Head of Genomics Technology Development Team

Contract Duration: 3 years (renewable)

Grading: 6 or 7; depending on experience and qualifications

Closing Date: 8 September 2019

Reference Number: HD01594

Do you love cutting-edge single cell genomics? Do you have a knack for setting up new techniques and/or developing new technologies? This could be the job for you!

The field of single cell genomics is moving at a very rapid and exciting pace. Many methods go beyond single cell RNA-seq to study upstream processes in the regulation of RNA production. The field is advancing to measure multiple parameters from the same single cell (multi-omics) and to study cells in their native in-situ context. The latter, spatial single cell omics, often involves imaging-based methods rather than sequencing, including highly multiplexed fluorescent in-situ (FISH) hybridisation. 

To help scientists stay at the forefront, the Genomics Technology Development Team will optimise and develop new single cell and spatial genomic technologies, leveraging current genomics and imaging expertise within the institute. The group will scope out new technologies and react to needs within the institute, focusing on optimising and developing technologies for use in complex tissues and embryos. Through training of students and postdocs in different labs, these methods will be transferred to research groups throughout EMBL. The head of the team will therefore bridge between research groups and EMBL core facilities.

Your role

You will lead a team of scientists/technicians to develop and optimise single cell and spatial omic protocols for use by research groups throughout EMBL.  You will perform hands on experiments, as well as managing the work of others within your team.  You will report to the head of the Genome Biology department and the head of Core Facilities.  The team will focus on internal needs within the institute, optimising techniques that can then be used by students and post-docs throughout EMBL.  Part of the role will therefore be hands on training of students and post-docs once a technique is optimised, and helping to transfer technologies to the core facilities once they are routine.  This is a technology development focused role, while the biological questions and running of projects will come from research groups.

You have

You should have a proven track record in the development, or extensive optimisation and application, of genomic technologies including single cell genomics.  For example, a very strong Ph.D in molecular biology/genomics, and post-doctoral experience in single cell genomics is desirable. Bioinformatic experience, or a deep understanding of data analysis is an asset.  Project management experience, excellent communication skills and the ability to supervise and collaborate with other research teams are essential.  Fluency in English is mandatory.

You might also have

Experience with working with complex tissues, e.g. embryos, tumours. Expertise with multi-plexed in-situ hybridization or immuno-staining. Experience in imaging is a bonus.

Why join us

This is a fantastic opportunity to manage a team at the cutting edge of technology development in a very exciting area at a world leading institute.  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 a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, medical, educational and other social benefits.

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 1600 employees from many nations, operating across six sites, in Heidelberg (HQ), Barcelona, Hinxton near Cambridge, Hamburg, Grenoble and Rome.

Our mission is to offer vital services in training scientists, students and visitors at all levels; to develop new technologies and instruments in the life sciences, actively engage in technology transfer activities, and to integrate European life science research.

Interviews are planned to take place on the 08th of October 2019.

Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.