Microscopy Specialist

European Bioinformatics Institute; Hinxton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Flexible working arrangements

30 days annual leave

Relocation package

Campus facilities and benefits

Job summary

The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) in Hinxton seeks a Microscopy Specialist to advance Cryo-LM and Cryo-CLEM workflows with expert technical support and training for researchers. You will work with scientists, engineers and external partners to develop imaging platforms and provide end-to-end service delivery.

The role requires independent work and strong communication in an international research environment, with a 3-year contract and EMBL benefits.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in Life Sciences, Physics, Engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in super resolution light microscopy and Cryo-CLEM.
• Experience developing and implementing advanced microscopy workflows.
• Ability to provide specialist technical support, training and guidance.
• Excellent communication and collaboration in an international environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of advanced Super Resolution Cryo-LM technologies.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to integrate new imaging platforms.
• Deliver end-to-end support for Cryo-CLEM projects including planning and data analysis.
• Develop expertise across Cryo-CLEM portfolio and keep services up to date.
• Provide training and guidance to EMBL researchers and external users.
• Maintain documentation and contribute to continuous improvement of infrastructure.

Skills

Postgraduate qualification

Super resolution microscopy

Cryo-CLEM workflows

Technical training delivery

Independent collaborative work

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Life Sciences/Physics/Engineering

Tools

Cryo-CLEM

Cryo-FIB/SEM

image analysis

Job description

Your role

The Microscopy Specialist contributes to the delivery and continuous advancement of the EMBL Imaging Centre by providing specalist expertise in super-resolution cryo-light microscopy (Cryo-LM) technologies for cryo-correleative light and electron microscopy (Cryo-CLEM) and related imaging workflows. Working closely with scientists, engineers, application specialists and external collaborators, the role supports the development of innovative imaging workflows, delivers expert user support and training, and contributes to the operation and continuous improvements of advanced cryogenic microscopy platforms. The position operates with a high degree of professional autonomy and technical expertise, enabling world-leading imaging services and scientific research.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, optimisation and implementation of advanced Super Resolution Cryo-LM technologies and methodologies to support the Imaging Centre’s scientific services.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, application specialists and external partners to develop, evaluate and integrate the new imaging platforms into service-ready workflows.
• Deliver specialist technical expertise and end-to-end support for Cryo-CLEM projects, including experimental planning, image acquisition, troubleshooting and data analysis.
• Develop and maintain expertise across the Cryo-CLEM technology portfolio, ensuring services remain aligned with scientific and technological advances.
• Deliver training, workshops and technical guidance to EMBL researchers, external users and wider imaging community.
• Contribute to the operation, maintenance and continuous improvement of advanced cryogenic microscopy instrumentation and associated infrastructure.
• Maintain technical documentation, share knowledge and contribute to the ongoing development of the Imaging Centre’s technology and service portfolio.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

You have

• Postgraduate qualification in Life Sciences, Physics, Engineering or related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Demonstrated experience in super resolution light microscopy, cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy (Cryo-CLEM), related imaging techniques and image analysis within a scientific research environment.
• Experience developing and implementing advanced microscopy workflows or custom imaging solutions.
• Proven ability to provide specialist technical support, training and guidance to researchers and multidisciplinary stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment.

You may also have

• Experience supporting users within an imaging facility or core scientific service.
• Experience designing and delivering scientific training courses, workshops or technical programmes.
• Experience working with cryo-super-resolution microscropy, cryo-focused ion beam milling/scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-FIB/SEM) or related advanced imaging technologies.

Salary guidance: Grade 6 with a monthly salary starting from 4.713,20 EUR net of tax, excluding health insurance and pension contributions, plus additional EMBL benefits.

Contract duration: 3 years

Application process

In your cover letter, we invite you to highlight how your experience, expertise, and professional background would contribute to the Imaging Centre’s mission of delivering and continuously expanding cutting-edge imaging services.

The selection process will consist of two interview stages. Shortlisted candidates will first be invited to an online interview following the application deadline. Candidates progressing to the second stage will then be invited for an on-site interview.

Further information about the position can be obtained from Simone Mattei ([e-mail]).

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, 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 to public holidays
• Relocation package including installation grant (if applicable)
• Campus life: Free shuttle bus (Heidelberg), library, subsidised on-site 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 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 believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.

Closing Date

23/09/2026