EMBL TechDev Internship Programme

EMBL is among the world’s highest ranked scientific research organisations aimed to explore the secrets of life. EMBL integrates 29 member states and has six research sites in Heidelberg, Barcelona, Grenoble, Hamburg, Cambridge (Hinxton) and Rome. EMBL, in addition to being a centre of excellence in research, has during its 50 year history contributed important technological and engineering advances to support life science research.

EMBL has been at the forefront of numerous engineering and microscopy breakthroughs, significantly advancing imaging technologies and enabling new biological discoveries. Some of the key innovations developed at EMBL include confocal and light-sheet microscopy to enable high resolution biological imaging; cryo-electron tomography improvements for visualizing intracellular macromolecular structures at near-atomic resolution, and synchrotron beamline instrumentation that allow determination of protein structures at atomic resolution. 

The EMBL TechDev Internship Programme is a scientific visitor scheme designed to provide early-career students/researchers (prior to embarking on a PhD) with a passion for technology and tool development an opportunity to gain hands-on training experience through participation in ongoing cutting-edge projects in this area at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). The interns will have access to world-leading research laboratories, mentorship from leading scientists, and exposure to interdisciplinary research in the life sciences. It aligns with EMBL’s ongoing research programme “Molecules to Ecosystems” that seeks to deepen our understanding of life by examining biological systems across various scales—from individual molecules to entire ecosystems. A major aspect of ongoing efforts at EMBL is to develop the required cutting-edge instrumentation, tools and technologies necessary to undertake such research effectively.

The primary objectives of the programme are to offer technology minded interns:

• a well mentored and training focused stay designed to encourage a career path in interdisciplinary scientific research

• a practical and immersive experience in a collaborative, international and interdisciplinary research environment

• a platform to develop technical and analytical skills through direct involvement in EMBL’s ongoing technology development research projects

You are 

• a student enrolled in a recognised university pursuing a Bachelors or Masters degree in engineering, physics, mathematics or computer sciences and related discipline and/or
• an unaffiliated recent graduate with a Bachelor/Master degree from the abovementioned disciplines (a degree completion certificate must be submitted as part of the application)

Contract length

Varies depending on project (see project list on website)

Salary

Discussed with host after successful application

Why join us

Do something meaningful
By choosing a Trainee/Internship at EMBL, you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind's greatest challenges. Please watch the video below to learn more about EMBL and how our work makes a difference. Whatever your role, you will be contributing towards these challenges.

Campus life & benefits

• Flexible working arrangements - including hybrid working patterns 

• Free shuttle bus to and from work (Hinxton & Heidelberg)

• On-site library

• Subsidised on-site gym: Hinxton only

• Subsidised on-site cafeteria(s)

• Casual dress code

• Extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)

• Family benefits: On-site nursery and holiday clubs on campus

• Accident at work insurance
  
  

What else you need to know

• 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.