Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields

Research Technician / Scientific Officer

EMBL Heidelberg, Germany

Application deadline: 17 Nov 2026

Do you enjoy using advanced electron microscopy to help scientists answer their biological questions? Then join the Electron Microscopy Core Facility (EMCF) at EMBL Heidelberg.

They specialise in cellular electron microscopy. Their work covers the full workflow, from sample preparation to imaging. They have a particular focus on correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) and volume electron microscopy (vEM).

Their mission is to enable research. They support research groups from all EMBL sites, as well as external academic and industry users. Some users ask them to carry out their experiments. Others are trained to book and use instruments themselves.

They are a team of five operational staff, led by the Head of the facility. They have complementary expertise and work together as one team. They are now looking for a new colleague to join them.

The role
You will work on a wide range of biological projects, using our portfolio of EM techniques. You will:

• Perform EM experiments for users, from sample preparation to imaging and analysis
• Meet users before their projects start and advise them on the best approach
• Guide users through their experiments and train them on our workflows and instruments
• Analyse data and report results clearly to users
• Organise and teach in courses and workshops
• Help develop and introduce new methods in correlative and volume EM
• Operate electron microscopes and carry out first-line maintenance
• Contribute to the day-to-day running of the facility

Applicant Requirements

• A degree in biology, life sciences, biophysics or a related field, or an equivalent technical qualification (e.g. BTA/MTA)
• Substantial hands-on experience in electron microscopy for the life sciences
• Expertise in several of the following:
  • Sample preparation: chemical fixation, cryo-fixation, resin embedding and ultramicrotomy
  • Transmission electron microscopy
  • Volume EM: electron tomography, FIB-SEM, SBF-SEM or array tomography
  • Correlative imaging: CLEM or CXEM
  • Experience with EM software for acquisition, processing or analysis, such as SerialEM, SBEMimage, IMOD, MIB, Amira or Dragonfly
  • A service mindset. You enjoy helping users succeed and can explain techniques clearly.
  • Good organisational skills. You can manage several projects at once.
  • Good communication skills in English. You are a team player who likes to share knowledge.

Salary guidance: Grade 5 or 6 with a monthly salary starting from 4.147,92 EUR net of tax, excluding health insurance and pension contributions, plus additional EMBL benefits.

Contract duration: 3 years (renewable up to 9 years)

Other helpful information
The position can be filled at Research Technician or Scientific Officer level. The duties are the same at both levels. Your grade will depend on your qualifications and experience.

Find out more and apply here.

Closing Date: 17/11/2026