We are recruiting a new group leader who uses theoretical approaches to understand principles of biological complexity.
This recruitment will be part of the newly established EMBL Theory Transversal Theme (learn more about ‘Theory@EMBL’ and EMBL’s new programme), which has the goal of building a new theory research programme at EMBL. The aim is to establish an integrated path to discovery, in which theoretical foundations can guide experimental investigations, in a reciprocal dialogue and feedback process.
The successful applicant will join the EMBL Developmental Biology (DB) Unit, a vibrant community of researchers addressing fundamental questions related to the emergence of a dynamical organisation in developing organisms. Central topics in the DB unit are the investigation of the interplay between living systems and their environment and how this impacts the development of pattern, size, shape and function. Researchers in the unit investigate developmental plasticity and its impact on evolutionary innovations and the role of time, timing and transitions in development. Please refer to the DB unit webpage and the individual group descriptions to learn more about the research done in the unit.
We are welcoming applications from colleagues proposing to develop novel conceptual and theoretical frameworks, with the goal to uncover principles of biological systems that transcend details of any particular instance.
Your role You will lead a research group to pursue ambitious and original research using theoretical approaches to study living systems. You will be embedded in the multidisciplinary and collaborative environment of EMBL, which provides many opportunities for interaction with other research groups.
We encourage applications from both junior and senior colleagues who are keen to take a leading role in shaping the Theory@EMBL theme together with colleagues across the organisation.
You have We aim to attract theoreticians using a broad spectrum of approaches from, e.g., physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, to reveal the essence of living systems.
The successful candidate will present a highly original and ambitious research plan that concisely describes the background and status of the questions that will be addressed, the strategies and methods that will be employed, and the ultimate goals. Candidates are expected to hold a PhD degree.
In addition, you should have strong interpersonal skills to provide leadership and guidance to your team members, as well as contributing to the broader implementation of Theory@EMBL. The ability to work independently and to participate in a collaborative team effort is critical, as is a proactive and positive problem solving mind-set.
You might also have EMBL’s future scientific directions, Molecules to Ecosystems, include a vision to advance our understanding of ecosystems at the molecular level, applying expertise in molecular biology to study life in its natural context. New research areas will focus on applying experimental, computational and theoretical approaches to study at multiple levels (molecules, cells, tissues and populations) how organisms interact with each other and respond to environmental change.
Research in the DB Unit studies organisms in their environment and directly links to the new transversal themes.
Why join us EMBL appoints group leaders from early on in their career and provides a very supportive environment for your first independent position in order to achieve your research goals. The initial "Lead your Lab" management training is provided for all incoming group leaders.
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.
What else you need to know We are Europe’s flagship 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 1800 employees from more than 80 countries, operating across six sites, in Heidelberg (HQ), Barcelona, Hinxton near Cambridge, Hamburg, Grenoble and Rome.
The working language of the institute is English.
An initial contract of 5 years will be offered to the successful candidate. This is foreseen to be extended to a maximum of 9 years, subject to an external review.
In your online application, you will be asked to include a cover letter, your CV, the names and contact details of 3 referees and a concise description of research interests & future research plans, typically not exceeding five pages. Should you plan to submit your application close to the deadline, please inform your referees in advance so they can be ready to submit their letter preferably by the deadline of the call.
Before applying, please read full application instructions here .
Interviews are planned for 14 & 15 November 2022. Same interview conditions will be applied to all candidates, despite of the potential travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 situation.
Information on Group Leader appointments can be found here http://www.embl.org/gl_faq.
Further information about the position can be obtained from the Head of Unit, Alexander Aulehla.
EMBL is a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). We support fair and responsible research assessment, which includes its recruitment and performance assessment processes. We recognize a range of research outputs, discourage inappropriate use of proxies such as journal impact factors, and value research outputs based on their intrinsic merit.
Please apply by using the link below https://www.embl.org/jobs/position/HD02226
