EMBL is seeking an International Relations Officer

16 Oct 2024 | Jobs

EMBL is Europe’s life sciences laboratory – 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.

The International Relations Team is a busy central unit responsible for strategically managing relations with EMBL member states and other major government and political stakeholders, including EU and EIROforum. The Team, lead by the Chief of International Relations, also coordinates EMBL’s involvement in several ESFRI projects, and works with partners in other International Research Organizations to build broad alliances and coalitions in support of science and the scientific endeavor.

They are seeking an International Relations Officer to join our team as maternity leave cover. The successful candidate will report to the Chief of International Relations. The post holder will work with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. She/he will provide clear, concise and timely written and oral communication, examine options, identify risks and solutions, prioritize and propose a way forward in member state relations.

Your role

  • Contribute to the development, delivery and coordination of engagement strategies and activities in and with EMBL’s member states.
  • Monitor and analyze political and science policy developments in the EMBL member states, in Europe and globally, and make recommendations for actions to the Chief of International Relations.
  • Support the effective promotion of EMBL’s Member State value to relevant stakeholders, including national Ministries, government agencies, science networks and research institutes.
  • Related to the above, assemble briefing materials, organize meetings and visits, prepare presentations, speaking points, reports, MoUs and documents as necessary.
  • Support the International Relations Team in the implementation of any other relevant tasks.

Apply now

  • Closing date: 31 October 2024
  • Contract duration: 6 months
  • Grading: 4-6
  • Reference number: HD02722

You have

You hold an advanced university degree in international relations, political or social sciences and 3-5 years of work experience. The successful candidate has a strategic and analytical mind-set and ability to prepare high quality briefings and reports. She/he has the capacity to adapt to the dynamic nature of the job and is experienced in dealing successfully and positively with a wide variety of internal and external relationships.

The position requires outstanding interpersonal and organisational skills, good attention to detail, ability to work both independently and as part of team, and commitment to meet deadlines. Excellent command of written and spoken English is essential.

Knowledge of contemporary science policy issues and experience in government and/or political setting is highly desirable.

You might also have

Track record of influencing policy on a national level and a network of contacts in EMBL member states – and in particular in EMBL’s host countries of Germany, France, Spain or Italy - is a strong advantage.

Knowledge of at least two additional European languages (especially German, French or Spanish) is advantageous.

Why join us

You have a passion for international relations and would like to work at a world-leading institution focused on delivering scientific knowledge and solutions to the next generations? Join our international, friendly and committed team at EMBL.

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.

EMBL offers attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation with a very collegial and family-friendly working environment.

** Don’t meet every single requirement? We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply nevertheless.

What else you need to know

EMBL is Europe’s research laboratory for the life sciences – an intergovernmental organisation performing scientific research in disciplines including molecular biology, physics, chemistry and computer science. They are an international, innovative and interdisciplinary laboratory with more than 1900 employees from many nations, operating across six sites, in Heidelberg (HQ), Barcelona, Hinxton near Cambridge, Hamburg, Grenoble and Rome.

Their mission is to offer vital services in training scientists, students and visitors at all levels; to develop new instruments and methods in the life sciences and actively engage in technology transfer activities, and to integrate European life science research. The working language of the institute is English.

In your online application, you will be asked to include a cover letter and a CV.

Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed up to 9 years in total, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.

EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we implement best practices in research assessment in our recruitment processes here.

Please apply online through: www.embl.org/jobs

Apply now

For questions or issues with the application process, please contact [email protected]

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