EMBL Programme
Pushing boundaries in research, services, training and technology
From genomes to organisms, EMBL is exploring the secrets of life
EMBL’s diverse research programme is pushing the limits of biological knowledge, with our researchers developing innovative techniques and technologies as part of the process.
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory is made up of many independent groups of research scientists, who work on a wide range of biological topics. EMBL categorises these groups by area of scientific interest into nine research units. This structure helps EMBL scientists working on similar scientific questions to leverage common tools and experimental apparatus.
Pushing boundaries in research, services, training and technology
Explore how EMBL research groups collaborate with partners
Making science open and accessible to the global scientific community
Explore EMBL’s full list of scientific publications and preprints which go back as far as 1979
EMBL supports fair and responsible research assessment practices
From exploring the molecular components inside a cell to studying whole populations and ecosystems, EMBL scientists will explore these different scales through research themes that foster collaborative, multidisciplinary research.
Unravelling genetic and environmental influences in biomes and ecosystems to understand biological processes and improve planetary health
Characterising pathogen interactions with the host at an atomic, molecular, and tissue level to tackle infection and antimicrobial resistance
Developing a quantitative, mechanistic, and molecular understanding of environmental effects on human biology
Ensuring research data is expertly curated, annotated, managed, integrated, visualised, and shared
Conducting and supporting world class research, building global collaborations, and helping to define the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the life sciences
Promoting theory-guided paths to understanding and conceptualising the underlying principles of biological systems
Dissecting microbial functions and communities to understand how microbes interact with their environments
These institutional collaborations are based on shared goals and scientific synergy or complementarity. The aim is to create a network of institutions that enhance molecular life science in Europe and around the world.

The Quail group at EMBL Heidelberg is looking for a highly motivated biochemist or biophysicist to join us as a Laboratory Officer. We combine single-molecule biophysics, in vitro biochemistry, quantitative imaging, and cell biology to study how proteins and enzymes collectively organize the genome...
Closes on 29th October. Posted 8th October 2026
EditYour roleAs our Precision Mechanic, you contribute to the development and maintenance of scientific instrumentation by providing specialist precision manufacturing expertise within the mechanical workshop. Working closely with engineers and researchers, you advise on production designs, manufacture...
Closes on 14th October. Posted 22nd September 2026
EditWith support from more than 30 countries, laboratories at six sites across Europe and thousands of scientists and engineers working together, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is a powerhouse of biological expertise. EMBL is an intergovernmental organisation, headquartered in Heidelberg, and was founded in 1974 with the mission of promoting molecular biology research in Europe, training young scientists, and developing new technologies.
EMBL currently employs more than 1800 people in Barcelona, Grenoble, Hamburg, Heidelberg, EMBL-EBI Hinxton (near Cambridge), and Rome.
Publishing hundreds of research articles and hosting dozens of conferences every year, EMBL is driving visionary fundamental research and training Europe’s future scientific talent.