Senior Programme Officer, EMBO Young Investigator Network

EMBL’s headquarters and host to five research units and scientific core facilities.

EMBO is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the life sciences in Europe and beyond. We fund talented researchers at all career stages, facilitate scientific exchanges through high-quality academic publishing, conferences, and lectures, and foster a research environment where scientists can achieve their best work.

Our diverse international team of approximately 60 members hails from various countries, personal backgrounds, and professional fields, collaborating closely to further our mission. EMBO is located on the international EMBL life sciences research campus in Heidelberg, Germany.

Your role

As a Senior Programme Officer, you will join the EMBO Young Investigator Network team, which runs the EMBO Young Investigator Programme and Installation Grants scheme. These unique schemes annually provide roughly 35 talented research group leaders in the life sciences across Europe with financial awards as well as networking benefits. Awardees join a vibrant community of cutting-edge scientists comprising over 700 current and former grantees.

This is a role for a well-rounded life scientist trained to PhD level with previous experience in research administration. While your main task is ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the programmes, you will also play a key strategic role in the further development of the schemes.

Reporting to the Head of the Young Investigator Network, you will work closely with the Programme Officer and the Programme Assistant for the Young Investigator Network, and liaise with the Programme Officer for Global Activities.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Coordinate the application and selection processes for the EMBO Young Investigator Programme and EMBO Installation Grants scheme. This includes creating and maintaining documentation for applicants and the applicant portal, liaison with applicants and the selection committees, assignment of reviewers, preparation of committee meetings and implementation of decisions;
• Work closely with the Global Investigator Network;
• Help develop and implement benefits available to awardees, including mentoring schemes and networking funds;
• Co-supervision of the Programme Assistant for the Young Investigator Network;
• Plan and coordinate the annual Young Investigator Network meeting, sectoral meetings, retreats, and courses, including responsibility for the scientific and training programme, selecting and inviting speakers, overseeing logistics, and advising co-organizers where necessary;
• Deputize for the Programme Officer, Global Activities.

The role requires occasional travel and work outside normal working hours, including weekends.

Minimum Requirements:

• A PhD in molecular biology or a related field of the life sciences and the ability to understand a broad range of life science-related topics;
• An in-depth understanding of international career paths in the life sciences;
• Relevant experience in science management and administration;
• Outstanding organizational and hands-on problem-solving skills;
• The ability to prioritize and manage concurrent tasks to a high standard, even under pressure;
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to grasp complex topics quickly;
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• An affinity for technical solutions and excellent skills in:

• MS Office, including Excel skills and the Office 365 environment;
• Experience with databases (we currently use FileMaker Pro);

You might also have

• Familiarity with software and tools, including:

• LaTeX, Adobe Suite (Acrobat, InDesign, knowledge of Adobe Illustrator);
• Content Management Systems such as WordPress;
• Online platforms for events and networking (SpatialChat, Engagez, Zoom Software, WonderMe, or similar), project management tools (Asana or similar);

Promote the life sciences

At EMBO, you can contribute significantly to the advancement of life sciences in Europe and beyond. Your work will enable talented scientists to do great research and create an environment that enables their success.

Join a professional working environment

EMBO values diversity and is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer. We cultivate a work environment where employees are valued and empowered to excel professionally.

Our offices are located on the EMBL campus in Heidelberg, Germany, which is home to over 1,000 employees from around the world. The campus has an on-site nursery, subsidized canteen and cafeteria, as well as clubs for social activities and sports.

Heidelberg, with a population of around 160,000 people, is an international university city and research hub. It is attractively located between the Rhine River and the Odenwald, a low mountain range that offers a wide range of outdoor activities. The city has good national and international travel connections.

Enjoy attractive employee benefits

EMBO provides competitive compensation and benefits suitable for an international research organization, including:

• Competitive salary with transparent annual reviews
• Family and child allowances
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for you and your immediate family
• Retirement benefits, accident insurance, death benefits, and unemployment insurance
• Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options
• 30 days of paid annual leave plus public holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and training, as well as subsidized language courses for integration purposes (depending on eligibility criteria)
• Depending on eligibility criteria: non-resident allowance, education grant, home leave, travel grant, and relocation package, including installation grant.

What else you need to know

EMBO offers a fixed-term contract of five years for this position, issued through the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). Contracts can be extended up to a maximum of nine years in total, subject to circumstances at the time of the review.

International applicants

EMBO and EMBL welcome applications from candidates worldwide. Due to EMBL’s intergovernmental status, a working visa is not required. However, depending on your nationality, an entry visa may be necessary. Once in Germany, we will assist you with registration and documentation processes, and you will receive a special permit (Sonderausweis), allowing you to work at EMBO, live in Germany and travel within the Schengen area. Family members accompanying you will also receive necessary permits.

How to apply

Please apply online through Your application should include a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact details of two or three referees. Candidates selected for interviews will usually be notified within 2 weeks of the closing date. The interview process includes an in-person panel assessment day for shortlisted candidates, along with a technical task.

In-person interviews will take place in mid-January.

EMBO is committed to implementing best practices in research assessment, as reflected in our recruitment processes. We are a founding member of DORA and a member of CoARA, the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment.

Join a community of world-class researchers and skilled professionals working together to uncover the secrets of life. We offer attractive conditions and benefits to attract and retain the brightest talent.

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory is a single organisation spread across six European sites. Each site hosts its own research units, services, and facilities.

We conduct world-class excellent biological research, provide training for students and scientists, and provide state-of-the-art technologies for a wide range of scientific and experimental services.

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