Mathematical Modeling Specialist

EMBL Data Science Centre meets the growing demand for advanced data analysis at EMBL and ensures that biological research data at our multi-site organisation are expertly processed, integrated, annotated, analyzed, and openly managed to support and foster EMBL’s missions. We are now seeking a skilled Mathematical Modeling Specialist to join this initiative. 

As a Mathematical Modeling Specialist, you will consult EMBL scientists to apply mathematical modelling and theoretical approaches to their biological research. This includes mechanistic or physics-based modelling, including but not limited to data-driven modelling, theory of complex systems and statistical models. An interest in connecting these approaches with AI and machine learning is highly desirable.  The role, therefore, offers exciting opportunities to collaborate with Theory@EMBL and EMBL’s new AI initiative.

Your role 

You will:

• Provide expert consultation to EMBL researchers institution-wide on biomodelling research problems, including but not limited to signalling, metabolism, cellular architecture, cell and tissue mechanics, and systems genetics.

• Participate in on-going research projects with mathematical modelling components.

• Design and deliver training courses, workshops and seminars relevant to mathematical modelling in biology.

• Organise meet-ups and networking events within the community of researchers working on these topics, foster and support their community activities.

• Foster a community of practice around mathematical modelling by encouraging knowledge sharing, best practices, and collaboration across EMBL groups.

• Support Theory@EMBL and the AI initiatives, by advising on methodological approaches, contributing to project design, and participating in internal review processes. 

This role complements existing expertise in genomics and imaging by focusing on biophysical and theoretical aspects of biology, ranging from cell biology and development to ecosystem dynamics. The position will be affiliated with the Data Science Internal Support, which empowers the EMBL research community through consulting, training, and infrastructure services. It offers the opportunity to build a distinctive profile at the intersection of applied quantitative biology and research infrastructure development.

Your have

Strong skills in applied mathematics or physics, and experience in applying mechanistic modeling, statistical methods, time-series analysis, and/or machine learning to biological research questions.

• Expertise in scientific computing, including programming skills in more than one language, such as Python, R, or Julia. 

• Experience with real data.

• A passion for communication and education, supported by experience in consultancy, training, mentoring, or equivalent knowledge-transfer activities. 

• A proactive, service-oriented mindset, with the ability to collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders and support interdisciplinary research.

• Good written and spoken communication skills in English.

Contract length: 3 years (renewable up to 9)

Salary: Grade 5 or 6 (monthly salary starting at €4,031.02 after tax and before 12,05% EMBL social security deductions) + other paid benefits based on personal circumstances

Application instruction

Please apply  online through www.embl.org/jobs, with:

• your Curriculum Vitae following EMBL guidelines for impact narrative CVs, 

• a cover letter, including a 100 word vision statement of your assessment of the role of mechanistic or physics-based modelling in biology with examples, 

• provide links (in the CV or cover letter) to code or data repositories that you curated, as an example of your work.

Additional information:

EMBL is Europe’s life sciences laboratory, an intergovernmental organisation with more than 110 independent research groups and service teams covering the spectrum of molecular biology. It operates across six sites in Heidelberg (headquarters), Barcelona, Cambridge, Grenoble, Hamburg and Rome. Our mission is to perform basic research in molecular biology; train scientists, students and visitors 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. EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation.

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