Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields


Group Leader – Molecular Systems Biology Unit EMBL Heidelberg


EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, EMBL
Application deadline: 22 Sep 2025


EMBL is seeking a motivated scientist to lead an independent research group, addressing original biological questions in the broad area of molecular systems biology.

 

About EMBL

The Molecular Systems Biology Unit at EMBL invites talented scientists to establish their independent research group and explore bold and important questions in relevant thematic areas, including but not restricted to: integrative structural biology, whole-cell modelling and/or ML/AI-driven approaches to model macromolecular function and cellular organization, structural bioinformatics, protein design, synthetic biology, chemical biology approaches to manipulate and engineer biological systems, high-throughput biochemistry, in situ or large-scale genome engineering, and data-driven biology.
The Unit is at the forefront of understanding molecular structure, organization and function at a systematic level. They employ a suite of cutting-edge structural, computational and systems biology approaches, including combining high throughput perturbations (genetics and chemical) to multi-modal readouts (cellular and omics), to gain quantitative and mechanistic insights into how complex biological processes operate and coordinate in the context of cells, organisms and communities and across temporal, spatial and evolutionary scales. Within this framework, a wide variety of biological contexts and processes are studied. Here you will join a vibrant and interdisciplinary community where collaboration and innovation are fostered. Discover more about the Unit and the research conducted by the different groups in our webpage.

 

Find out more about the role and apply here.

 

Your role

As a Group Leader, you will:

  • Lead an independent research group to pursue exciting, ambitious and original research in the broad domain of molecular systems biology.
  • Bring your perspective and unique vision to science in an intellectually stimulating, collaborative, interdisciplinary and highly international environment, where your research can flourish.
  • Create an innovative research program developing or utilizing cutting-edge technologies to address important biological questions from a unique standpoint.

Your profile

You have an excellent Ph.D. and postdoctoral track record in the natural or life sciences, with an interest in the broader field of molecular systems biology. Applicants with a background in computer science, mathematics, engineering, physics and chemistry with who are interested in understanding the molecular complexity of biological systems are also encouraged to apply. You should have an ambitious research plan with original ideas and clearly defined goals. You are dedicated to developing positive relationships and providing leadership and guidance to team members. Your research will synergize with the activities at EMBL MSB and leverage and contribute to ongoing research across EMBL.

 

Key competencies

  • Scientific Excellence and Vision – you have the potential to develop groundbreaking ideas and contribute to shaping the future of their field.
  • Original and Innovative Thinking – you are curious and intellectually creative to approach important research questions from new and original perspectives.
  • Collaborative Mindset – you are eager to engage with a diverse community of researchers, willing to step outside of your comfort zone, and open to interdisciplinary exchange.
  • Mentoring Skills – you are dedicated to nurture and inspire the next generation of scientific leaders in Molecular Systems Biology.
  • Leadership Potential and Management Skills – you are ready and committed to grow into a leadership role, including learning how to efficiently manage and inspire a research team, adapting strategic planning, coordination, and an environment that fosters inclusiveness.


Scientific context and strategic fit

EMBL’s long-term scientific direction, Molecules to Ecosystems, include a vision to advance our understanding of ecosystems at the molecular level, applying expertise in molecular biology to study life in its natural context. Research areas include applying experimental, computational and theoretical approaches to study how cells and organisms interact with each other and respond to fluctuating environments. The new established areas are embedded in the research of the Molecular Systems Biology Unit, which fosters extensive Links to the Infection Biology, Microbial Ecosystems and Planetary Biology Transversal Themes. We are interested in hosting scientists, who can enhance and extend these areas in innovative ways. For example, microbial cells, communities and their interactions with their hosts and the environment is one of the common threads within the Unit.
We welcome original and ambitious proposals that develop or utilize cutting-edge approaches to be used to bridge systems-level views to molecular mechanism. New experimental and computational methods, including data and deep-learning driven approaches to study complex biological processes in the context of cells, organisms, communities and ecosystems are welcome. Biological areas include (but are not limited to):

  • Macromolecular structure, function and organization in the cell
  • Protein states, dynamics and evolution
  • Core cellular processes/machineries – their assembly, cross-talk, regulation and evolution
  • Microbiomes and microbial functional diversity
  • Host-pathogen and organismal interactions
  • Cellular responses and adaptation to environment
  • Other areas that complement and extend existing research within the Unit are welcome

 

Why EMBL is an excellent environment for You as a Group Leader

EMBL typically appoints group leaders early in their career and provides everything you need to support this transition to your first independent position to achieve your research goals.
EMBL group leaders benefit from:

  • Core Funding: Focus on your research with generous, reliable core funding throughout your time at EMBL. The offer includes a competitive yearly research package with funding for both salaries and consumable, core-funded Ph.D. students from an excellent international Ph.D. program, and access to a number of co-funded postdoctoral fellow programs.
  • World-Class Resources: Access to world-leading core facilities that enable you to quickly establish and advance your research program.
  • Collaborative, Interdisciplinary Environment: Thrive within a network of over 110 independent research groups and service teams across our six sites, covering a broad spectrum of topics in life sciences. EMBL fosters and supports creative, interdisciplinary and collaborative research.
  • Creative Freedom: Enjoy the autonomy and resources to push the boundaries of your research.
  • Well-connected Scientific Hub: Be part of EMBL Heidelberg, embedded in a thriving research environment with partnerships to world-leading institutions and cross-institutional initiatives.
  • Networking & Visibility: Engage with hundreds of world-leading scientists coming for each of the over 30 international conferences hosted annually at EMBL’s advanced training centre.
  • Global Excellence: Join a top-ranked research institute promoting discovery-driven science in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

 

How to apply

Before applying, please read full application instructions here.
You should submit an exciting research plan with original and ambitious goals for your future team. In your online application, you will be asked to include a cover letter, your CV, the names and contact details of 3 referees and a concise description of research interests & future research plans, highlighting your unique vision (up to four pages). Letters of recommendation should be submitted by the referees by or shortly after the application deadline. Find all vacancy details and apply here.

 

Closing Date
22/09/2025