About the team/job
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Grenoble has an active research and international visitors program in structural molecular biology, making particular use of synchrotron X-rays and cryo-electron microscopy as structure determination techniques.
EMBL Grenoble shares the European Photon and Neutron Science (EPN) Campus with the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL) and the French national Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), whose complementary and integrated facilities provide a very rich environment for structural biologists.
The EMBL Grenoble Instrumentation Team (https://www.embl.org/groups/grenoble-instrumentation/) designs and builds state-of-the-art, automated sample handling instrumentation for high-throughput crystallisation (e.g. the CrystalDirect automated harvesting robot), macromolecular crystallography (e.g. the MD2 and MD3 micro/nano diffractometers and Flex-HCD frozen crystal sample changer), small-angle scattering (e.g. sample changer and multi-modal sample exposure unit), X-ray imaging (versatile sample holders) and cryo-electron microscopy (automated cryo-grid preparation for cells and single-particles). The team is also responsible for operational deployment and subsequent support, IP protection and technology transfer to industry. The team collaborates closely with end-user scientists including the in house High-throughput Crystallisation and Synchrotron Diffraction Teams, the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility for technology implementation on jointly run X-ray beamlines, the Imaging Center at EMBL Heidelberg and with EMBL Hamburg, which runs X-ray beamlines for structural biology on the Petra III synchrotron at DESY, as well as other synchrotron sites.
Your role
EMBL Grenoble is seeking to recruit a visionary team leader with demonstrable engineering expertise in the design, construction and deployment of state-of-the-art, highly automated scientific instrumentation. The selected candidate will lead a team (currently 8 members) of scientists, engineers and technicians that develop, upgrade and maintain gold-standard, sample-handling instrumentation for structural biology (macromolecular crystallography, electron microscopy/tomography) and bioimaging (X-ray imaging, CLEM). Projects typically involve the integration of complex workflows, often at cryogenic temperatures, using high precision mechatronic techniques and resulting in robust, automated equipment with a user-friendly interface. The team leader will develop innovative solutions in collaboration with scientists and manage instrument design, construction, testing, deployment and maintenance. Publication of results and potential technology transfer to the industry are also expected. As a member of EMBL’s faculty, the candidate will take part in strategic discussions about future directions, and proactively engage in acquiring financial support for projects through national French or EU grants.
You have
Applicants should have an advanced degree in engineering, computer science, image analysis or robotics and ideally several years of experience in the development of innovative, high precision automated scientific instrumentation in either industry or academia. The candidate should also have demonstrable experience in project management involving recruiting and coordinating a multidisciplinary team of mechatronic engineers to produce innovative scientific instrumentation to state-of-the-art industrial standards within challenging timelines.
Proactive and self-motivated, the ideal candidate is able to communicate and defend his/her work in English, but also appreciates working in a team and is capable of sharing decisions. S/he should have good communication skills in English, and should be enthusiastic about working in a highly international environment. A good working knowledge of French is an advantage.
Why join us
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. Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.
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 instruments and methods in the life sciences and actively engage in technology transfer activities, and to integrate European life science research.
Interviews will take place on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 July 2022.
Please submit your CV, cover letter, and names of three referees.