Research technician in Microbiota Research in Heidelberg bei European Molecular Biology Laboratory

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.

We are seeking a highly motivated research technician / lab manager to join the Zimmermann-Kogadeeva research group at EMBL Heidelberg. The Zimmermann-Kogadeeva group combines experimental and computational approaches to investigate the metabolic interactions in gut microbial communities and between the gut microbiota and the host. The ongoing projects focus on investigating metabolic capacities in single gut bacteria, as well as synthetic and native gut communities using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, bacterial genetics, biochemical assays and DNA/RNA-sequencing technologies.

We are looking for a highly motivated person with experience in molecular biology, microbiology, analytical chemistry (metabolomics), and genomic sample preparation. Y

our role will be to work with researchers at the interface of experimental microbiology, analytical sciences, and computational biology/bioinformatics. You will work in a team to plan and perform high-throughput screens to investigate metabolic capacities of individual bacteria and metabolic interactions in microbial communities.

Contract duration: 3 years

Grading: 4-6

Reference number: HD02479

• Appropriate degree (Diploma, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree) or advanced degree (including PhD - salary will be commensurate with experience)
• Expertise in Microbiology approaches (culture bacteria, isolate strains, genetic manipulations)
• Experience in molecular biology protocols (e.g. cloning protocols, DNA and RNA extraction, primer design, PCR)
• Experience in Biochemistry protocols (protein purification and analysis, enzyme assays)
• Generally good laboratory practice and stringent documentation compliance
• High motivation, proactive personality, independence and solution-oriented approach
• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

• Expertise in anaerobic microbiology
• Experience in microbiome research (library preparation for 16S rRNA sequencing/shotgun metagenomics)
• Experience in metabolomics/proteomics/lipidomics based on HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS measurements
• Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g. Excel, Prism, R)

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.

EMBL offers attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation with a very collegial and family-friendly working environment. Competitive salary and social security benefits, financial support for relocation, a relaxed culture, professional development, an on-site nursery, canteen and other staff facilities make EMBL a great place to work.

** Don’t meet every single requirement? We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply nevertheless.