Research Scientist – Spatial Omics Technology Development

EMBL is Europe’s leading laboratory for the life sciences and a pioneer in the development of transformative technologies that enable new biological discoveries .

The Genomic Technology Development (GenTechDev) Open Lab develops and disseminates next-generation spatial omics technologies combining molecular biology, microscopy, chemistry and automation. Working closely with internal partners at EMBL and external groups and facilities across the MULTI-SPACE initiative and Health + Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim. GenTechDev develops open-source technologies that complement commercial spatial omics platforms and makes them broadly accessible to researchers.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Postdoctoral level Staff Scientist to help translate cutting-edge spatial transcriptomics and multimodal imaging technologies into robust, standardized workflows for the MULTI-SPACE initiative.

You will join the GenTechDev Open Lab and work closely with the groups of Sinem Saka, Eileen Furlong and Karsten Rippe (DKFZ), together with collaborators across EMBL, BioQuant, DKFZ, Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital.

You will act as a bridge between technology developers and users, transforming emerging spatial omics methods into standardized, reproducible workflows and supporting collaborative research projects.

• Develop, optimize and standardize padlock probe-based in situ sequencing workflows
• Establish multimodal protocols integrating spatial transcriptomics with multiplexed protein imaging, DNA-FISH, perturbation screening and other imaging/omics modalities
• Develop SOPs, validated reagent resources and documentation
• Design and perform technology development and pilot experiments
• Set priorities and organize your day-to-day work to efficiently reach the long-term milestones

• Support collaborative user projects and technology adoption
• Organize practical training courses and workshops
• Contribute to workflow automation and scalability
• Collaborate with EMBL core facilities and partner institutes
• Present results and contribute to scientific publications

• A PhD in life sciences or engineering, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, chemistry, genomics or a related discipline; or a University Degree with relevant professional experience
• A method development mindset and genuine interest in collaborating and training other scientists to adopt complex workflows
• Experience developing or applying advanced molecular biology, genomics or imaging technologies
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Ideally, strong experimental skills in molecular biology and microscopy
• Ideally, experience working with tissues or complex biological samples

• Experience with spatial transcriptomics or spatial omics
• In situ hybridization methods (FISH, in situ sequencing, padlock probes, MERFISH, seqFISH)
• Immunofluorescence, multiplexed immunostaining or DNA barcoding methods
• Advanced fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
• Automation or liquid handling
• Python or R
• Next-generation sequencing technologies

You will help establish next-generation open spatial multiomics technologies used across EMBL and the wider Heidelberg research community. Working alongside internationally recognised experts, you will contribute to scientific innovation, technology transfer, platform development and community building within the MULTI-SPACE initiative.

Contract length: until 31.12.2027 starting as soon as possible, with the possibility of extension contingent upon the availability of grant funding

Salary: Grade 5 or 6 depending on experience (salary starting from EUR 4.147,92 after tax, and before 12.99% EMBL Social Security deductions, plus other paid benefits)

How to apply: In addition to your CV and cover letter, please send the completed form available here

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