Research Technician/Lab Officer

EMBL Heidelberg is seeking for a Research Technician/Lab Officer to join Prof. Jan Korbel's group in the Genome Biology Unit. You will work in the Korbel Group, and focus on supporting leading edge scientific projects in genomics, single cell technology-driven research, and AI-driven cell imaging by planning and delivering reliable wet-lab experiments.

• Plan, organise, and conduct molecular biology and genomics experiments across parallel projects, experimental designs and timelines with researchers and delivering reproducible results within previously agreed priorities.
• Deliver genomic and transcriptomic library preparation for short-read and single-molecule long-read sequencing, Strand-seq and other single-cell and multi-omics workflows, including quality control and basic data analysis.
• Carry out cell culture, flow cytometry analysis, cell sorting, PCR/qPCR validation, and operate microscopy platforms, particularly AI-guided confocal microscopes, to support project objectives.
• Operate and perform routine maintenance of high-throughput liquid-handling and robotic systems; contribute to testing, scaling up and automating workflows to improve consistency and throughput.
• Adapt and optimise protocols within agreed guidelines, troubleshoot experimental and equipment issues, and contribute to establishing new techniques with senior colleagues; escalate unresolved problems and changes affecting project objectives.
• Maintain daily experimental records, clear written protocols, traceable sample and reagent records, quality-control results and documented deviations; maintain relevant data management documentation in line with project data management plans, preferable in electronic lab books.
• Communicate plans, progress, results, problems and handovers proactively; coordinate experimental support for group members and share practical guidance on methods and documentation.
• Ensure that own experimental work and shared laboratory activities follow applicable institutional safety requirements, approved protocols and data management procedures; report incidents and compliance concerns promptly.
• Guide newcomers and coordinate the onboarding of the people in regards to wet lab experiments.

• A relevant qualification in biology, biotechnology, molecular life sciences or a related field: laboratory technician training (e.g. MTA, BTA or an equivalent national or international qualification), a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Applicants with a life sciences PhD and strong motivation for a research support career are also welcome.
• Demonstrated practical experience in molecular biology and/or genomics, with the scientific understanding and technical skills to undertake complex laboratory work independently within agreed guidelines.
• Experience in modern sequencing library preparation protocols and sequencing approaches.
• Experience in one or multiple of these techniques: cell culture, flow cytometry/cell sorting, confocal microscopy.
• Experience adapting protocols, troubleshooting experiments and assessing experimental quality.
• A careful and structured approach to sample tracking and laboratory documentation.
• Strong organisational skills, scientific curiosity and a hands-on approach; ability to coordinate several activities, meet agreed deadlines and communicate effectively with colleagues.
• A problem-solving and service-oriented mindset: you enjoy supporting other researchers both in the experimental design and with a hands-on approach.
• Excellent written and spoken English.