Tutor (f/m/d) for the Xcool Lab in molecular biology and chemistry

European X-Ray Free-Electron Laser Facility GmbH; Schenefeld; Hybrid; EUR 33,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Family-friendly environment

Flexible working hours

Work from home options

30 days paid vacation

Job summary

European XFEL's Lighthouse Visitor Centre seeks a tutor for the Xcool Lab to guide school students through hands-on experiments and exhibit discussions. You will work one full day per week, collaborating with teaching and outreach staff to ensure engaging, safe lab experiences.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s/Master’s in biology, chemistry or related fields, with practical lab experience (PCR, gel electrophoresis, digests). German (C1) and English, teamwork, and flexibility are required.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or completed a Bachelor's or Master's in biology, molecular biosciences, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry or related field.
• Practical laboratory experience with PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis and restriction digests.
• Exposure to UV-Vis spectrophotometry, bacterial transformations, bacteria culture, DNA extraction and sequence analysis is a plus.
• Ability to explain molecular biology and chemistry concepts clearly.
• Organisational, communication and problem-solving skills; team-oriented with responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Work as a tutor in the Xcool Lab, closely with teaching and outreach staff.
• Prepare experiments before Xcool Lab days.
• Teach, supervise and support school students in doing experiments.
• Summarise and discuss experimental results.
• Ensure safe working environments under supervision.

Skills

German (C1)

English (basic)

Teamwork

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in biology/chemistry

Tools

PCR

Agarose gel electrophoresis

Restriction enzyme digests

DNA extraction

Spectrophotometry

Job description

The Lighthouse Visitor Centre at European XFEL informs visitors about the facility and its research. Within the Lighthouse, the Xcool Lab is a place for extracurricular education and consists of two school labs, one for physics and one for molecular biology and chemistry. School classes can come for one day and attend one of our courses, usually from 9 am to around 3/4:30 pm. They will perform different experiments, present their results and discuss the science behind. As a tutor you will work one full day per week.

For our Communications group we are looking for a

• Work as a tutor in the Xcool Lab working closely with the teaching and outreach staff
• Prepare experiments before the start of a Xcool Lab day
• Teach, supervise and support school students in doing experiments
• Help with summary and discussions of experimental results
• Ensure safe working environments for students under supervision of responsible Xcool Lab staff
• Guide tours of the exhibition and experiment hall, providing information and answering questions
• Possibly contribute to new and further development of materials and experiments
• Possibly contribute to outreach programmes and events and help out at the information desk in the Lighthouse

• Currently enrolled in or already completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, molecular biosciences, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry or a related field. Studying in a course targeted at future teachers (Lehramt) is an advantage, but not mandatory.
• Practical laboratory experience with the following experimental techniques: PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digests
• Experience with some of the following would be an asset: UV-visible spectrophotometry, bacterial transformations, bacteria culture, DNA extraction, practical experience with bioinformatics tools, particularly sequence analysis, primer design or structural biology models
• Ability to communicate concepts in molecular biology and chemistry in an easy-to-understand way
• Organisational and communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a team, independence, sense of responsibility
• Fluency in German (C1) and a working knowledge of English
• A certain degree of flexibility on weekdays (one working day per week; the specific day may vary from week to week)

Become part of a vibrant international and multi-cultural team of scientists, engineers, technical and administrative staff. Be involved in cutting edge scientific and technical progress and participate in our international networks. Experience our atmosphere of tolerance and respect.

Work-life balance & flexibility

• A family-friendly working environment (e.g. additional childcare days)
• Flexible working hours and options to work from home (depending on your role and tasks)
• 30 days of paid vacation, plus December 24th and 31st off (granted by the employer)

Compensation & long-term security

• Transparent compensation aligned with public service organizations in Germany
• Salary range: min. 2/2 with 2,975.32€ - max. 3/2 with 3,164.20€ (these values refer to a working time of 39 hours a week in full time and will be adjusted according to the part-time model), the actual level is defined by the individual university enrollment (Bachelor's or Master's degree), here is the link to the current valid tariff table. The job is also available as a Minijob.
• Depending on the pay group, we offer an annual special payment of 75-95% of one month’s salary.
• Partially funded public transportation Deutschlandticket
• Generous company pension scheme (6.45% of your monthly salary)

Support from day one

• English as company language, enabling easy collaboration in our international environment

Learning, wellbeing & community

• Extensive training opportunities, including subsidized English and German language courses
• Subsidized sports membership with access to over 7,000 sport clubs
• Monthly social events and company restaurant with employee discounts
• Free access to a professional mental health support platform