Group Leader – Epigenetics and Neurobiology

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked scientific research organisations in the world. The Headquarters Laboratory is located in Heidelberg (Germany), with additional sites in Barcelona (Spain), Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Rome (Italy).

The Scientific Programme of EMBL emphasizes experimental analysis at multiple levels of biological organization, from the molecule to the organism, as well as computational and systems biology. Within this overall structure, the EMBL Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit applies a wide range of modern technologies to diverse problems of whole organism biology. Currently its research groups address areas of circuits and behavior, computational neuroscience, epigenetics, and developmental genetics and are supported by onsite state-of-the-art core facilities in histology, gene editing/viral engineering, flow cytometry, microscopy, gnotobiosis and mouse transgenesis.

Further information about research in the Rome Unit and EMBL can be found at the EMBL web page.

Your role

EMBL is searching for a Group Leader to head up an independent research group at the EMBL Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit in Rome. We seek dynamic and interactive individuals having recently completed their post-doctoral training with an excellent scientific track record and demonstrated experience or interest in areas of neurobiology and/or epigenetics. We encourage applications from scientists working on diverse questions relating to mammalian organismal biology that could benefit from the mouse as an experimental system, and the use of modern genetic and (epi)genomic approaches.

You have

The successful candidate will have a doctoral degree, show strong potential in setting their own research agenda and show evidence of leadership qualities.

Why join us

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organization with a collegial and family friendly working environment. EMBL is committed to achieving gender balance and strongly encourages applications from women. Appointment will be based on merit alone. 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. We have an informal culture, international working environment and excellent professional development opportunities, including leadership and mentorship programs for young group leaders.

The package includes significant core funding and guaranteed salaries to allow the successful EMBL group leader to undertake ambitious, farsighted research programs. Furthermore, limited teaching and administrative responsibilities provide a scientific environment that is particularly attractive for researchers with families. EMBL offers a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and uniquely international culture. It fosters top quality, interdisciplinary research by promoting a vibrant environment consisting of young independent research groups with access to outstanding graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

What else you need to know

EMBL Rome benefits from close interactions with groups at other EMBL sites, particularly in the Developmental Biology, Genome Biology, Cell Biology & Biophysics, Tissue Biology and Disease Modelling, and Structural and Computational Biology Units. Researchers at EMBL Rome have access to core facilities in high-throughput sequencing, advanced light and electron microscopy, metabolomics, small molecule screening, protein production, and mass spectroscopy located in Heidelberg, Germany as well as access to research and service activities at EMBL-EBI (European Bioinformatics Institute) in Hinxton, UK, and a wide variety of structural biology expertise at EMBL Hamburg and Grenoble.

The working language of the institute is English.

In your application, please include a Cover Letter, CV and a concise description of research interests & future research plans.

Interviews are planned for January 2020 (however, dates can be flexible or subject to change depending on circumstances at the time).

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.

For more information on Group Leader appointments please visit our website, or get in touch with the Head of the Rome Unit, Philip Avner (philip.avner@embl.it).