Language is more than a skill—it is a bridge between cultures, people, and ideas. EMBL is creating this new role to design and lead an integrated approach to language learning and intercultural development that supports both professional excellence and personal growth.

As Language Learning & Development Manager, you will shape a coherent strategy for language education across EMBL’s international community. You will connect existing activities -such as language courses, integration programs, and communication workshops - into a unified framework that reflects EMBL’s scientific mission, diversity, and collaborative culture.

This position offers a unique opportunity to help EMBL’s people communicate effectively, work inclusively, and thrive in a multilingual environment.

Your role

Lead and deliver meaningful learning

  • Develop and deliver language and intercultural learning programs tailored to EMBL’s international context.
  • Evolve current offerings from primarily integration-focused initiatives to a comprehensive development portfolio.
  • Support both scientific and administrative staff in improving their communication and collaboration across languages and cultures.

Shape strategy and partnerships

  • Design a long-term strategy for language learning and development aligned with EMBL’s People and Culture vision.
  • Manage partnerships with internal and external language service providers, ensuring quality and consistency.
  • Integrate language learning with broader professional development opportunities and leadership programs.

Build community and culture

  • Promote intercultural awareness and inclusive communication practices across EMBL sites.
  • Develop networks, events and resources that strengthen cross-site and cross-disciplinary exchange.
  • Gather and analyse feedback to continually refine the learning offer.

You have

  • Proven experience in language education, applied linguistics, intercultural communication or related fields.
  • Proven experience in professional teaching in more than one language.
  • Demonstrated ability to design and implement learning strategies in an international or organizational context.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Curiosity, empathy, and the ability to bridge diverse perspectives through language and learning.

Contract length:

5 years

Salary: Grade 5-6 depending on relevant experience

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 (Heidelberg), library, subsidised 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

23/04/2026


 

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.