The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked scientific research organizations in the world. The newest EMBL site is located in the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), one of the largest infrastructures in Southern Europe dedicated to translational research.

The main focus of the EMBL Barcelona site is in tissue biology and disease modeling. This particular position is for a 1-year maternity cover as research technician to work in the laboratory of Dr. Talya Dayton at the EMBL Barcelona.

The Dayton lab develops 3D in vitro organoid models of human tissue (airway/lung and patient tumors) to recapitulate developmental and cancer phenotypes of a specialized, hormone-producing cell type, the neuroendocrine cell. The group has two broad areas of interest – development and cancer – and we want to understand how these intersect and can be manipulated for patient benefit. More information about the lab can be found on their website: https://www.embl.org/groups/dayton/

Dr. Dayton aims to create an inclusive & fun team environment where team members support and inspire each other so that they can solve problems and address important questions together. Dr. Dayton is committed to supporting the career development of her team members.

Your role

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will provide technical support for all projects running in the laboratory and will be expected to also lead their own project both independently and as collaborations both within the lab and externally. There is a high expectation that the candidate take initiatives in the planning and design of experiments and in the analysis and interpretation of experimental results. The candidate will work closely with the group leader to learn relevant procedures and protocols. Responsibilities will include:

• wet lab work:
• establishing and maintaining 3D organoid cultures
• drug screening assays on tumor organoids
• molecular biology work (e.g., PCR, RT-PCR, ELISA)
• imaging and cell sorting experiments
• development of genetically engineered cellular models, including CRISPR-generated knock-ins and knock-outs
  
  

• Supporting lab operations:
• preparing and aliquoting organoid culture media reagents
• preparing buffers and solutions for general use
• operating and maintaining common lab equipment
• optimizing lab procedures and troubleshooting experimental protocols as needed
  

You have

• a Masters degree or PhD in biology or related life sciences field
• expertise in working with multicellular systems and organoid cultures
• independent and motivated work habits
• proactiveness and enthusiasm toward learning new techniques
• excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• excellent organization and time management skills
• strong practical skills in primary cell culture and molecular biology techniques
• ability to troubleshoot and problem solve
• desire to work in a team environment
• meticulous record-keeping skills with strong attention to detail
• strong project management and leadership skills
• ability to set up effective networks and working relationships
• ability to critically review information and readily understand new concepts
• ability to develop innovative processes to achieve goals
• ability to independently review activities to continually work towards process improvement
• Don’t meet every single requirement? We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways.
  
  

You may also have

• Spanish or Catalan is a plus, but not necessary
  
  

Contract length: limited to 1 year (absence coverage)

Salary: Grade 4

Why join us

EMBL is curiosity-driven, community-oriented 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 non-resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
• Flexible working arrangements
• Private medical insurance for 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 package including installation grant (if applicable)
• Campus life: Free shuttle bus (select sites), on-site library, subsidised on-site 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 non-resident 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. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.
  
  

Closing Date

31/03/2025