Legal Officer

EMBL - European Molecular Biology Laboratory

Heidelberg, Germany

Staff Category: Staff Member
Contract Duration: 2 years
Grading: 5 or 6, depending on qualifications and experience
Closing Date: 03 April 2016
Reference Number: HD_00847

About EMBL

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the most highly ranked scientific research organizations in the world. The EMBL Administration is responsible for providing administrative services to 1,800 members of personnel from over 80 nations based at the headquarters in Heidelberg (Germany) as well as those at its outstations in Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Monterotondo (Italy). The official languages of EMBL are English, French and German.

Given EMBL’s status as an International Organisation, its operation is governed by the rules of International Public and Private Law. Activities and decisions have to comply with the applicable regulations and rules in all countries in which EMBL has a presence.

EMBL offers and maintains a vibrant, cooperative, team-oriented and open working atmosphere.

Job Description

EMBL is seeking a Legal Officer to join the dynamic and international Legal Services team, which is located in EMBL’s Headquarters in Heidelberg. The post holder will be supervised by and report to the Head of Legal Services.

The Legal Officer will support the Legal Services team regarding a variety of additional internal and external projects that will arise during the next two years that require temporary support from the Legal Services team during the currency of the Euro-BioImaging (EuBI) Preparatory Phase II infrastructure project. He/she will be required to perform a broad range of legal work, including research, drafting, and contract negotiations. If the project results in the planned establishment of the EuBI ERIC infrastructure, the legal officer will be well placed to apply for position of its legal adviser.

In relation to EuBI the Legal Officer will support the Coordinator of the EC-funded project EuBI Preparatory Phase II and the team of EuBI in Heidelberg, regarding the legal establishment of the new pan-European research infrastructure EuBI ERIC. In this regard, the Legal Officer will be involved in a variety of exciting tasks related to European and International law, for example in the context of establishing EuBI’s legal framework. His/her diplomatic and negotiation skills will be tested when negotiating with legal experts from ministries and research organisations, and when developing internal policies and rules of procedure for governance bodies.

For more information, please visit www.eurobioimaging.eu.

It is envisaged that the post holder will initially be trained and closely supervised, so as to provide the necessary guidance and quality assurance. The expectation is that the post holder should be prepared to work increasingly independently, albeit in close cooperation with the supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience

The post holder has an advanced university degree in law demonstrating an international focus in his/her academic career, and at least 3 years of professional experience. Ideally, his/her academic and professional background proves diplomatic skills.

Excellent English legal drafting skills are required. Experience in a policy or international relations environment is considered as a strong asset. Legal areas to be covered and which the post holder ideally should have a combined experience in include: International Public Law, (International) Administrative Law, and European Law.

The post holder has strong analytical skills and the ability to identify problems and offer pragmatic options for solutions. He/She has demonstrated ability to work in a multi cultural environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. The post holder is client-focussed and – if required – can work to tight deadlines and handle a multitude of legal matters in parallel.

Excellent communication skills in English are mandatory. Working knowledge of German or French - especially gained in a legal working environment - would be an asset. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office is essential.

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.