Work at EMBL

Join EMBL and you’ll join a community of world-class researchers and skilled professionals working together to uncover the secrets of life.

What we offer

We offer attractive conditions and benefits to attract and retain the brightest talent.

Flexible and international working environment

We’re a diverse community of more than 1600 people from over 80 countries, operating across six sites in five countries. Creativity, curiosity and expertise can be found in every corner of EMBL, fostered by a collegial and supportive working environment.

Competitive salaries exempt from national taxes

EMBL offers an attractive financial package appropriate to an international research organisation, and our special legal status means EMBL salaries are exempt from income tax. We regularly review EMBL pay and benefits to stay competitive with the public sector and to retain and reward dedicated people.

Allowances and benefits for families and non-residents

Wherever you come from to work at EMBL, we want you and your family to feel at home. We offer extras including family and child allowances, onsite childcare and education grants depending on certain conditions. If you’re recruited outside the local region, you may be eligible for home leave and installation and removal benefits.

Attractive social security system including private health insurance

From life, medical and accident insurance to generous pension plans, EMBL has you covered. We not only want to keep you happy and healthy, but also take care of you beyond EMBL: our comprehensive infrastructure of social services can extend to unemployment support following the expiry of your EMBL contract.

Generous annual leave allowance

EMBL people 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.

Find out more about our conditions of employment.

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How to apply

We offer a wide range of challenging scientific and non-scientific positions at all of our European locations and encourage applications from international candidates at every career level.

Find the right opportunity

If you are interested in joining EMBL please check our current vacancies. Each job notice includes details of the role and responsibilities, who we’re looking for, the closing date and contract duration.

Search, alerts and applications

Please apply online via EMBL’s recruitment portal, following the instructions given. You can use the portal to search and apply for positions, register for job alerts, and login to update and check the status of your application.

Selection and interview

We evaluate all applications received. Candidates selected for interview are generally advised within two to four weeks of the closing date. EMBL covers economy-class travel expenses for all interviewees.

Group leader recruitment

EMBL hires group leaders early in their career and provide them with a supportive, collegial and family friendly environment that allows them to launch ambitious and original research programmes.

"EMBL offers a very collaborative and inspiring working environment, which has been great for me... There are scientists from many different fields, enabling us to take a very interdisciplinary approach to biology."
Judith Zaugg, Group Leader at EMBL Heidelberg

Recruitment philosophy

Responsibility

By ensuring that we select the most suitable person for the job at the right time and on the basis of relevant skills.

Professionalism

By following a clearly structured and equal selection process for each applicant. By carrying out interviews by trained staff.

Diversity

By taking actions to attract applicants from under-represented areas or areas of skill shortage.

Transparency

By making the recruitment procedure as open, fair and consistent as possible. By documenting the process and providing relevant information to all applicants.

Efficiency and effectiveness

By having clear and efficient hiring processes and procedures that effectively serve hiring managers and applicants.

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HR Excellence in Research

EMBL has been conferred with a badge of ‘excellence’ by the European Commission, in recognition of its progress in implementing the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers.

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Equality and diversity

EMBL is committed to creating and maintaining a culture in which diversity and equality are valued and promoted.

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Science4refugees

EMBL welcomes applications from talented refugees and asylum seekers who have a scientific background and who would like to apply for our advertised positions, including internships, part-time and full-time jobs.

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Work at EMBL

We offer attractive conditions and benefits to attract and retain the brightest talent. Learn more.

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One laboratory. Six sites. Global reach.

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory is a single organisation spread across six European sites. Each site hosts its own research units, services, and facilities.