Team Leader

Are you ready to lead a cutting-edge Genomics Core facility while developing state of the art genomics methods? Join us at EMBL!

We are seeking talented scientists to develop and lead a cutting-edge Genomics Core facility, in addition to doing technology development in an independent research group in the broad area of genome biology.

About us

The Genomics Core facility (GeneCore) at EMBL Heidelberg is part of the large portfolio of EMBL’s experimental services and core facilities (https://www.embl.org/services-facilities/). It provides cutting-edge services in the areas of next generation sequencing, single cell technologies and robotics liquid handling to the EMBL scientific community, external users and visitors from the Member and Associated Member States of EMBL. It is tightly connected to the the Genome Biology Unit at EMBL, a research department composed of ~10 independent research groups, using and developing genomics methods to decode and model complex biological processes—from single-cell dynamics to ecosystem-level interactions.

We are looking for a Team Leader with extensive expertise in genomics technologies, who would be excited by a dual position where they would both lead the GeneCore service group, and have an independent research team within the Genome Biology Unit, developing and applying cutting edge genomics methods. 

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.  The Genomics Core facility plays an essential role in supporting those activities, and we are interested in hosting scientists that can enhance and extend these research areas in creative innovative ways.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with experience and interest in developing scalable methods in sequencing technologies, genome engineering/editing, DNA synthesis and nanotechnology, lab automation, single cell genomics, and spatial omics methods.

You’ll join a vibrant, interdisciplinary community where collaboration and innovation are nurtured. Discover more about our dynamic research environment at https://www.embl.org/research/ and explore our current research groups. 

Your role

As Head of the Genomics Core Facility, you will:

• Develop, oversee and organise the services provided by the facility, ensuring that the GeneCore stays at the cutting-edge and meets the needs of the EMBL scientific community, and beyond. This includes introducing new technologies, developing workflows, increasing lab automation.
• Lead a mid-sized team of scientists and technicians operating the facility and will interface with the scientific community to provide advice on technologies and costs.
• Manage efficient use of resources, to synergize with other EMBL core facilities, and to identify and promote collaboration and early-stage access with industrial partners, and create opportunities for new service provisions in a rapidly changing technology landscape.
• Actively participate in the overall development and operation of genomics at EMBL, supporting the heads of the Core Facilities and Genome Biology Unit.

As a Team Leader, you will:

• Pursue independent research interests to develop new cutting-edge genomics methods, which once established can be transferred to the core facility to enhance its range of services.

Your profile

You should have a PhD degree and demonstrate extensive experience in genomics methods and/or methods development and propose an exciting plan of how to integrate your research with service. A track record of leading large projects, a team, or developing and managing a service-oriented core facility, with evidence of exceptional organisational and people skills are an advantage. If you are excited by the opportunity to shape and lead a cutting-edge facility, please apply.

Key competencies

• Service Excellence – you are deeply committed to service orientation, consistently ensuring exceptional user experiences by delivering high-quality, timely, and reliable core services to internal and external users.
• Scientific Excellence– you have the potential to develop or optimise groundbreaking methods and technologies that will help shape genomics research
• Leadership and Facility Management – you bring both strategic vision and operational excellence to the GeneCore facility: overseeing budgets, planning resources, and ensuring day-to-day reliability. You will build and develop a diverse, high-performing team and shape the facility’s service offerings. While prior leadership experience is advantageous, we equally welcome candidates demonstrating strong leadership potential and commitment to grow into this critical role.
• Original and Innovative Thinking – you embrace a mindset of creative problem-solving, with out of the box thinking to generate novel, practical solutions.
• 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 people in your team.

Why EMBL is an excellent environment for You as a Team Leader

As Europe’s life sciences laboratory, EMBL offers an inspiring, internationally recognized platform to launch and grow your research career.

EMBL team leaders benefit from:

• World-Class Resources: Having access to world-leading core facilities allows scientists at EMBL to hit the ground running to get their research programme going. In addition to benefitting your own research, you would be part of the team of core facility leads to help keep EMBL at the cutting edge. 
• Core Funding: Leading a core facility, you will have generous funding to lead a mid-size service group and a small research team.
• 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. Cross core facility and cross department collaboration are fostered and encouraged, creating a very a vibrant environment that promotes interdisciplinary 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. Participate in organising hands on training courses in cutting edge genomics
• Global Excellence: Join a top-ranked research institute promoting discovery-driven science in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Online interviews will be conducted on 6th and 7th November 2025

Onsite interviews are planned for 15th and 16th December 2025

Contract length: 5 years, renewable to a maximum of 9 years

Salary: Grade 8 or 9 (depending on qualifications and experience), monthly salary from EUR 6.041,09 - 6.659,04 (after tax, and before 12.05% EMBL social security deductions) plus other paid benefits.

If you would like more information about the position , if procedural please contact [email protected] , if on position please contact Rainer Pepperkok [email protected], Director of Scientific Core Facilities and Services, or Eileen Furlong [email protected], Head of Genome Biology Unit.

How to Apply

Before applying, please read full application instructions here. 

You should have an exciting plan of how you will reshape and lead the GeneCore, providing a concise description of your service and research vision, and how you will integrate the two. 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 service and research 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, 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