We are seeking for a highly motivated and interdisciplinary scientist to support the operation of the EMBL Imaging Centre (EMBL IC) as a operations manager. Due to rapid developments in new imaging technologies, the pace of biological and medical discoveries has increased at an unprecedented speed in the 21st century. For the first time, high-resolution electron and light microscopy technologies enable us to directly visualise the molecular machinery of life under native conditions. Consequently, cutting-edge microscopy is becoming a central technological platform for the life sciences. Currently, few scientists have access to the latest imaging technologies, as the instruments are complex in their development, set-up, maintenance and usage. EMBL is currently constructing the EMBL Imaging Centre to make the latest imaging technologies available as quickly as possible to a broad, international user community of researchers from academia to industry. A broad spectrum of imaging technologies covering the scales from structure determination of single protein complexes to imaging whole organisms will be offered, with a special emphasis on cross modality capabilities (correlative microscopy) and bespoke user project support from sample preparation to image analysis provided by dedicated expert service staff.

The successful applicant supports the Team Leaders of the EMBL IC in managing the diverse activities of its operation. S/He will be integrated in a team of application specialists and imaging technology developers and work closely with the Team Leaders for Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy. The postholder will manage user access to state-of-the-art imaging technologies, including quality assessment of user applications and coordination of long-term user projects jointly with the EMBL IC service team. S/He will also organise training activities and courses, and coordinate industry collaborations. Further responsibilities include support in external funding acquisition and grant management, oversight of recruitment of EMBL IC staff and research personnel, as well as communication and outreach activities of the EMBL IC. The successful candidate should be able to work creatively and independently, be well organised, rigorous, and enjoy working in an international team within a highly collaborative atmosphere. Before opening of the EMBL IC the successful candidate will prepare jointly with the EMBL IC Team Leaders the building operation, service provision and user access protocols as well as support coordination of selected pilot projects and microscopy technologies, integrated in the existing EMBL research and core facility environment.

• PhD in the life sciences or equivalent.
• Strong background in application and/or development of biological imaging technology in life science research.
• Experience in scientific project management in a competitive research environment.
• Ability to effectively interact with multiple stakeholders on an international and interdisciplinary. level, including public and private funders as well as industry partners.
• Excellent organisational, management, multi-tasking and communication skills.

• Experience in user access support in microscopy facilities.
• Experience in funding acquisition and reporting duties.
• Experience in procurement and financial reporting.

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation with a very collegial and family friendly working environment. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, medical, educational and other social benefits. Excellent child care facility is available on campus.

We are Europe’s flagship research laboratory for the life sciences – an intergovernmental organisation performing scientific research in disciplines including molecular biology, physics, chemistry and computer science. We are an international, innovative and interdisciplinary laboratory with more than 1600 employees from many nations, operating across six sites, in Heidelberg (HQ), Barcelona, Hinxton near Cambridge, Hamburg, Grenoble and Rome.

Our mission is to offer vital services in training scientists, students and visitors at all levels; to develop new instruments and methods in the life sciences and actively engage in technology transfer activities, and to integrate European life science research.

The working language of the institute is English.

In your online application, you will be asked to include a cover letter, CV and the contact details of 3 referees.

Further information about the position can be obtained from Stephanie Alexander (stephanie.alexander@embl.de), project manager of the EMBL IC.

Interviews are planned for 21st November.

The initial contract is for a period of three years with the possibility of a fixed-term extension.