Head of the Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is Europe’s flagship life sciences organisation, and one of the world’s leading research institutions. An intergovernmental organisation of 29 Member States, EMBL operates sites in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, and provides life science training and service programs globally.

EMBL’s mission is to conduct pioneering research in molecular biology, train scientists and students at all levels, provide essential services to both public and private sectors, develop innovative technologies and methods, and foster active technology transfer.

Its current five-year scientific programme, Molecules to Ecosystems (2022–2026), aims to deepen our understanding of life — from molecular mechanisms to complex ecosystems — with a strong emphasis on biological context including its relevance to human and planetary health.

With world-class infrastructure, a collaborative research environment, and a commitment to scientific excellence, EMBL holds a unique position on the global scientific stage. It brings together talented individuals from diverse disciplines and trains the next generation of life scientists — many of whom go on to become leaders in academia, industry, and beyond.

We are now looking for an outstanding scientist and visionary leader to head our Cell Biology and Biophysics (CBB) Unit at EMBL Heidelberg.

The CBB Unit currently comprises 14 independent research groups, bringing together physicists, chemists, biologists, and computational scientists working closely to elucidate fundamental principles governing dynamic cellular organisation and function. The research groups perform cutting-edge research in cell biology, integrating advanced microscopy techniques, computational modelling, mechanistic biochemistry, and emerging technologies including data-intensive high-throughput approaches to study cellular processes comprehensively. Areas of specific interest include cell signalling, membrane trafficking, cytoskeletal dynamics, cell migration, genome organisation, nuclear architecture, cellular mechanobiology, phase separation, and mitosis – which are advanced through pioneering imaging and biophysical approaches.

Your role

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the Unit aligned with the broader scientific mission of the EMBL;
• Lead, supervise, mentor and recruit group and team leaders of the unit as well as staff from your own research group;
• Establish and develop programmatic priorities and perform resource planning;
• Advance your own internationally recognized research programme;
• Ensure excellence in research and foster a culture of scientific innovation within the Unit;
• Identify and pursue opportunities for further development within the unit, and with other EMBL units and sites;
• Guide the Unit through regular scientific programme reviews conducted every four years;
• Foster collaborations and synergies within EMBL’s units and sites;
• Engage actively with the international scientific community, representing EMBL in external forums and partnerships;
• Work closely with scientific and government partners to develop joint programmes and strategic initiatives;
• Contribute to the overall scientific and strategic leadership of EMBL;
• Report directly to the Director of EMBL Heidelberg, providing regular updates on Unit activities and progress;
• Provide reports as required by EMBL Council and other external committees.

Your profile

You are an enthusiastic, visionary, and entrepreneurial scientist with an outstanding international reputation in Cell Biology, Biophysics, or a related discipline. You bring scientific excellence and a strong motivation to lead in an open, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment.

You hold a PhD in the life sciences and have developed a robust scientific track record spanning at least 10 years, including internationally recognised contributions to your field. Your experience demonstrates the ability to lead complex scientific programmes, mentor and support diverse teams, and manage personnel within a dynamic research setting — ideally in an international context.

In addition to scientific leadership, you bring proven experience in operational and personnel management, excellent communication skills, and a high level of proficiency in English.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to define and drive long-term scientific direction with a strong focus on research excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary integration.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, inspire, and empower teams with clarity and purpose, while demonstrating integrity, inclusiveness, and sound judgment.
• Stakeholder Insight: Capacity to understand the perspectives and priorities of decision-makers and partners, and to align with their needs and interests.
• Collaborative Network Building: Proven skill in developing strong, effective relationships within and beyond the organisation to foster collaboration and impact.
• External Engagement: Experience in establishing and maintaining productive partnerships with national and international scientific organisations and stakeholders.
• Initiative & Negotiation: Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with strong negotiation skills and the ability to navigate complex institutional environments.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: The position demands flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic and innovative research environment.

What Else You Need To Know

Questions concerning the role should be addressed to Jan Korbel, Interim Head of EMBL Heidelberg at jan.korbel[at]embl.org.

Queries regarding terms and conditions should be addressed to the Head of Talent Acquisition Elke Jagomast, at elke.jagomast[at]embl.org.

Contract length: 5 years (renewable up to 9)

Salary: Grade 12, monthly salary from EUR 11.052 per month after tax, excl. pension and health insurance contributions.

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

21/09/2025