Head, EMBO Fellowship Programme

Contract Duration-Length of Time (years/months):

5 years

Contract Duration-Is this renewable to 9 years?:

Yes

About the team/job

EMBO stands for excellence in the life sciences. We support talented researchers at all stages of their careers in Europe and beyond, stimulate the exchange of scientific information, and help build a research environment where scientists can achieve their best work.

The Fellowship Programme has been a core activity of EMBO since the 1960s. The EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme receives approximately 1,200 applications annually, with around 250 awards granted per year. Approximately 300 scientists also benefit each year from EMBO short-term grants, which comprise the EMBO Scientific Exchange Grants, New Venture Fellowships, and Core Facility Fellowships, and aim at equipping scientists with new skills as well as contacts for future collaborations. 

Your role

This is a role for an experienced science manager with a PhD in the life sciences, a strong background in operational processes, and a keen interest in strategic development. The Programme Head oversees and coordinates all aspects of the fellowships offered by the organization and is responsible for the operational and strategic development of the programme. The successful candidate will have a broad scientific background and interest in current developments in the life sciences to deliver fast decisions on science-related aspects of the programme. The Programme Head works closely with the EMBO Fellowships Committee of eminent scientists, including managing the review process; oversees and executes the budget for the programme; supervises an administrative team of four members; and is part of the EMBO management team, which has overall responsibility for the smooth running of the organization.

Specific responsibilities

• Ensure the efficient and effective running of the EMBO Fellowship Programme, including quick turnaround times on a high volume of applications, financial claims, and inquiries;
• Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of activities, policies, and procedures for the EMBO Fellowship Programme;
• Oversee and coordinate the fellowship review procedures, including: pre-screening and decision on scientific scope and eligibility, assigning applications to reviewers in the relevant field, post-review evaluation, and communication of the outcome;
• Monitor the budget and financial processes/procedures of the programme;
• Analyze statistical and financial information relating to EMBO Fellowships and prepare related reports; 
• Communicate with applicants pre- and post-application and foster collaborative working relationships with EMBO Council, funding bodies, members of the scientific community, and partner organizations;
• Direct the organization of EMBO Fellows’ Meetings (annually in Europe; biennially in North America) as well as outreach events;
• Develop EMBO Fellowship Programme communications, marketing and networking activities, and represent the programme, as required;
• Lead and motivate an administrative team, including mentoring and performance management;
• Perform additional tasks as required by the EMBO Director.

This position will occasionally require duty travel and working outside of the normal working hours, in the evenings or during the weekend. 

You have

• A PhD in Biology or in a related field;
• A strong research background including international research experience;
• Broad understanding of and enthusiasm for the life sciences;
• Proven experience in administration and project management, as well as process management and improvement;
• Experience in managing and coordinating scientific review processes;
• The ability to make quick and well-founded decisions regarding a high number and wide scientific range of issues;
• The capacity to work on several projects flexibly and concurrently;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, as well as the ability to co-ordinate a complex range of activities;
• The ability to prioritize and multi-task effectively and meet deadlines with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail;
• The ability to both lead and work in a team;
• A positive, resilient attitude and customer service focus;
• Well-developed communication, presentation and interpersonal skills;
• A strong affinity for working with database and software tools;
• Proficiency in current office software;
• Excellent written and oral English language skills. 

You might also have

• Experience of leading multicultural teams and working in an international scientific environment;
• Knowledge of international fellowship funding schemes;
• Knowledge of statistical packages, content management systems and of databases, such as Filemaker Pro. 

Why join us

The EMBO offices are located on the international EMBL life science research campus in Heidelberg, Germany. Heidelberg, home to around 150,000 people, is a vibrant university city. EMBO is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international science organization. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, pension scheme, medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial support for relocation and installation, and family-related benefits where applicable.

As a non-profit organisation, we have an informal and collegial working environment that is inspired by our dedication to working for a common greater good.

This position is mostly office-based, with flexible working options available. 

What else you need to know

The Head of the EMBO Fellowship Programme reports to the EMBO Director.

Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.

Interviews are planned for mid-February 2022.