Head of Scientific Instrumentation Workshops

EMBL is a world leader in scientific research and at the forefront in the development of cutting-edge technologies. It operates across six sites in Heidelberg (headquarters), Barcelona, Cambridge, Grenoble, Hamburg and Rome. EMBL’s missions are to perform fundamental research in molecular biology; train scientists at all levels; offer vital services to scientists in the public and private sectors within the member states; develop new instruments and methods; and engage actively in technology transfer.

The development of enabling technology is supported by the electronic and mechanical workshops. The workshops are part of EMBL's Scientific Services, and provide support to scientists across a wide spectrum of areas such as automation, control, measurement, data acquisition, designing and prototyping of new equipment to meet custom requirements.

We are looking for a Head of the instrumentation workshops in Heidelberg, comprising the electronic workshop, mechanical workshop, and scientific instrument maintenance teams. You will oversee and manage the activities of ten staff members with expertise in mechanical and electronic instrument design, manufacturing and maintenance. You will consult and work closely with EMBL scientists to develop innovative technologies and solutions for life science research.

Your role

• Developing state-of-the-art custom instrumentation comprising both electronic and mechanical equipment for scientific experiments
• Developing and organizing workshop activities
• Supervising a team of electronic as well as mechanical engineers and designers
• Work closely with, and directly consult, EMBL scientists and be responsible for individual projects from start to finish including the testing and installation phase
• Being responsible for project planning, development, budgeting and reporting
• Work with different EMBL sites across Europe to build relationships and provide service to these other sites

You have

• Enthusiasm for the development of cutting-edge, enabling technologies and custom solutions for life science research
• Background in electronic, mechanical engineering or a similar degree
• Deep understanding of both electronic and mechanical instrumentation
• Experience with mechanical design, fabrication techniques (e.g., CNC, 3D printing), and maintenance of lab machinery and instruments
• Experience with prototyping technologies in rapid iteration (designing, assembling and testing electronical and/or mechanical devices).
• Familiarity with programming languages for automation (C/C++ for embedded systems, LabVIEW, Python, etc.)
• Experience in a similar customer-oriented management position with budget and staff responsibilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong communication in English
• Skills to coordinate with research scientists, engineers, and administrative staff, translating technical needs into actionable tasks
• Proven leadership and management skills in order to develop a cohesive team across both electronic and mechanical workshops, fostering collaboration and skill-sharing

You may also have

• Good mechanical skills with knowledge of CAD software (SolidWorks and SolidCam preferred).
• Good knowledge of electronics (microcontrollers and FPGA systems) for the development of fully operational devices (hardware, firmware and software)
• Expertise in high-frequency analog and digital electronics

Contract length: 5 years (renewable up to 9)

Salary: Grade 8 (depending on qualifications and experience), monthly salary from EUR 6.041,09 (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.

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