Group Leader

Science Faculty
Barcelona, Spain
EMBL Barcelona is a research unit focusing on Tissue Biology and Disease Modelling. We build tissues to understand them, either in vitro or in silico. We go beyond the molecular and cellular scale to ask questions such as: How do thousands of cells dynamically self-organise to create tissues and organs? How do new emergent properties arise at the tissue level? Why does this sometimes go wrong, causing disease? Can we engineer healthy or novel tissues in the laboratory? To tackle these grand challenges, our Unit combines an interdisciplinary mix of approaches, integrating molecular and cellular data with gene circuits, tissue engineering, multicellular omics, 3D mesoscopic imaging and computer modelling. Our current 7 research groups span work on organoids, in vitro vascular models, disease modelling, self-organisation and computational modelling of multicellular systems, with some of the groups combining both wet-lab and dry research.
We are now seeking outstanding candidates to lead a new independent group in this area. We encourage applicants with a wide range of approaches. We are interested in candidates focussed on fundamental science questions about tissue dynamics and organisation using novel and exciting model systems combined with new tools and technologies (for example, but not limited to, improving the state-of-the-art in growing, controlling and engineering in vitro 3D tissues, spatial omics, network dynamics, advanced molecular biology, lineage-tracing, material engineering, microfluidics, etc.). Combining both experimental and computational research is a plus.
Your role
You will lead an independent research group to pursue highly ambitious and original research goals. You will be embedded in the multidisciplinary and collaborative environment of EMBL, which provides many opportunities for interaction with other research groups. EMBL generally appoints group leaders early in their career and provides a very supportive, collegial and family friendly environment in which to develop exciting, cutting-edge research. Significant core funding and very limited teaching obligations allow you undertake an ambitious, competitive research program.
Closing date: 24 November 2024
Contract duration: 5 years (renewable)
Grading: 9
Reference number: BCN00107
You have
You have an outstanding Ph.D. and post-doctoral record in a relevant scientific topic (in biology, physics, engineering or other relevant topic). You have strong experience in the field of 3D tissue biology and a track-record of exciting scientific achievements.
You must have a novel research proposal which ideally combines:
- Fundamental scientific questions – advancing the state of understanding of how 3D tissues grow, organise themselves or respond to disease (whether at a molecular, cellular or biomechanical level).
- Technological advances – for example, improving the state-of-the-art in growing, controlling and engineering in vitro 3D tissues, spatial omics, network dynamics, advanced molecular biology, material engineering, microfluidics, etc.
In addition, you must have strong interpersonal skills to develop effective relationships and to provide leadership and guidance to team members. The ability to work independently and to participate in a collaborative team effort is critical, as is a pro-active and positive problem solving mind-set. Fluency in English is essential.
You might also have
EMBL’s new research areas aim to advance our understanding of ecosystems at the molecular level, applying expertise in molecular biology to study life in its natural context (Molecules to Ecosystems). These themes will study how organisms interact with each other and respond to environmental change, at multiple levels (molecules, cells, tissues and populations). EMBL Barcelona would be happy to host researchers whose in vitro tissue research might relate to any of these new transversal themes - Planetary Biology, Microbial Ecosystems, Infection Biology, Human Ecosystems or Theory.
Why join us
EMBL appoints group leaders from early in their career and provides a very supportive environment for your first independent position in order to achieve your research goals. The initial “Lead your Lab” management training is provided for all incoming group leaders.
EMBL offers a highly collaborative, uniquely international culture. The various EMBL units are strongly connected and cross-unit collaborations are not only possible but also strongly encouraged. We foster top quality, interdisciplinary research by promoting a vibrant environment consisting of early-stage independent research groups with access to outstanding graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and core facilities.
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. 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. EMBL is committed to internationality, diversity and equality, and as such encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
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 approx. 2 000 employees from many nations, operating across six sites, in Heidelberg (HQ), Barcelona, Cambridge, Hamburg, Grenoble and Rome.
The working language of the institute is English.
Important information for application submission:
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, typically not exceeding five pages.
As part of the application package, you must submit a short 3 minute video pitch. The goal of this video is to summarize your main interests, motivations and directions for your future independent research at EMBL. Consider this as an intro to your chalk talk (slides are allowed). What do you really want to achieve? How would you summarise in no more than 3 minutes your primary/secondary goals, with a mention of the approaches you would employ, and possible synergies with the EMBL Barcelona Unit? The video will be used in conjunction with the written documents as part of the application package – but it will not have more weight than the rest. More details on format/restrictions are available on request.
Interested candidates are encouraged to make informal enquiries to the Head of Site, James Sharpe ( ), to learn more about this opportunity and the application process.
Further information about research at EMBL Barcelona can be found at on Group Leader appointments can be found under 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:

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