Scientific Partnerships and Networks Officer

About the Organization

EMBL is a leading intergovernmental research organization committed to advancing excellence in science and fostering international collaboration. With a broad network of Member States and partners, the organization contributes to global scientific progress and policy through its cutting-edge research, infrastructure, and expertise.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and strategically minded Scientific Partnerships and Networks Officer to join our International Relations team. This role will focus on developing and supporting institutional scientific collaborations and contributing to science policy engagement efforts that enhance the organization’s partnerships and visibility.

Working closely with scientific departments and colleagues across the International Relations division—including those leading engagement with EU institutions and national stakeholders—the Officer will help identify opportunities for institutional cooperation, strengthen relationships with key scientific partners in the research and innovation landscape, support the organization’s engagement in science policy dialogues.

Your role 

• Advance the EMBL Partnership Program – Take a leading role in the further development of EMBL’s well-established Partnership Program. Ensure it remains strategically aligned with EMBL’s scientific priorities while enhancing its relevance and value to partner institutions. This includes analysing existing structures, identifying opportunities for deeper engagement, and proposing improvements to strengthen collaboration and impact.

• Identify opportunities and help develop new institutional collaborations – Identify, initiate, and cultivate institutional partnerships with leading research organisations, universities, and international scientific networks that align with EMBL’s mission and strategic goals.

• Support European and International Engagement – Contribute to EMBL’s involvement in key European initiatives (e.g., EOSC, Widening Participation) and other international scientific cooperation frameworks.

• Monitor Research Trends with impact for policy – Track and analyse developments in the European and global research and innovation landscape to identify strategic opportunities for institutional collaboration, capacity-building, and policy engagement.

• Engage with Internal Stakeholders – Collaborate closely with EMBL research groups and departments to understand existing and emerging scientific priorities and capabilities, helping to shape and inform external institutional engagement and the formation of new or adjustment of existing alliances.

• Coordinate Engagements – Plan and manage high-level visits, workshops, and collaborative initiatives with key scientific partners. Ensure effective engagement, follow-up, and long-term relationship-building.

• Deliver Strategic Insights – Prepare high-quality briefings, reports, and analyses to support strategic planning, partnership development, and informed decision-making related to EMBL’s institutional collaborations.

You have 

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant scientific discipline, or in international affairs or public policy with a strong understanding of science and research ecosystems

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in international scientific collaboration, institutional engagement, science policy, or research management

• Proven ability to engage with scientific stakeholders and institutions at both strategic and operational levels

• Familiarity with European and international science and technology policy environments

• Experience working in or with large research organizations, networks, or consortia is a plus

You may also have

• Excellent interpersonal, networking, and communication skills

• Strategic thinking with the ability to identify and act on collaboration opportunities

• Ability to translate scientific concepts into strategic engagement approaches

• Strong writing and analytical skills

• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment

• Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are an asset

• Willingness to occasionally travel in Europe as required

Contract length: 3 years (renewable up to 9 years)
 

Salary: Grade 5 or 6 (monthly salary starting at € 4.031,02 after tax) + other paid benefits based on personal circumstances

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