The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is Europe’s flagship research institution for the life sciences, bringing together over 110 independent research groups and service teams across six sites: Heidelberg (headquarters), Barcelona, Cambridge, Grenoble, Hamburg, and Rome. EMBL's mission is to conduct pioneering research in molecular biology, train scientists and students at all levels, provide critical services to the public and private sectors, develop innovative instruments and methods, and actively engage in technology transfer. As part of our ambitious EMBL Programme 2022–2026: Molecules to Ecosystems, we launched the Traversing European Coastlines (TREC) expedition, a flagship initiative, now in the post-expedition and samples analysis phase. Following the success of the first TREC expedition, we are expanding the TREC scope to include additional ecosystems, establishing time series at selected sites, and planning new expeditions under the broader Traversing Ecosystems (TREC) initiative. This exciting phase requires building new partnerships, coordinating international engagements, and organizing new groundbreaking expeditions. To continue and grow the TREC initiative, EMBL seeks for an Expedition Field Technician/Engineer to be part of the TREC core team. The successful candidate will be in charge of all activities related to the soil biome sampling, such as planning, preparation and execution of sampling, processing, registration and storage of samples. This position reports directly to the Head of Scientific Expeditions. Your role The Expedition Field Technician/Engineer will play a key role in the planning, coordination, and execution of sampling activities during the TREC expeditions. Your responsibilities will include: Leading the planning of soil sampling activities, including the selection of sampling sites, in collaboration with other biome leads, local partners, biome coordinators, and the Head of Scientific Expeditions. Reviewing, adapting and (if needed) developing protocols for the TREC sampling campaigns. Leading scouting missions to assess and validate sampling sites, including the collection of samples and environmental measurements. On-site coordination of the terrestrial sampling Overseeing and documenting all soil biome-related tasks from pre-sampling preparations through on-site activities, all the way to the post-sampling activities such as registration and storage of samples at the sample hub. Acting as the main point of contact for communication with sampling coordinators during the preparatory, active, and post-expedition phases. Train interns, volunteers and collaborators in TREC sampling protocols. Participating in communication, public engagement and outreach activities when required. You have Bsc or Msc (university or engineering school) in ecology, soil geochemistry, environmental sciences, or a related field at the time of joining. A solid scientific background and hands-on experience in soil and/or environmental sciences, including field sampling, measurements, and data analysis. Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills, especially in field conditions. Has vast experience in designing, planning and implementing land-based field work and environmental sampling at remote places; Excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as proficiency in English (both written and verbal); additional languages are considered a plus; Ability to adapt quickly to last minute changes during your job tasks; Work experience in supporting scientific activities (including planning and coordination of field work activities); A strong motivation to join a full-time position within a dynamic team, embedded in EMBL’s collaborative, interdisciplinary, and multicultural research environment. Flexibility and willingness to travel regularly (mainly within Europe) to coordinate sampling teams and support fieldwork operations during expeditions. Contract length: An initial contract of 2 years duration will be offered to the successful candidate. This can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review. Salary: Grade 5 (salary starting from 3.176,42 EUR monthly after tax, before ~12% EMBL social security dedcutions) Application Instructions: Please submit your structured CV along with a cover letter that reflects your own voice and motivation. We are genuinely interested in understanding why you see this as the right next step in your career and whether you are prepared to relocate to Barcelona. 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 (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 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 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 Date 03/08/2025