Mechatronic Engineer – Cryo-EM Technology Development (Part-time)

The EMBL Imaging Centre is seeking a Mechatronic Engineer to join our technology development activities at the interface of engineering, robotics and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).

Two unique prototype instruments, EasyGrid and EasyGrid Control, have recently been deployed at the EMBL Imaging Centre in Heidelberg, enabling the automated preparation and quality control of samples for cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography. The instruments combine multi-axis robots, light and holographic microscopy, cryogenic storage systems, an atmospheric plasma generator, and humidity- and temperature-controlled compartments.

You will play a central role in the development of EasyGridNext, a next-generation platform for automated and reproducible cryo-EM sample preparation and dynamic on-grid experiments. Building on the established prototype systems, you will help develop them into a robust, service-ready platform that can be used reliably by researchers across the life sciences.

The position offers the opportunity to apply your engineering expertise to challenging problems in structural and cellular biology. You will contribute to the complete development cycle, combining mechanical and electronic engineering, robotics, sensors and actuators, fluid handling, software-controlled instrumentation and cryogenic workflows, while collaborating directly with scientists who use these technologies to address biological questions.

The role will be based within the EMBL Imaging Centre and will involve close collaboration with the EasyGrid development team at EMBL Grenoble, as well as researchers at EMBL and Heidelberg University.

We are seeking a motivated and curious mechatronics engineer who enjoys understanding complex systems, learning new technologies and developing innovative, robust solutions to challenging engineering problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the engineering development and implementation of EasyGridNext, with a focus on reliability, robustness and service readiness.
• Design, prototype, integrate and test mechatronic subsystems, including microfluidic handling, temperature and humidity control, cryogenics, as well as a range of sensors and actuators.
• Contribute to the integration of hardware, software and experimental metadata into reliable and traceable workflows.
• Implement modular hardware for time-resolved fluid delivery and the study of dynamic biochemical reactions.
• Work with biological researchers to translate experimental requirements into engineering specifications and practical solutions.
• Contribute to the transition of prototypes into documented, maintainable and user-facing scientific infrastructure.
• Support the deployment of the resulting technology within the EMBL Imaging Centre and, ultimately, its use by the wider scientific community.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

You have

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Automation Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Practical experience in instrument development, mechatronic systems, motion control, machine vision, robotics or automation.
• A good understanding of relevant physical principles, including temperature, humidity, cryogenics, microfluidics, pneumatics, etc.
• Experience with CAD, rapid prototyping, machining or additive manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a practical, hands-on approach to developing and improving complex technical systems.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with scientists and engineers from different disciplines.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to translate scientific requirements into technical specifications and practical engineering solutions.

You may also have

• Experience in developing robotic or automated laboratory equipment.
• Experience with software development for scientific instrumentation, user interface development or object-oriented programming (e.g. Java).
• Experience in fluidics, precision dispensing or microfluidic systems.

A background in cryo-EM or life sciences is not required. We particularly welcome candidates who bring strong engineering expertise and are interested in applying their skills to cryogenic sample preparation and advanced cryo-EM applications.

Contract duration: 2 years

Work schedule: This position is available exclusively on a part-time basis at 75–85% of full-time hours (approximately 29–33 hours per week, based on a 39-hour working week).

Salary: Grade 6, monthly starting salary of €3.534,90–€4.006,22 after tax for a 75–85% part-time schedule, plus generous benefits and financial allowances based on individual circumstances. Excluding 12.99% personal pension and insurance contributions.

Application process

We look forward to receiving your application. Please submit your CV and a cover letter through our online application system.

In your cover letter, we invite you to describe how your engineering experience, technical expertise and approach to problem-solving could contribute to the development of next-generation instrumentation for cryo-electron microscopy and biological research. Candidates from engineering backgrounds who do not have previous experience in cryo-EM are encouraged to apply.

The selection process will consist of two interview stages. Shortlisted candidates will first be invited to an online interview following the application deadline. Candidates progressing to the second stage will then be invited for an on-site interview.

Further information about the position can be obtained from Simone Mattei (simone.mattei@embl.de).

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, 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 (conditions apply)
• Campus life: Library, on-site 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 believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.
• 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

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