Group Leader

Are you ready to lead groundbreaking research in Infection Biochemistry? Join us at EMBL Hamburg

We are recruiting outstanding scientists to establish independent research groups tackling fundamental questions in molecular mechanisms of infection.

About Us
The EMBL Hamburg Unit invites outstanding scientists to establish an independent research group in the area of infection biochemistry, addressing fundamental questions related to molecular mechanisms in infection biology. The successful candidate will be based at the Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), an interdisciplinary research center focused on infection biology, and will be integrated into EMBL's research programme, in particular into the Infection Biology Transversal Theme.

EMBL Hamburg is a technological hub for integrative structural biology, combining cutting-edge methods development in molecular biophysics, X-ray imaging, SAXS, and macromolecular and time-resolved crystallography at our synchrotron beamlines on PETRA III. Our Unit has a strong track record in developing innovative methods, technologies and instruments used for structural biology, and applying them to a wide range of projects, mostly in the field of infection research. EMBL groups based at the CSSB have direct access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM infrastructure, including multiple high-end transmission electron microscopes, cryo-FIB/SEM systems and comprehensive sample preparation facilities. Methodologies available at EMBL and CSSB are further complemented by a wide variety of technologies and expertise present on the DESY campus, further expanding the locally available portfolio for integrative structural biology, while the planned PETRA IV synchrotron will create unique opportunities for using synchrotron radiation in biology.

The new group leader will join a vibrant, collaborative environment that supports interdisciplinary research, technology development, and methodological innovation. Discover more about the Hamburg Unit and the opportunities we offer visiting our website.

Your role

As a Group Leader, You Will

• Establish and lead an independent research group investigating molecular mechanisms of infection, with a strong focus on biochemistry and/or structural biology.
• Develop a bold and innovative research program that leverages or contributes to cutting-edge technologies, including next-generation biochemistry, molecular biophysics, and integrative structural approaches, to uncover mechanistic insights into host–pathogen interactions.
• Contribute your unique scientific vision to a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international environment, embedded within the EMBL Hamburg Unit and the Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), where both fundamental discovery and method development are actively pursued.

Your profile

You should present an ambitious research plan with innovative ideas and clearly defined goals. Candidates with an outstanding track record in molecular biology or related fields, and a strong interest in the complexity of molecular processes at the atomistic level, are encouraged to apply. You are committed to fostering positive relationships and providing leadership and guidance to team members. Your research will synergise with the activities at EMBL Hamburg while leveraging and contributing 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.
• 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 Hamburg Unit further fosters extensive links to Infection Biology, Microbial Ecosystems and Planetary Biology transversal themes.

We welcome original and ambitious research proposals that focus on elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying infection and host–pathogen interactions, with an emphasis on developing or applying cutting-edge experimental and computational approaches. Projects that combine innovative methods in AI, integrative structural biology, molecular biophysics and high-throughput biochemistry are particularly encouraged.

We Are Particularly Interested In Candidates Whose Research Bridge Molecular Mechanisms With Infection Biology, And Who Are Eager To Leverage The Unique Experimental Infrastructure At EMBL Hamburg To Drive Innovation. Biological Areas Include (but Are Not Limited To)

• Macromolecular structure, dynamics, and function in host–pathogen interfaces
• Biochemical pathways and molecular assemblies essential for infection processes
• Structure, function, and evolution of pathogenic enzymes and toxins
• Molecular engineering of microbial or host components to probe infection mechanisms
• Evolution and adaptation of pathogen effectors and immune evasion strategies
• Microbial diversity and the functional role of microbiomes in infection and health
• Cellular signalling, stress responses, and regulatory networks in infected cells
• Innovative technologies to probe infection mechanisms across spatiotemporal scales

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: EMBL Hamburg offers unique access to cutting-edge infrastructure for integrative structural biology, including state-of-the-art beamlines at PETRA III for macromolecular crystallography, time-resolved crystallography, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and X-ray imaging. The Sample Preparation and Characterization (SPC) Facility provides support for biophysical and biochemical analysis. At the Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), additional facilities for cryo-electron microscopy, light microscopy, and a future Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) lab. Computational resources enable a comprehensive pipeline from molecule to mechanism in the context of infection. Method development and close collaboration between research groups and facility staff ensure rapid adoption and implementation of emerging technologies.
• 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: EMBL Hamburg is located on the DESY campus, a vibrant and interdisciplinary research environment that brings together world-leading institutions in physics, structural biology, infection research, and data science. This rich ecosystem supports strong links between fundamental research, method development, and translational applications. The Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB)—where the recruited group will be based—is a collaborative initiative between EMBL and nine partner institutions, fostering integrated approaches to infection biology. Access to EMBL world-leading core facilities allow you to hit the ground running and get your research program going.
• 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.

Online interviews will be conducted during the first week of December 2025.

Onsite interviews are planned for the 19th – 20th January 2026.

Contract length: 5 years, renewable to a maximum of 9 years

Salary: Grade 9, monthly salary from EUR 6.659 per month (after tax, and before 12.05% EMBL social security deductions) plus other paid benefits

Further information on Group Leader appointments can be found here:

If you would like more information about the position, if procedural please contact , if on research please contact Maria Garcia Alai, m.-, Team Leader & Head of EMBL SPC (Sample Preparation and Characterisation) Facility.

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.

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, 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 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 only), 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.
• 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

02/11/2025