Scientific Expert, Eukaryotic Expression Facility (Recombinant Proteins and Complexes) at EMBL Grenoble

Job Description

EMBL Grenoble is hiring a scientific expert in protein expression to run the day-to-day science and operations of its Eukaryotic Expression Facility, which produces recombinant proteins and protein complexes in insect, mammalian and protist cells for purification, functional work, structural biology and in-cell studies. The facility also runs advanced light microscopy and cell sorting.

At a glance

• Position: Scientific Expert, Eukaryotic Expression Facility (reference JR4449)
• Where: EMBL Grenoble, France
• Pay: Grade 5 or 6, from EUR 3,568.39 a month after tax (before 12.99% EMBL social security deductions)
• Contract: 3 years, renewable up to 9 years
• Apply: 30 September 2026 (23:59 CET)

What the scientific expert in protein expression does at EMBL Grenoble

• Lead the facility’s daily scientific and technical operation and support its users
• Advise users on choosing and optimising expression systems for recombinant proteins, protein complexes and endogenous expression
• Solve difficult production problems through construct and cell-line engineering, genome editing, expression optimisation and downstream purification
• Develop, adopt and benchmark new protocols for producing proteins and complexes for structural and functional studies
• Run the labs and equipment, including the cell sorter and advanced light microscopes; plan servicing, upgrades and future investment; manage consumables and reagents
• Train users, teach on courses, keep usage statistics, and work with Grenoble’s cryo-EM facility and partner facilities at EMBL Heidelberg and EMBL Hamburg, with occasional travel

Why this post matters

EMBL Grenoble studies RNA and infection biology, eukaryogenesis and the muscle cytoskeleton with structural methods. Good protein samples are the starting point for cryo-EM and most other structural work, so the facility serves EMBL Grenoble, other EMBL sites and the wider Grenoble scientific community. The post suits an experienced protein scientist who enjoys solving other people’s hardest expression problems.

What EMBL is looking for

• A technical, Master’s or PhD degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• A proven record in cell biology, eukaryotic cell culture and recombinant protein or protein-complex expression
• Experience in construct design, expression optimisation and protein-complex characterisation
• Experience with recombinant DNA and genome-engineering approaches
• A strong service mindset, good troubleshooting skills, and excellent organisation and communication

Nice to have

• Insect, mammalian or protist expression at different production scales
• Protein purification for structural or functional studies, and cryo-EM sample preparation
• Operating cell sorters or advanced light microscopes
• Managing a shared facility, lab budgets and instrument purchases, and teaching practical courses

Pay and location

Grade 5 or 6 depending on qualifications and experience, with a monthly salary from EUR 3,568.39 after tax and before 12.99% EMBL social security deductions. EMBL lists benefits including tax-free salary, family, child and non-resident allowances, a pension scheme, private medical insurance, 30 days’ annual leave and a relocation package. The contract is three years, renewable to a maximum of nine. The working language is English.

How to apply

Apply through the official EMBL page. The closing date is 30 September 2026 (23:59 CET). Submit a cover letter and CV through EMBL’s online system; EMBL aims to reply within two weeks of the closing date. For questions, contact the head of the facility, Eva Kowalinski (kowalinski@embl.fr), with the job title in the subject line.

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