Employee benefits

We value your skills and offer a generous benefits package to support you and your family.

What we offer

Competitive salaries exempt from income taxes

EMBL’s special legal status allows for salaries and allowances to be exempt from income tax. Employees also benefit from an annual salary review taking into account cost of living increases.

Private insurance and other social security benefits

From life, medical and accident insurance to generous pension plans, EMBL’s benefits extend to unemployment support following the expiry of your contract.

30+ days paid leave

Our employees are entitled to 30 days paid holiday each year, in addition to public holidays. We also give you time when you need it most, with paid special leave for relocating, marriage and legal partnerships, and bereavement.

Reimbursement of relocation costs

If you relocate from outside 70 km of an EMBL campus, we will reimburse the cost of your removal. To help you and your family settle in, we will also provide you with an Installation Grant ranging from one to three months’ salary (conditions apply).

Flexible work arrangements

We recognise the importance of flexible work and its multiple benefits for your wellbeing and work life balance. Hybrid working, part-time hours and job shares requests are welcome.

Career development

We offer formal and informal training to set you up for success from the moment you join, alongside formal study support for those still in academia.

Benefits for international applicants

Visa exemption

Our special status as an international organisation ensures all our employees are exempt from requiring a visa. This also applies for a legally married partner and any dependent children. Learn more on how to get a visa or work permit at each of our sites.

Non-resident allowance

If you join us from outside of the host country and meet the criteria to be classed as a non-resident, you will receive an allowance of 9% of basic salary, or 12% if you are also being paid Family Allowance on top of your monthly salary. Non-residents are also entitled to claim the cost of a family trip back to their home country every two years (conditions apply).

Generous relocation package

If you move house from outside 70 km of an EMBL Campus we will reimburse the cost of your removal. To help you and your family settle in, we will also provide you with an Installation Grant ranging from one to three months’ salary, depending on your family circumstances. This also applies for applicants wishing to join us from other parts of a host country.

Benefits for families

Wherever you come from to work at EMBL, we want you and your family to feel at home. We offer generous monthly allowances to support all our employees, based on their family circumstances.

Family allowance

If you are married or in a legally recognised union, or you have a dependent child, you will be paid a generous family allowance (in addition to your base salary) per month.

Children allowance

For each dependent child under the age of 18, or up to 25 years of age and in full-time education or apprenticeship, you will be paid an additional allowance per month.

Campus Kindergarten

At our Heidelberg Campus we are pleased to offer a highly regarded Kindergarten for children aged 3 months and over. Employees can enjoy an attractive price, generous opening hours and various activities for parents to feel included too.

Paid parental leave

We offer generous paid maternity/paternity allowances to allow employees to spend time with new family members during their first year.

Child sick days

We understand that children need their parents when they are unwell. All EMBL employees are offered 10 days paid leave per year, per child, to care for them if they are unwell.

Education grant

Non-resident staff may receive an education grant of up to 75% of the school fees for each child attending a private school (upper limits apply).

Campus perks

Shuttle bus to and from work

Many of our Campuses are based in scenic locations, such as the Heidelberg Hills. A free shuttle bus service is available for all employees to utilise across many of our locations.

Subsidised cafeteria

All our Campuses offer employees a range of indoor and outdoor dining spaces to enjoy delicious hot and cold food options at a subsidized price.

Sports, gym & social benefits

Our Campus Sports and Social Clubs arrange a wide range of classes, summer parties, cultural events and activities for employees, depending on their interests.

Staff Association staff discounts

The EMBL staff association work hard each year to be a voice for every staff member. They also offer various discounts for activities such as the fitness studio and e-bikes to name a couple.

Unique opportunities for researchers

Our international, interdisciplinary environment and world-class facilities set our postdoctoral programme apart.

Each year we offer many opportunities for Predocs and Postdocs to join our Research Groups.

Many go on to join us as a staff member or have the chance to explore opportunities at one of our six sites across Europe.

EMBL Fellows Careers Service

The EMBL Fellows’ Career Service provides support and guidance to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows across all six EMBL’s sites.

Working with a dedicated Careers Advisor, this invaluable service will help you to take informed decisions about your career planning both in the short and longer term. Whether your main interest is pursuing a career path in academia, exploring opportunities in industry or exploring an independent venture, the EMBL Fellows’ Career Service will provide you with a portfolio of activities and resources to help you.