EMBL is a world leader in scientific research and at the forefront in the development of cutting-edge technologies. Research at EMBL is supported by the development of enabling technologies that are made available to the scientific community in its core facilities, ten of which are currently located at EMBL Heidelberg. Core facilities provide unique tools, expert advice and service for life scientists at EMBL and member states.

A Core Facility on Microbial Automation & Culturomics (MACCF) has been recently set up in Heidelberg, and is seeking an experienced and highly motivated microbiome specialist to join the team. The facility was launched as part of the scientific Program Molecules to Ecosystems, and its mission is to enable large scale experimentation and screens in respect with cultivation, genetic manipulation and phenotyping of microbial species in isolation and / or in communities. The facility gives researchers access and training into cutting-edge automation, and accommodates controlled environmental chambers and robotic systems that allow for systematic screens and high-throughput experimentation with diverse microbial organisms and communities. MACCF develops and distributes genome-wide genetic tools (e.g. mutant loss-of function libraries) for different microbial species and strains, and offers services on microbial community deconvolution and characterization – with an initial focus on bacteria of the human gut microbiome. The facility is used by different research groups across all EMBL sites, and by external visitors.

Your role

The EMBL Microbial Automation & Culturomics Core Facility is looking for a Microbiome Specialist. Their key responsibilities will include:

• Consult, train users and perform high-throughput cultivation and screening of gut microbiomes (single species and communities)
• Perform microbial isolation from complex microbiomes
• Assemble and maintain stable microbial communities
• Establish pipelines for high-throughput nucleic acid extraction
• Provide support to researchers on project planning

You have

• PhD in microbiology or molecular biology with expertise in high-throughput screening and microbial interactions
• Experience in working with gut microbiota and controlled environments
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
• High motivation to work independently, while collaborating with the team and interacting with the facility users
• High adaptability and problem solving skills
• Critical thinking to evaluate and integrate large scale data
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

You might also have

• Experience in working in an interdisciplinary environment
• Proficiency in programming languages

Salary guidance: Grade 6 with a monthly salary starting from 4.713,20 EUR net of tax, excluding health insurance and pension contributions, plus additional EMBL benefits.

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

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

01/09/2026