Lab Manager

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the world’s leading life science research organizations. With sites across Europe, EMBL fosters an international, collaborative, and inclusive environment where diverse teams advance scientific discovery. EMBL Rome focuses on uncovering fundamental principles of the molecular biology and physiology of mammalian systems.

The Chen Group, led by incoming Group Leader Jenny Chen, investigates the genetic control of innate animal behavior. We leverage natural rodent populations to uncover the molecular and neural basis of innate sociosexual behaviors, integrating high-throughput sequencing, neurogenetic approaches, and mouse behavioral assays.

We are seeking an organized, proactive Lab Manager to support the establishment and day-to-day running of our new group. This role offers a rare opportunity to help build a laboratory from the ground up, including shaping its infrastructure, experimental workflows, and research culture from the outset. The successful candidate will play a central role in enabling cutting-edge research and will also have the opportunity to develop and pursue independent projects, where aligned with their interests and the lab’s scientific direction.

Your role

We are looking for an outstanding experimental scientist to become a founding member of a new research program investigating the genetic basis of behavior in mice. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in molecular biology and mouse-based research; prior neuroscience experience is highly desired.

The successful candidate will play a dual role: helping to establish and manage the laboratory's experimental infrastructure while serving as a key experimental contributor to the group's research program. This position is ideal for a scientist who enjoys building new capabilities, mentoring others, and conducting hands-on experimental research in a collaborative environment.

Lab Operations

• Coordinate day-to-day laboratory activities
• Promote safe and effective laboratory practices
• Manage consumables, equipment, and procurement processes
• Support budget tracking and purchasing documentation
• Ensure compliance with EMBL health & safety policies and local regulations

Scientific Contribution

• Contribute directly to the design, execution, and optimization of molecular, genetic, and behavioral experiments in mice
• Work closely with the Group Leader and other lab members to translate biological questions into experimental approaches
• Develop and implement new protocols and experimental capabilities as the research program evolves
• Support the training and mentorship of students and new lab members in experimental techniques
• Participate actively in group meetings, project planning, and scientific discussions
   

As a new and growing group, the role will naturally evolve, so we are looking for someone adaptable and comfortable in a developing environment.

You have

We recognize that experience can be gained in different ways. If you meet most of the criteria below, we encourage you to apply:

• A PhD and/or postdoctoral experience in biology or a related life science field, or equivalent research experience
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independently
• Strong foundational knowledge of standard molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g. cloning, cell culture, immunostaining, in situ hybridization, PCR or related methods)
• Experience with tissue dissection and histology, including cryosectioning and/or vibratome sectioning
• Evidence of adaptability and ability to acquire and implement new experimental techniques as needed
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively within a collaborative research environment
• Proficiency in English (working language at EMBL)

You may also have

• Experience with rodent work, including stereotaxic surgery and/or behavioral assays
• Experience with neuroscience-related methods such as optogenetics and chemogenetics
• Knowledge of Italian

Additional Information

The Chen Lab will open in September 2026. The preferred start date is January 2027, or soon thereafter, to support the setup phase. This role offers the opportunity to play a central part in establishing the lab’s operations and culture within a cutting-edge research environment.

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