Research Technician/Lab Officer

EMBL Heidelberg is seeking for a Research Technician/Lab Officer to join Prof. Jan Korbel's group in the Genome Biology Unit. You will work in the Korbel Group, and focus on supporting leading edge scientific projects in genomics, single cell technology-driven research, and AI-driven cell imaging by planning and delivering reliable wet-lab experiments.

Working closely with students, predocs, postdocs and other technicians, you will be accountable for the quality, traceability and timely communication of their experimental work. You will work independently within agreed project objectives and established guidelines, adapts protocols and troubleshoots technical issues, with scientific guidance from the Group Leader and senior colleagues.

The role will be based in EMBL Heidelberg’s international, interdisciplinary, and highly collaborative environment providing access to latest molecular technologies in human biology and genomics, with extensive opportunities to acquire new skills and techniques.

Your role

Responsibilities:

• Plan, organise, and conduct molecular biology and genomics experiments across parallel projects, experimental designs and timelines with researchers and delivering reproducible results within previously agreed priorities.
• Deliver genomic and transcriptomic library preparation for short-read and single-molecule long-read sequencing, Strand-seq and other single-cell and multi-omics workflows, including quality control and basic data analysis.
• Carry out cell culture, flow cytometry analysis, cell sorting, PCR/qPCR validation, and operate microscopy platforms, particularly AI-guided confocal microscopes, to support project objectives.
• Operate and perform routine maintenance of high-throughput liquid-handling and robotic systems; contribute to testing, scaling up and automating workflows to improve consistency and throughput.
• Adapt and optimise protocols within agreed guidelines, troubleshoot experimental and equipment issues, and contribute to establishing new techniques with senior colleagues; escalate unresolved problems and changes affecting project objectives.
• Maintain daily experimental records, clear written protocols, traceable sample and reagent records, quality-control results and documented deviations; maintain relevant data management documentation in line with project data management plans, preferable in electronic lab books.
• Communicate plans, progress, results, problems and handovers proactively; coordinate experimental support for group members and share practical guidance on methods and documentation.
• Ensure that own experimental work and shared laboratory activities follow applicable institutional safety requirements, approved protocols and data management procedures; report incidents and compliance concerns promptly.
• Guide newcomers and coordinate the onboarding of the people in regards to wet lab experiments.

Capabilities:

• Collaboration: Build effective working relationships and provide reliable, service-oriented experimental support within an international, interdisciplinary team.
• Communication: Explain experimental plans, results and technical issues clearly and concisely; communicate delays and handovers promptly and maintain usable written records.
• Accountability: Take ownership of agreed activities and deadlines, experimental accuracy, sample traceability and complete daily documentation.
• Problem Solving: Use scientific understanding and practical judgement to troubleshoot experiments, adapt protocols within agreed guidelines and seek guidance when needed.
• Adaptability: Respond constructively to changing project priorities and learn, test and improve techniques while maintaining quality and reliable delivery.

Skills Experience and Qualifications

You have:

• A relevant qualification in biology, biotechnology, molecular life sciences or a related field: laboratory technician training (e.g. MTA, BTA or an equivalent national or international qualification), a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Applicants with a life sciences PhD and strong motivation for a research support career are also welcome.
• Demonstrated practical experience in molecular biology and/or genomics, with the scientific understanding and technical skills to undertake complex laboratory work independently within agreed guidelines.
• Experience in modern sequencing library preparation protocols and sequencing approaches.
• Experience in one or multiple of these techniques: cell culture, flow cytometry/cell sorting, confocal microscopy.
• Experience adapting protocols, troubleshooting experiments and assessing experimental quality.
• A careful and structured approach to sample tracking and laboratory documentation.
• Strong organisational skills, scientific curiosity and a hands-on approach; ability to coordinate several activities, meet agreed deadlines and communicate effectively with colleagues.
• A problem-solving and service-oriented mindset: you enjoy supporting other researchers both in the experimental design and with a hands-on approach.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

You may also have:

• Experience in elaborate, single-cell methods and associated quality-control workflows, ideally familiar with Strand-seq and/or Smart-seq and/or ONT technology (not a must)
• Experience in AI-guided imaging and/or liquid-handling and laboratory automation systems.
• R/python reading and writing skills.
• Knowledge of German.

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

Salary: Grade 5, monthly salary from €4.147, 92 after tax, plus generous benefits and financial allowances based on individual circumstances. Excluding 12.99% personal pension and insurance contributions.

How to apply:

• Please submit a CV and cover letter in two separate documents.
• In your CV please include three references and their contact details.

We anticipate providing feedback to the preselected candidates no earlier than January 18, 2027.

Targeted start date is in May 2027, but this can be discussed during the interview process.

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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