team mates, microscope developers and industrial partners of the facility – novel imaging and image acquisition workflows tailored to highest level service provision and to the technology needs at the EMBL IC.Training of EMBL IC users as well as other imaging experts in instrument usage and newly developed workflows.Contributing to microscopy courses and workshops for the IC users and imaging community in general.You havePhD in the life sciences, physics, engineering or related disciplines.Proven experience in advanced light microscopy techniques, related image analysis and their application to biological questions. Those techniques may include, but are not limited to super-resolution microscopy, non-linear microscopy, label-free imaging methods, cryo-fluorescence microscopy and correlative imaging.Extensive experience in sample preparation and development of new applications for advanced light microscopy.Curiosity and strong motivation to become an imaging expert for a broad technology spectrum.Strong motivation to support and train users.Excellent communication and organisation skills.Ability to work creatively, rigorously and independently.Fluency in English.You may also haveExperience in user support in an imaging facility.Experience in organising and running imaging courses.Contract length3 yearsSalaryGrade 6, monthly salary from EUR 4.580,37 (after tax, and before 12.05% EMBL social security deductions) plus other paid benefitsHow to applyIn your online application, please submit a cover letter, a CV and the contact details of 3 referees. If you are applying to several positions please indicate that in your cover letter.We will conduct two rounds of interviews, first online during the weeks of 13 to 24 October, followed by onsite interviews in the week of 24 November.Further information about the position can be obtained from Timo Zimmermann ).Why join usEMBL 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 BenefitsFinancial 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 insurancesFlexible working arrangementsPrivate 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 holidaysRelocation package including installation grant (if applicable)Campus life: Free shuttle bus (select sites), on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and 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 allowancesBenefits 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 hereWhat else you need to knowInternational 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 strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ & individuals from all nationalities.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 Date06/10/2025