Are you excited by ambitious genome engineering experiments and by the opportunity to help build a new lab from the ground up?
The Koeppel lab is looking for a highly skilled experimental scientist to help establish and drive a new research programme at the interface of genome engineering, functional genomics, and single-cell genomics. We develop scalable genome-editing technologies to generate, genotype, and phenotype thousands of designed structural variants in human cells. Our goal is to map sequence dispensability, decode non-coding genome architecture, and lay the foundation for minimal mammalian genomes.
Projects in the lab will involve developing and applying scalable genome engineering approaches to generate structural variants in human cells, followed by molecular, genomic, and single-cell readouts to understand effects on gene regulation and cell state. This is a hybrid scientific role combining independent research, lab organisation, and support for projects across the group. Depending on experience and interests, there may be opportunities to develop independent project directions within the lab’s broader research programme.
Extensive molecular biology experience is required, including familiarity with molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture, and genomics. Experience with genome engineering, multiplexed screening, sequencing library preparation, and single-cell assays is an advantage. Experience with basic sequencing data analysis, or enthusiasm to work closely with computational colleagues, would also be valuable. The successful candidate should be able to work independently, be highly motivated, and be very well organised.
Your role
The appointed candidate will contribute to the development and execution of ambitious genome engineering and genomics projects in human cell systems. This may include mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, CRISPR/Cas-based perturbations, sequencing library preparation, and single-cell genomics workflows.
As one of the first members of the lab, you will also help establish core experimental workflows, organize lab infrastructure, maintain key reagents, and shape a collaborative, warm, and rigorous lab culture from the beginning. There may be opportunities to develop independent project directions within the lab’s broader research program and to work closely with students, postdocs, and computational collaborators.
You have
- A University degree with additional lab experience or a PhD, or equivalent experience in molecular biology, genomics, genome engineering, cell biology, or a related field.
- The ideal candidate is a highly skilled wet-lab scientist with strong experience in complex molecular biology protocols and excellent organizational skills.
- Experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, genome engineering, sequencing library preparation, and functional genomics approaches is particularly relevant.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, independence, reliability, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for working in a collaborative international team are essential.
- Fluency in English is required.
Why join us
This is a rare opportunity to join a new research group at its beginning and to help shape both its scientific direction and its experimental culture. You will develop ambitious genome-engineering approaches to understand how human genomes function. As one of the first members of the group, you will play an important role in establishing experimental workflows, building robust lab infrastructure, and driving projects from the ground up.
The position is designed for a scientist who enjoys both independence and collaboration. You will have the opportunity to contribute to your own research direction within the lab’s broader programme, while also working closely with students, postdocs, and collaborators to develop methods, troubleshoot experiments, and support projects across the group. The role therefore combines hands-on experimental science, project ownership, mentoring, and lab organisation.
We are located in Heidelberg, which is a beautiful international city in the middle of Europe. EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation with a very collegial and family friendly working environment. The remuneration package comprises from 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 facility on campus.
Contract length: 3 years (renewable for up to 9 years)
Salary: Grade 5 (salary starting from EUR 4031,02 after tax, and before 12,99% EMBL social security deductions, plus other paid benefits)
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
23/07/2026