Project Officer

EMBL - European Molecular Biology Laboratory

Heidelberg, Germany

Staff Category: Staff Member 
Contract Duration: 3 years 
Grading: 4, 5 or 6, depending on experience and qualifications 
Closing Date: 15 July 2014 
Reference Number: HD_00518

Job Description

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked scientific research organisations in the world. The Headquarters Laboratory is located in Heidelberg (Germany), with additional sites in Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Monterotondo (Italy).

EMBL Heidelberg is looking for a Project Officer to join the group of Dr Jan Korbel at the Genome Biology Unit.

The Korbel group is involved in national and international collaborative research initiatives providing opportunities for the development of exciting research directions in the context of human genetic variation in healthy individuals and disease contexts. A major new initiative Jan Korbel is co-coordinating, the international Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PAWG) project, aims to harmonize the world’s cancer genomic data to enable joint integrative data analyses to advance basic and clinically oriented research, and to enable future advances in personalized medicine. The Korbel group’s main research objective is to investigate the mutational origins and functional consequences of genetic variation, with a special focus on genomic structural variation, using experimental and computational approaches in molecular biology and genomics.

Involvement in international consortia requires scientific project management, coordinated communication between project partners, as well as grants management. The Project Officer will work closely with Jan Korbel and other group members in communication and management of current research projects, with a particular emphasis on reporting, communication and coordination of activities, and as such would have the opportunity to actively engage and participate in scientific research pursued in the Korbel group. S/He will additionally tightly interact with the EMBL administration (grant office and finance) and with representatives from collaborating research institutions.

In detail, tasks will include:

• Participation in and documentation of group and network meetings as well as teleconference calls;
• Documentation and participation in the planning of project strategies and time management, communication thereof within the team(s);
• Communication of project results to scientific colleagues, external collaborators, and the general public;
• Close monitoring of project progress and preparation of decision points, developing efficient work plans, and illustrating project schedules;
• Participation in grant writing;
• Scientific reporting, including reporting to funding agencies;
• Assembly of briefing materials, organization of meetings, and minuting of teleconferences;
• Proactively driving communication and inter-personal relationships within international research consortia.

These activities will ensure effective coordination of and between the different research projects and maximize synergies wherever possible. In addition, they may form the basis to recognize new opportunities and apply for new funding for future projects, based on current and new results and new technology developments.

Qualifications and Experience

The candidate should hold an advanced university degree in the life sciences or equivalent (PhD is an advantage). The post holder will have outstanding and effective organisational skills and will enjoy working in an independent and pro-active manner, across a broad range of functions and with maximum flexibility in a dynamic international scientific environment. Effective multitasking and the ability to work with tight deadlines are also required. Fluency in spoken and written English language skills will be essential for carrying out the work; other linguistic skills (especially German) will be a plus. Excellent interpersonal skills as well as creativity and a collaborative team spirit are required, and a willingness to travel within Europe would be a plus (but is not mandatory). The ability to anticipate needs, to help promote the career of students and postdocs within the Korbel group, and to maintain excellent working relationships with all team members are essential. Part time employment (at least 50%) may be a possibility.

Application Instructions

Please apply online through www.embl.org/jobs.

Additional Information

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation.

Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.