Head of Scientific Affairs

About us

EMBO is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the life sciences in Europe and beyond. We fund talented researchers at all career stages, facilitate scientific exchanges through high-quality academic publishing, conferences, and lectures, and foster a research environment where scientists can achieve their best work.

Our diverse international team of approximately 60 staff collaborate closely with one another and with external stakeholders to further our mission. EMBO is located on the international EMBL life sciences research campus in Heidelberg, Germany.

Your Role

As Head of Scientific Affairs, you will act as a key scientific and strategic advisor, supporting the Director in shaping and implementing EMBO’s vision. You will be responsible for fostering coordination between EMBO’s scientific activities, overseeing cross-programme interactions, and ensuring smooth communication between leadership, staff, and external stakeholders. You will also be responsible for implementing pilot projects arising fom the Director’s Special Fund.

In addition to providing scientific and strategic guidance, you will play a crucial role in managing the Director’s Office, supporting high-level decision-making, and contributing to the development of organizational policies. You will also coordinate interactions with EMBO Council, EMBC, and funding bodies, ensuring that scientific priorities and governance needs are well aligned.

This position reports directly to the EMBO Director and serves as a trusted advisor in scientific and strategic matters.

Your main tasks will include

• Providing scientific insights, analysis, and strategic recommendations to support the Director’s leadership;
• Acting as a liaison between the Director, EMBO Programmes, and the scientific community, ensuring transparency and alignment;
• Overseeing scientific affairs and coordination, fostering collaboration between EMBO’s various programmes;
• Monitoring emerging trends in life sciences and assessing their impact on EMBO’s initiatives and funding schemes;
• Ensuring smooth interactions between the Director, management, and staff, helping to maintain a cohesive and productive work environment;
• Overseeing the planning and coordination of key EMBO meetings, including management retreats, all-staff retreats, and high-level governance meetings;
• Facilitating cross-programme collaboration, assessing project progress, and providing regular updates to the Director and management team;
• Implementing new activities arising from the Director’s Special Fund;
• Supporting the Director’s engagement with EMBO Council, EMBC, and international funding agencies, ensuring scientific and policy priorities are well represented;
• Collaborating with the Communications team on strategy and governance-related communication projects and initiatives;
• Working closely with HR and administration teams to ensure effective recruitment, career development, and internal policies, while acting as a point of contact for non-managerial staff on HR matters;
• Representing EMBO at scientific meetings, policy discussions, and strategic engagements as needed;
• Contributing to the oversight of administrative and governance processes, particularly in relation to EMBC and EMBO Council, in collaboration with internal teams.

Occasional travel and work outside normal hours, including weekends, may be required.

You have

• A PhD in life sciences, ideally with experience in scientific strategy, policy, or programme coordination.
• A strong understanding of scientific trends, funding landscapes, and policy developments in the life sciences;
• Experience in advising senior leadership on scientific and strategic matters.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate scientific insights into actionable strategies;
• A deep interest in science policy, governance, and international collaboration;
• The ability to work collaboratively across different teams and disciplines;
• Excellent spoken and written English skills.

You might also have

• Experience engaging with scientific governance structures, research institutions, or funding agencies is an asset.
• Additional languages (especially German) are a plus.

Why join us

EMBO is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the life sciences in Europe and beyond. We fund talented researchers at all career stages, facilitate scientific exchanges through high-quality academic publishing, conferences, and lectures, and foster a research environment where scientists can achieve their best work.

Our diverse international team of approximately 60 members hails from various countries, personal backgrounds, and professional fields, collaborating closely to further our mission. EMBO is located on the international EMBL life sciences research campus in Heidelberg, Germany.

Promote the life sciences

At EMBO, you can contribute significantly to the advancement of life sciences in Europe and beyond. Your work will enable talented scientists to do great research and create an environment that enables their success.

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 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/ EMBO is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here.
• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBO, 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 closing date. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.