Head of Developmental Biology Unit (m/f/d), Heidelberg

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is a world leader in biological research and at the forefront in the development of cutting-edge technologies for the biological sciences. The scientific program of EMBL emphasizes experimental analysis at multiple levels of biological organization, from the molecule to the organism, as well as computational biology, bioinformatics and systems biology. EMBL's next program (2022-2026) “Molecules to Ecosystems” wants to explore the molecular basis of life in context. Building on our current strengths, new themes will include: planetary biology, human ecosystems, infection biology, microbial ecosystems and theory.

Your role

You will:

• be responsible for establishing and developing programmatic priorities and resource
• planning;
• advance your own research group;
• recruit, supervise and mentor faculty members;
• ensure the maintenance of world-class standards of research;
• guide the preparation for regular programme reviews;
• identify and pursue opportunities for further development within the unit, atEMBL
• Heidelberg and with other EMBL sites;
• work in collaboration with scientific and government partners to develop joint
• programmes;
• provide regular information and status reports to the Director of EMBL Heidelberg
• (Scientific Activities) and the EMBL Director General;
• provide reports as required by EMBL Council and other external committees;
• interact with the wider scientific community via conferences and special events;
• participate in senior scientific, strategic and administrative leadership of EMBL.
• The tasks are not limited to the above and a flexible approach and ability to adapt to evolving
• situations in a dynamic organization is required.

Your profile

• As an ideal candidate, you are an enthusiastic and entrepreneurial scientist with an
• outstanding track record in a field of developmental biology. Besides bringing
• scientific vision, you are motivated to work in an open, collaborative environment.
• Essential requirements for the position include a PhD in the life sciences and at least
• 10 years' experience in international scientific collaboration.
• A proven record of substantial personnel? management and leadership experience
• within a scientific organisation, preferably international, is required.
• You have proven experience with administration management and as well as
• excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.
• A high level of proficiency in English is essential.
• A good working knowledge of German and/or French would be desirable.

Key competencies are:

• The ability to think strategically, to take effective decisions and provide leadership.
• The capacity to understand the perspective of key decision-makers and partners – to
• think through their needs and interests to identify their agenda.
• The ability to build strong and effective links within and outside the organisation.
• The ability to actively build collaborations with external partners and other scientific
• organisations, nationally and internationally.
• Initiative, pro-activeness and very good negotiation skills.