5 years initially, renewal to up to 9 years possible
We are seeking talented scientists to lead their own independent research group with innovative developments in machine learning/AI methodology with applications in the broad area of genome biology, integrative-omics, and spatial omics. We welcome exciting and original proposals at the interface of machine learning (AI) and genome biology. Potential focus areas include research in machine learning foundations, multimodal large language models, self-supervised learning, causal inference, active learning and explainable AI. Biological application areas include (but are not limited to) regulatory mechanisms (transcription, translation, signalling), metabolism, synthetic genomics, large scale genetic perturbations, gene-environment interactions, single cell and spatial-omics, exposomics, and molecular interactions in complex systems. We welcome proposals that combine modern, powerful methods of machine learning and statistical modelling with open science and conceptual theory.
The Genome Biology Unit studies how molecular information (DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites) is regulated, connected and altered at a cellular, tissue and organismal level, in diverse biological contexts, including disease. We develop leading-edge experimental and computational approaches to dissect, model and design complex processes translating genotype to phenotype. The Unit is a fast-moving, highly interdisciplinary place, where experimental scientists, computer scientists, and mathematicians work closely together. For more information, please refer to the Genome Biology webpage and individual group pages. You will also become a member of the wider EMBL research landscape across six sites in Europe, including its growing AI & machine learning initiative .
You will be embedded in a thriving local Heidelberg environment, including the cross-institutional AI ELLIS Unit Heidelberg , the Single Cell Genomics centre and the Heidelberg-Mannheim Health & Life-Science Alliance .
Your Tasks
You will lead an independent research group to pursue exciting, ambitious and original research to model, understand and design complex biological systems, and their response to perturbations.
Your research program may include an experimental data generation component as well as be purely computational. In either case, EMBL offers a wealth of opportunities for collaboration with on-going experimental activities, and world-class core facilities that are accessible to all groups. Proposals that combine AI with model-driven data generation, e.g. aiming to establish instances of lab in the loop approaches are particularly welcome.
You should be strongly motivated to collaborate with surrounding colleagues, and to train, nurture and mentor your research team.
We hire for potential — EMBL appoints group leaders early in their career and applicants with a short or even without postdoc experience are encouraged to apply. EMBL offers a supportive, collegial and family-friendly environment in which to develop your original, cutting-edge research ideas. Significant yearly core funding for the entire stay, access to outstanding Ph.D. students, post-docs and engineering scientists enable you to establish and lead an ambitious, far-reaching research program.
Requirements
You should have a concise research plan (max 4 pages) with original and ambitious research goals for your future team. You should have an excellent research track record in AI / Computational Biology, with an interest in the wider field of genome/molecular biology. Applicants with a purely theoretical / computational background in computer science, (bio)informatics/mathematics, engineering, physics with a keen interest to engage with biological research and experimental data are encouraged to apply. As evidence of your past track record, we value all types of research output, including articles, conference proceedings, preprints, software, services and products.
We offer
Why join us
EMBL is a world-leading life science organisation known for its interdisciplinary research, technology development, and scientific training. We conduct curiosity, discovery-based research, with a highly collaborative, open, and supportive culture and a lively international community. EMBL includes the European Bioinformatics Institute ( EMBL-EBI ), the world’s largest database for biological data. EMBL’s Theory Transversal Theme connects multiple groups across its sites who work on quantitative, model-based, conceptual approaches to biology.
EMBL’s 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 environmental change, at multiple levels (molecules, cells, tissues and populations). These themes are embedded in the research within the Genome Biology Unit and we are interested in hosting computational activities that address these areas in creative innovative ways.
EMBL appoints group leaders early in their career and provides everything you need to support this transition to your first independent research position and achieve your scientific goals.
The various EMBL Units are strongly connected through numerous cross-unit collaborations. This fosters creative, interdisciplinary research by promoting a vibrant environment consisting of young independent research groups with access to outstanding graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and our world-leading core facilities. The offer includes a competitive yearly research package, including core-funded Ph.D. students from an excellent international Ph.D. program and a post-doc recruitment program – key features to support a successful research group. This unique environment launches people’s careers, enabling junior groups to establish themselves and go on to tenured positions, or chairs of departments at excellent institutions around the world.
EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organization with a very collegial and family friendly working environment. We are committed to diversity and equality, and encourage women and underrepresented groups to apply. Appointment will be merit based. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial support for relocation and installation, including your family, and the availability of excellent child care on campus, in addition to many excellent and international schools in Heidelberg.
What else you need to know
We are Europe’s flagship research laboratory for the life sciences – an intergovernmental organisation performing scientific research in disciplines including molecular biology, physics, chemistry and computer science. We are an international, innovative and interdisciplinary laboratory with more than 1800 employees from more than 80 countries, operating across six sites, in Heidelberg (HQ), Barcelona, Hinxton near Cambridge, Hamburg, Grenoble and Rome.
Our mission is to provide vital services in training scientists, students and visitors at all levels; to develop new instruments and technologies in the life sciences and actively engage in technology transfer activities, and to integrate European life science research. The working language of the institute is English.
Contact and Address
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, not exceeding four pages. Should you plan to submit your application close to the deadline, please inform your referees in advance so they can be ready to send their LOR preferably by the deadline of the call.
Closing date: Jan 2nd 2025
Online interviews are planned for Jan 31st and Feb 3rd 2025
One site interviews are planned for March 10–11 (inclusive) 2025
Further information about the position, please contact recruitmentembl.org.
Information on Group Leader appointments can be found here www.embl.org/gl_faq .
An initial contract of 5 years will be offered to the successful candidate. This is foreseen to be extended to a maximum of 9 years, subject to an external review.
Please apply online through: www.embl.org/jobs
