Scientist in Electron Microscopy Facility

at  European Molecular Biology Laboratory

Scientific Services and Support
EMBL Heidelberg
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked scientific research organisations in the world. The Headquarters Laboratory is located in Heidelberg (Germany), with additional sites in Barcelona (Spain), Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Rome (Italy). EMBL is endowed with multiple high-level core facilities offering services to groups from all sites as well as other international institutions. Among them is the Electron Microscopy Core Facility (EMCF), which specializes in cellular electron microscopy. The EMCF activities cover a large spectrum of advanced techniques from sample preparation to imaging, with a particular focus on correlative techniques and volume electron microscopy. The facility runs both as a service, where staff members conduct the experimental work for the users, and as a walk-in facility where trained users book and utilize the EMCF dedicated instruments.
We are currently looking for a Research technician / Scientific Officer to join the EMCF. The position will involve direct participation in the research projects by performing ultrastructural analysis on a variety of biological specimens, by training users on the EMCF workflows and by contributing to the general organisation of the facility.

Your role

• Perform EM experiments for a large range of biological projects, deploying the portfolio of existing techniques.
• Interact with users:
• participate in meetings with the user, before the project starts in order to advise on and offer the most adapted techniques
• guide the users throughout the progression of their experimentation (which may include training them)
• provide clear analysis and reports on their results
• Organize and conduct courses and workshops.
• Contribute to and drive the development and implementation of new methods in correlative and volume EM

Closing date: 26 July 2024
Contract duration: 3 years (renewable)
Grading: 4,5 or 6 depending on qualifications and experience
Reference number: HD02638
You have

The appointee must be an expert in electron microscopy for the life sciences, mastering at least a few of the following skills:

• Conventional methods for sample preparation (chemical fixation and cryo-fixation methods, ultramicrotomy)
• Transmission electron microscopy
• Volume electron microscopy (ET, FIB-SEM, SBF-SEM or AT)
• Multimodal correlative imaging (CLEM, CXEM)
• Advanced operation and entry level maintenance of electron microscopes
• Experience with EM-specific image acquisition, processing and analysis software such as:
• SerialEM, SBEMimage
• IMOD/eTomo
• MIB, Amira, Dragonfly, etc.
• Expertise in programming (python, java).

You might also have

• Previous experience in the organization of international courses

Why join us
The EMCF staff have complementary expertise and strive to collaborate on projects, in a friendly, open-minded and respectful manner, offering an ideal environment for self-development.
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.
What else you need to know
We are Europe’s 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 1900 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 Yannick Schwab.
Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed up to 9 years in total, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.
EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we implement best practices in research assessment in our recruitment processes here.
Please apply online through: www.embl.org/job

• Perform EM experiments for a large range of biological projects, deploying the portfolio of existing techniques.
• Interact with users:
• participate in meetings with the user, before the project starts in order to advise on and offer the most adapted techniques
• guide the users throughout the progression of their experimentation (which may include training them)
• provide clear analysis and reports on their results
• Organize and conduct courses and workshops.
• Contribute to and drive the development and implementation of new methods in correlative and volume E