Scientific Officer - Metabolomics Core Facility bei EMBL

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is a top-ranked scientific research organization aimed to explore the secrets of life. With over 1800 employees across six European sites, EMBL integrates research groups and core facilities to foster world-class science.

The Metabolomics Core Facility (MCF) at EMBL Heidelberg, led by Michael Zimmermann, offers cutting-edge services for the analysis of metabolites and lipids to internal and external users. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry systems, including an Orbitrap Exploris 240 and a QTRAP 6500+, coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), allowing to perform both untargeted and targeted analyses of small molecules in various biological matrices. For more information on the facility, please visit the facility website (https://www.embl.org/groups/metabolomics/) that presents more information about the services, instrumentation, protocols, spectral library as well as video tutorials prepared together with EMBL videolab and publications of the facility members and users.

We are looking for a new team member to support both routine metabolomics analyses and the development of new protocols and workflows.

Your role 

The Metabolomics Core Facility is looking for a Scientific Officer to join the team. The key responsibilities will include:

• Interacting with users and advise them on experimental setup and sampling for metabolomics/lipidomics studies.
• Performing sample preparation and analyte extraction from diverse sample types (e.g., cells, bacteria, tissues, biofluids).
• Managing incoming samples, metabolite and lipid standards, and spectral libraries.
• Preparing and performing LC-MS experiments, including mobile phase preparation, basic system maintenance, and data acquisition.
• Analysing metabolomics data and discussing the results with users.

We are seeking for excellent candidates with relevant experience. Depending on the experience and qualifications, the seniority of the position will be adjusted.

You have 

• An appropriate undergraduate or advanced degree in analytical sciences, chemistry or a related discipline (Bachelor´s / Master´s / Ph.D.) or equivalent experience in the field.
• At least three years of hands-on experience in mass spectrometry or an analytical laboratory setting, preferably with LC-MS.
• Experience with diverse sample types (e.g., cells, bacteria, tissues, biofluids) and analysis of metabolomics results.
• Strong communication skills in English and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

You may also have

• Background in computational biology, coding, data sciences.
• Experience working in a service facility environment.
• Experience or interest to learn about data processing of targeted or untargeted metabolomics datasets.

Contract length: 3 years (renewable up to 9)

Salary: Grade 6 (monthly salary starting at €4,459.95 after tax) + other paid benefits based on personal circumstances

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