We are seeking talented scientists to lead their own independent research group with exciting and original developments in machine learning/AI connected in the broad area of genome biology, multi-omics, and spatial omics.
The Genome Biology Unit studies how molecular information (DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites) is regulated, connected and altered at a cellular, tissue and organismal level, in diverse biological contexts, including disease. We develop leading-edge experimental and computational approaches to dissect and model complex processes translating genotypes to phenotypes. The Unit is a fast-moving, highly interdisciplinary place, where biologists, computer scientists, and mathematicians work closely together. For more information, please refer to the Genome Biology webpage and individual group pages. You will also become a member of the wider EMBL research landscape across six sites in Europe, including its growing AI & machine learning initiative. There is a thriving local Heidelberg environment, including the cross-institutional ELLIS Unit Heidelberg, the Single Cell Genomics centre and the Heidelberg-Mannheim Health & Life-Science Alliance.
EMBL is an international research organisation centred around the theme of “Molecules to Ecosystems”, to advance our understanding of ecosystems at the molecular level, and apply expertise in molecular biology to study life in its natural context.
Your Role
You will lead an independent research group to pursue exciting, ambitious and original research to model, understand and design complex biological systems, and their response to perturbations.
We welcome proposals at the interface of machine learning (AI) and genome biology. Biological areas include (but are not limited to) regulatory mechanisms (transcription, translation, signalling), epigenetics, metabolism, synthetic genomics, large scale genetics, gene-environment interactions, single cell and spatial-omics, exposomics, spatio-temporal and planetary-scale biology. We welcome proposals that combine modern, powerful methods of machine learning and statistical modelling with open science and conceptual theory.
Proposals may have a data generation component as well as be purely computational. In either case, EMBL offers a wealth of opportunities for collaboration with on-going experimental activities, and strong core facilities.
We hire for potential, not for past achievement —EMBL typically appoints group leaders early in their career and provides a supportive, collegial and family-friendly environment in which to develop your original, cutting-edge research ideas. Significant yearly core funding for the entire stay, access to outstanding Ph.D. students and post-docs combined with almost no teaching obligations enable you to establish and lead an ambitious, far-reaching research program.
EMBL’s scientific direction, 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. Research areas include applying experimental, computational and theoretical approaches to study how cells and organisms interact with each other and respond to environmental change, at multiple levels (molecules, cells, tissues and populations). These themes are embedded in the research within the Genome Biology Unit and we are interested in hosting computational activities that address these areas in creative innovative ways.
You Have
You should have a concise research plan (max 4 pages) with original and ambitious research goals. You should have an excellent Ph.D. and post-doctoral track record relevant to AI / Computational Biology, with an interest in the wider field of genome biology. Applicants with a purely theoretical / computational background in computer science, (bio)informatics/mathematics, engineering, physics with a keen interest to engage with biological research and experimental data are encouraged to apply. As evidence of your past track record, we value all types of research output, including articles, software, services and products..
You should be strongly motivated to collaborate with surrounding colleagues, and to train, nurture and mentor your research team.
Why join us
EMBL is Europe’s life sciences laboratory – an intergovernmental organisation with more than 110 independent research groups and service teams covering the spectrum of molecular biology. It operates across six sites in Heidelberg (headquarters), Barcelona, Cambridge, Grenoble, Hamburg and Rome. Our mission is to perform basic research in molecular biology; train scientists, students and visitors at all levels; offer vital services to scientists in the public and private sectors within the member states; develop new instruments and methods; and engage actively in technology transfer.EMBL is ranked among the top research institutes world-wide. We conduct interdisciplinary, discovery based research, with a highly collaborative, open, and supportive culture and a lively international community.
EMBL appoints group leaders early in their career and provides everything you need to support this transition to your first independent position to achieve your research goals. The initial "Lead your Lab" management training is provided for all incoming group leaders.
The various EMBL Units are strongly connected and cross-Unit collaborations are not only possible but also strongly encouraged. This fosters very creative, interdisciplinary research by promoting a vibrant environment consisting of young independent research groups with access to outstanding graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and our world-leading core facilities. The offer includes a very competitive yearly research package, core-funded Ph.D. students from an excellent international Ph.D. program & a post-doc recruitment program – key features to support a successful research group. This unique environment launches people’s careers, allowing junior groups to establish themselves and go on to tenured positions, or chairs of departments at excellent institutions around the world.
EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organization with a very collegial and family friendly working environment. We are committed to diversity and equality, and encourage women and underrepresented groups to apply. Appointment will be merit based. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial support for relocation and installation, including your family, and the availability of an excellent child care on campus, in addition to many excellent and international schools in Heidelberg.
What Else You Need To Know
The working language of the institute is English.
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, not exceeding four pages. Should you plan to submit your application close to the deadline, please inform your referees in advance so they can be ready to send their letters of recommendation upon request and before the panel interviews.
Before applying, please read full application instructions here .
Online interviews are planned for Sept 30th and Oct 1st
One site interviews are planned for November 11 – 13 (inclusive) 2024
Information on Group Leader appointments can be found here http://www.embl.org/gl_faq.
Further information about the position, please contact recruitment@embl.org.
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.
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 recognise 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 online through: www.embl.org/jobs
