Are you ready to lead groundbreaking research in Genome Biology? Join us at EMBL!
We are seeking a motivated scientist to lead an independent research group addressing exciting and original biological questions in the broad area of genome biology.
About us
The Genome Biology Unit at EMBL invites original scientists to establish and lead their independent research group to explore bold, high-impact questions in genome biology. Our Unit is at the forefront of understanding how molecular information (DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites) is regulated, integrated, and reshaped within cellular and organismal systems across diverse biological contexts. Using a blend of cutting-edge experimental and computational approaches, we strive to decode and model complex biological processes—from single-cell dynamics to ecosystem-level interactions.
Here, you’ll join a vibrant, interdisciplinary community where collaboration and innovation are nurtured. Discover more about our dynamic research environment on the Genome Biology webpage and explore our current research groups.
Scientific context and strategic fit
EMBL’s long-term scientific direction includes applying experimental, computational and theoretical approaches to study how cells and organisms interact with each other and respond to change at multiple levels (molecules, cells, tissues and populations). These themes are embedded in the research within the Genome Biology Unit and we are interested in hosting scientists that can enhance and extend these research areas in creative innovative ways.
We welcome original and ambitious proposals that use or develop cutting-edge experimental or computational methods to investigate complex molecular processes underlying phenotypic changes.
Research areas include (but are not limited to):
* Large-scale genome engineering,
* Genome editing tools,
* Regulatory mechanisms,
* Synthetic genomics,
* Genotype-to-phenotype & genomic-environment interactions,
* Metabolism,
* Single cell and spatial omics development
* Deep learning-enabled modeling of complex molecular processes
or other areas that complement and extend research within the Unit.
Your role
As a Group Leader, you will:
* Lead an independent research group to pursue exciting, ambitious and original research in the broad domain of genome biology.
* Create an innovative research program developing or utilizing cutting-edge technologies to address important biological questions from a unique standpoint.
* Bring your perspective and unique vision to science in a collaborative, interdisciplinary and highly international environment, where your research can flourish.
Your profile
You should have an exciting research plan with original goals for your future team. You should have an excellent track record during your PhD and Post-doc in genome biology and life sciences (or related fields). Candidates with a background in computer science, engineering, physics, (bio)informatics/mathematics, who are excited by the complexity of molecular processes are also encouraged to apply. You are dedicated to developing positive relationships and providing leadership and guidance to team members. Your research will synergize with the activities in the Genome Biology Unit and will leverage and contribute to ongoing research across EMBL.
Key competencies
* Scientific Excellence and Vision – you have the potential to develop groundbreaking ideas and contribute to shaping the future of their field.
* Original and Innovative Thinking – you are curious and intellectually creative to approach important research questions from new and original perspectives.
* Collaborative Mindset – you are eager to engage with a diverse community of researchers, willing to step outside of your comfort zone, and open to interdisciplinary exchange.
* Mentoring Skills – you are dedicated to nurture and inspire the next generation of scientific leaders in Genome Biology.
* Leadership Potential and Management Skills – you are ready and committed to grow into a leadership role, including learning how to efficiently manage and inspire a research team, adapting strategic planning, coordination, and an environment that fosters inclusiveness.
Why EMBL is an excellent environment for You as a Group Leader
EMBL typically appoints group leaders early in their career and provides everything you need to support this transition to your first independent position to achieve your research goals.
EMBL group leaders benefit from:
* Core Funding : Focus on your research with generous, reliable core funding throughout your time at EMBL. The offer includes a competitive yearly research package with funding for both salaries and consumable, core-funded Ph.D. students from an excellent international Ph.D. program, and access to a number of co-funded postdoctoral fellow programs .
* World-Class Resources: Access to world-leading core facilities that enable you to quickly establish and advance your research program.
* Collaborative, Interdisciplinary Environment: Thrive within a network of over 110 independent research groups and service teams across our six sites, covering a broad spectrum of topics in life sciences. EMBL fosters and supports creative, interdisciplinary and collaborative research.
* Creative Freedom: Enjoy the autonomy and resources to push the boundaries of your research.
* Well-connected Scientific Hub: Be part of EMBL Heidelberg, embedded in a thriving research environment with partnerships to world-leading institutions and cross-institutional initiatives.
* Networking & Visibility: Engage with hundreds of world-leading scientists coming for each of the over 30 international conferences hosted annually at EMBL’s advanced training centre.
* Global Excellence: Join a top-ranked research institute promoting discovery-driven science in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Online interviews will be conducted on 13th and 14th of October
Onsite interviews are planned for 4th and 5th December 2025
Contract length: 5 years, renewable to a maximum of 9 years
Salary : Grade 9, monthly salary from EUR 6.659,04 (after tax, and before 12.05% EMBL social security deductions) plus other paid benefits
Further information on Group Leader appointments can be found here:
If you would like more information about the position, if procedural please contact recruitment@embl.org, if on research please contact Eileen Furlong eileen.furlong@embl.de, Head of Genome Biology Unit.
How to apply
Before applying, please read full application instructions here .
You should submit an exciting research plan with original and ambitious goals for your future team (maximum 4 pages). In your online application, you will be asked to include a cover letter, your CV, the names and contact details of 2 referees and a concise description of research interests & future research plans, highlighting your unique vision (up to four pages). Letters of recommendation should be submitted by the referees by or shortly after the application deadline.
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, 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 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 only), 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.
* 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
19/09/2025