Head of Lab Services
Head of Lab Services
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Job Description
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is Europes flagship life science research institute with six sites across the continent. The EMBL Grenoble Unit located on the EPN Science Campus is part of a vibrant research ecosystem that includes ESRF ILL and IBS offering a unique environment for structural biology and integrated life science research.
The EMBL Grenoble Unit conducts an ambitious and crossdisciplinary research programme in molecular structural biology focusing on research questions in RNA biology infection biology and muscle cytoskeleton research questions. It also develops innovative instrumentation and methodologies for synchrotron Xray and cryoelectron microscopy (cryoEM) and provides structural biology services that bridge the temporal and spatial scales. Further information about research in the EMBL Grenoble Unit and at EMBL can be found on the EMBL web page.
Your role
We are looking for a proactive and handson Head of Lab Services to lead our Lab Support Team and ensure smooth reliable and efficient operation of the Units scientific instruments and infrastructure and the laboratory services supporting our scientists.
This role is central to ensuring scientific excellence at EMBL Grenoble. You will support all wet lab activities by maintaining and managing shared scientific equipment including user training overseeing consumables supply chains cleaning laboratory glassware and managing stock reagents. You will also be expected to anticipate future needs and contribute strategically to the planning of scientific infrastructure and the purchase of new instruments.
You will plan oversee and participate in the daily operations of the lab support team which currently has two members. You will work closely with other facility managers research technicians administrative staff and the Health and Safety Officer and report directly to the Head of EMBL Grenoble.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership and Operations Management:
- Manage the lab support team (23 members) and plan oversee and participate in their daily operations.
- With the lab support team ensure the delivery of services to the Unit: cleaning and sterilisation of labware and preparation of buffer and media of the highest quality for scientific research daytoday lab operation and logistics.
- Coordinate communication between the team EMBL Grenobles research groups and service departments (e.g. building maintenance health and safety IT administration) including organizing and faclitating relevant meetings.
Shared Scientific Equipment Coordination
- Maintain and oversee shared scientific equipment such as but not limited to FPLC systems spectrophotometers centrifuges laminar flow hoods plate readers.
- Ensure routine maintenance calibration and operability of instruments.
- Design and provide trainings for researchers on shared scientific equipment usage and best practices.
- Maintain and update technical documentation and user guidelines.
Scientific and Strategic Contributions
- Stay uptodate on emerging technologies and monitor evolving research needs of the Unit to identify opportunities for upgrading scientific infrastructure or introducing new technologies.
- Continuously optimize and improve further develop workflows and protocols for optimal efficiency of the EMBL Grenoble operations
- Organise webbased resources (in collaboration with our IT support team) and inperson training events (e.g. workshops user days demo of equipment) to promote good user practices or new technologies
- Liaise with other EMBL sites and partner institutes in Grenoble to facilitate access to specialised instrumentation and foster collaboration
- Facilitate the onboarding of new groups at EMBL through support in negotiations with vendors of equipment and reagents.
Administration and Budgeting
- Oversee budget and spending related to shared consumables reagents and scientific equipment
- Coordinate purchases negotiate with vendors and manage relationships with suppliers
- Contribute to recruitment processes and onboarding of new technical staff
- Contribute to planing and coordinating common laboratory space reorganisations or renovations
- Working with the purchase officer maintain and update the laboratory inventory
- Manage maintenance contracts related to scientific equipment and other assets relevant to the laboratorys operations including proper file management and monitoring compliance with contract terms. Report annually to the Head of the Site on contract status.
Operational Flexibility
- Provide handson support to the Lab Support Team as needed.
- Other tasks related to your role and the lab service unit may be required by the Head of Unit.
You have
- A PhD Masters or technical degree in Molecular Biology Structural Biology or Biochemistry or related field with practical experience in research wetlab settings.
- Indepth understanding of the technologies used in scientific equipment with the ability to ensure their proper operation and routine maintenance. This includes troubleshooting issues and performing basic repairs (e.g. replacing UV lamps filters and similar components).
- Dedication to deliver work of highest quality to ensure continuous scientific excellence of EMBL Grenoble
- Ability to learn and adapt to new techniques and tools.
- As a central goto person for research staff PhD students and postdocs you will display excellent motivation a solutionoriented problemsolving attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
- A highly positive work attitude with strong communication and organisational abilities with fluency in English and good working knowledge of French
- Proficiency with office software and collaborative tools
- Strong team work and team management skills the ability to work in a multicultural international environment
You might also have
- Previous experience in a lab management research support or facility coordination role in the above areas of life science
- Previous experience in staff supervision and budget administration
- Familiarity with laboratory purchasing logistics and supplier negotiation
How to Apply
Submit your application via including:
- A cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience in English.
- Your full CV in English.
- Contact information for at least two referees
Informal inquiries on the position can be directed to Prof. Kristina Djinovic Carugo at .
Contract length:
3 years (renewable to a maximum of 9 years)
Salary:
Monthly salary from 3.91419 EUR after tax and before personal pension and insurance contributions (12.05%). Plus other paid benefits.
Why join us
EMBL is curiositydriven communityoriented and international. As an inclusive equal opportunity employer we believe that diversity enables us to collaborate more effectively and be innovative in our approaches. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive and flexible culture one where everyone can realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to our organisation.
We encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing team we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and personal experiences reflect the diversity of the populations that our science serves. We actively encourage applications from all genders and cultures ethnic groups and all demographics to help us avoid perpetuating biases and oversights at this transformational point in our people strategy.
Enjoy lots of benefits:
Financial incentives:Salary free of income tax Monthly family child and nonresident allowances annual salary review pension scheme death benefit longterm care accidentatwork and unemployment insurances
Flexible working arrangements
Private medical insurancefor you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
Generous time off:30 days annual leave per year in addition to public holidays
Relocation packageincluding installation grant (if applicable)
Campus life:Free shuttle bus (select sites) onsite library subsidised onsite gym and cafeteria casual dress code extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
Family benefits: Kindergarten (Heidelberg) 10 days of child sick leave generous paid maternity/parental leave and monthly family & child allowances
Benefits for international newcomers:Visa exemption education grant for private schooling financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly nonresident allowance.
For detailed information please visit our employee benefits page here
What else you need to know
International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Visit our International Applicants page to find out more.
EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here.
Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women LGBTQ & individuals from all nationalities.
How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.
Closing Date
15/06/2025Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
