Are you ready to lead groundbreaking research in Molecular Systems Biology? Join us at EMBL!
We are seeking a motivated scientist to lead an independent research group, addressing original biological questions in the broad area of molecular systems biology.
About us
The Molecular Systems Biology Unit at EMBL invites talented scientists to establish their independent research group and explore bold and important questions in relevant thematic areas, including but not restricted to: integrative structural biology, whole-cell modelling and/or ML/AI-driven approaches to model macromolecular function and cellular organization, structural bioinformatics, protein design, synthetic biology, chemical biology approaches to manipulate and engineer biological systems, high-throughput biochemistry, in situ or large-scale genome engineering, and data-driven biology.
Our Unit is at the forefront of understanding molecular structure, organization and function at a systematic level. We employ a suite of cutting-edge structural, computational and systems biology approaches, including combining high throughput perturbations (genetics and chemical) to multi-modal readouts (cellular and omics), to gain quantitative and mechanistic insights into how complex biological processes operate and coordinate in the context of cells, organisms and communities and across temporal, spatial and evolutionary scales. Within this framework, a wide variety of biological contexts and processes are studied. Here you will join a vibrant and interdisciplinary community where collaboration and innovation are fostered. Discover more about the Unit and the research conducted by the different groups in our webpage .
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 molecular systems biology.
* Bring your perspective and unique vision to science in an intellectually stimulating, collaborative, interdisciplinary and highly international environment, where your research can flourish.
* Create an innovative research program developing or utilizing cutting-edge technologies to address important biological questions from a unique standpoint.
Your profile
You have an excellent Ph.D. and postdoctoral track record in the natural or life sciences, with an interest in the broader field of molecular systems biology. Applicants with a background in computer science, mathematics, engineering, physics and chemistry with who are interested in understanding the molecular complexity of biological systems are also encouraged to apply. You should have an ambitious research plan with original ideas and clearly defined goals. You are dedicated to developing positive relationships and providing leadership and guidance to team members. Your research will synergize with the activities at EMBL MSB and 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 Molecular Systems 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.
Scientific context and strategic fit
EMBL’s long-term scientific direction, Molecules to Ecosystems, include a vision to advance our understanding of ecosystems at the molecular level, applying expertise in molecular biology to study life in its natural context. Research areas include applying experimental, computational and theoretical approaches to study how cells and organisms interact with each other and respond to fluctuating environments. The new established areas are embedded in the research of the Molecular Systems Biology Unit, which fosters extensive Links to the Infection Biology, Microbial Ecosystems and Planetary Biology Transversal Themes. We are interested in hosting scientists, who can enhance and extend these areas in innovative ways. For example, microbial cells, communities and their interactions with their hosts and the environment is one of the common threads within the Unit.
We welcome original and ambitious proposals that develop or utilize cutting-edge approaches to be used to bridge systems-level views to molecular mechanism. New experimental and computational methods, including data and deep-learning driven approaches to study complex biological processes in the context of cells, organisms, communities and ecosystems are welcome. Biological areas include (but are not limited to):
* Macromolecular structure, function and organization in the cell
* Protein states, dynamics and evolution
* Core cellular processes/machineries – their assembly, cross-talk, regulation and evolution
* Microbiomes and microbial functional diversity
* Host-pathogen and organismal interactions
* Cellular responses and adaptation to environment
Other areas that complement and extend existing research within the Unit are welcome.
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 between the 16 and 24 October 2025.
Onsite interviews are planned for the 8 – 9 December 2025.
Contract length : 5 years, renewable to a maximum of 9 years
Salary : Grade 9, monthly salary from EUR 6.659 per month (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 the heads of the Unit typas@embl.de and julia.mahamid@embl.de
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. In your online application, you will be asked to include a cover letter, your CV, the names and contact details of 3 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
22/09/2025