Optical Engineer/Research Scientist

You have

• MSc, or preferably a PhD, in optical engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with advanced optical systems, including alignment and characterisation of complex microscopy or spectroscopy setups and pulsed laser systems.
• Strong programming skills in one or more of: LabView, Python, Matlab, or similar.
• Proficiency in CAD software for the design of optomechanical components.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks independently and reliably.
• A pragmatic, hands-on mindset — focused on finding practical solutions and getting things to work.
• Fluency in English and strong communication and presentation skills.

You may also have

• Experience with computational optics, image analysis, or large-scale data processing on compute clusters.
• Familiarity with laser, biological and chemical safety regulations in a research laboratory environment.
• Prior experience with biological sample preparation and handling.
• Experience supervising students or junior researchers in a technical setting.
• A keen interest in the biological and neuroscientific applications of novel optical technologies.

Contract length: The initial contract is for a period of 3 years with the possibility of a fixed-term extension depending on individual performance.

Salary: Grade 5 or 6; depending on experience and qualifications (monthly salary starting from € 4.147,92 - 4.713,20 after tax, and before 12.99% EMBL social security deductions) plus other paid benefits.

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 insurancefor 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 packageincluding 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.

What else you need to know

• International applicants:We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions.
• EMBL is a signatory of DORA.
• 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.
• 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 14/09/2026