EMBL is Europe's leading intergovernmental research organisation in the life sciences and one of the highest-ranked life science research institutions in the world.  The laboratory was founded in 1974 and is international in every sense. Its 2000 employees operate across six sites in Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK: with the main laboratory and headquarters as well as Director General’s Office and central administration in Heidelberg, and sites in Hamburg, Grenoble, Rome, Barcelona and Hinxton (the EMBL European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI)). EMBL’s current annual budget of roughly €345 million is taxpayer-funded by its 29 member states together with significant external grant support. The cornerstones of EMBL’s mission are: to perform fundamental and interdisciplinary research in molecular biology; to train scientists at all career levels; to offer vital services to scientists in the public and private sectors across all member states; to foster innovation by developing new technology, methods and instruments and to actively engage in technology transfer activities; to promote integration of European life science research; and to offer a platform for dialogue with the general public through diverse science communication activities. EMBL’s current research programme ‘Molecules to Ecosystems’ is rapidly advancing our understanding of ecosystems at the molecular level as well as exploring ‘life in context’.

EMBL seeks a highly experienced, inspirational and dynamic leader to serve as its next Director General (DG). The DG is responsible for the development of the overall policy and strategy across the organisation including EMBL’s five-year scientific programme and corresponding funding frameworks.  As the Chief Executive Officer and legal representative of EMBL, the DG guides and oversees the preeminent position and further evolution of EMBL including its missions and programmes according to the needs of the scientific community and broader European society with respect to the molecular life sciences. Assisted by the EMBL Directorate and Senior Management, the DG has overall responsibility for the successful operation and performance of all parts of the organisation. The DG is the spokesperson for EMBL and serves as an advocate and communicator with the scientific community, policy makers, industry groups, funding organisations, the media and the general public. The DG will be initially appointed for a 5-year term. This term may be extended by the EMBL Council.

The EMBL DG reports to EMBL Council, the member state body that governs EMBL. The DG is responsible for: (a) the implementation and execution of Council decisions, and (b) the provision of accurate information on all of EMBL’s activities, including high-level scientific expertise to internal and external advisory bodies. The DG works with EMBL Council and the Laboratory’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) to chart the strategic course for EMBL, to ensure it sustains and evolves its missions according to the needs of the scientific community in the member states, and to consolidate and strengthen its pioneering position as Europe’s centre of excellence in life science research, services and training. 

Candidates for this position will have:

• an outstanding record of pioneering research and service provision in any leading area of molecular life science;
• a proven record of senior leadership experience with significant experience, preferably international, in research and academic administration and management;
• an excellent overview of the European life science research and policy landscape;
• an inclusive, collaborative and empowering leadership style;
• a demonstrated record of successful fundraising, programme development, faculty recruitment and mentoring, and organisational leadership;
• effective communication skills and the ability to interact and negotiate productively with a diverse set of stakeholders both inside and outside of EMBL, including in diplomatic contexts; and
• fluent written and spoken English. Other member state languages, in particular German and French, are an advantage.

Applications should contain a letter of motivation including a vision for the future development of EMBL, a CV including key research outputs as well as evidence of the required leadership skills

Completed applications should be received by the deadline of 23:59 CET on Saturday 15th February 2025. For any further queries please email EMBL.DG@perrettlaver.com.

EMBL is a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). We support fair and responsible research assessment, which includes its recruitment and performance assessment processes. We recognise a range of research outputs, discourage inappropriate use of proxies such as journal impact factors, and value research outputs based on their intrinsic merit.

EMBL is curiosity-driven, community-oriented and committed to fostering an inclusive culture where all staff are treated equally regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

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