Junior Maintenance Officer

EMBL is Europe’s flagship laboratory for the life sciences – an intergovernmental organisation with more than 110 independent research groups and service teams covering the spectrum of molecular biology. It operates across six sites in Heidelberg (headquarters), Barcelona, Cambridge, Grenoble, Hamburg and Rome. Our mission is to perform basic research in molecular biology; train scientists, students and visitors at all levels; offer vital services to scientists in the public and private sectors within the member states; develop new instruments and methods; and engage actively in technology transfer.

EMBL shares the Monterotondo Campus with the Italian National Research Council (CNR) Institute for Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC). The first phase of the ongoing CNR managed refurbishment project of the main building occupied by EMBL is progressing to completion.

Overview

EMBL Facility Management is seeking a recently graduated engineer to fill the role of Junior Building Maintenance Officer supporting the planning of the maintenance activities related to the refurbished building of the EMBL Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit in Monterotondo (near Rome, Italy). They will join a small on‑site team consisting of the Senior Building Maintenance officer, the Safety and Maintenance Officer, General Assistants and Maintenance Technicians. The successful candidate will work alongside the team with the aim of ensuring the continuity of the Laboratory’s ongoing scientific activities during this period of development for the Rome site.

Your role

Tasks related to the maintenance of the Institute.

The main role is to implement a maintenance plan for the new and existing facilities liaising with the external maintenance providers to ensure maximum system availability. The applicant should have technical aptitude and be a good team player to leverage the in‑house experience of the team to implement a Computerised Maintenance Management System for the preventive maintenance of the electrical and mechanical infrastructure. They will have the opportunity to develop and update the system to take advantage of technological developments and maintenance strategies.

Coordination of ordinary maintenance activities in the buildings, electrical and special systems, mechanical, fire prevention and hydraulic systems, in accordance with pre‑established time slots during planning meetings and through the creation and release of work/service orders related to corrective and preventive activities, as necessary.

Monitor and manage cases of extraordinary maintenance through: analysis of the request, collection and archiving of documents and technical information useful for resolution, feasibility study, technical/economic evaluation, organization of corrective interventions.

Maintain a general and updated overview of the availability of critical spare parts.

Participation in daily planning meetings.

Updating workshop whiteboards with scheduled maintenance slots during planning meetings.

Qualifications

• Awareness of plant maintenance practices (electrical, fire prevention, hydraulic, mechanical and technical gas systems).
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings and maintenance manuals.
• Working knowledge of English and excellent command of Italian (native speaker advantage).
• Familiarity with Building Management Systems.
• Knowledge of security/safety systems and other technical equipment.
• Degree in Engineering discipline / Facilities management or related field OR Technical high‑school diploma with 1‑2 years of proven relevant experience.
• Good knowledge of the Office package, particularly in using Excel.
• Proficiency in use of AutoCAD.
• Experience with the operation of biological laboratories or equivalent.

Soft Skills

• Ability to put yourself at the service of the team and the company, welcoming feedback and collaborating constructively.
• Problem solving: ability to identify quick and effective solutions in complex situations.
• Teamwork orientation: propensity for collaboration and mutual support.
• Good communication skills.

Additional Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with Italian safety procedures and regulations.

Contract and Salary

• Contract Length: 3 years renewable up to 9 years.
• Salary: Grade 4 (monthly salary starting from 2.8k EUR after tax + other paid benefits) negotiable, commensurate to experience.

Benefits

• Financial incentives: Salary free of income tax, monthly family and child 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.
• 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.

Additional Information

• 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 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 date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date

22/10/2025