Programme Officer, EMBO Global Activities

About the team/job

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

The EMBO Global Activities office is responsible for the relations between EMBO and non-European countries and organizations. Its main goal is to increase international cooperation in the life sciences by facilitating long-lasting collaborations between researchers worldwide. The Global Activities office interacts closely with the EMBO Young Investigator Programme, Installation Grants, and Courses & Workshops Programme. 

Your role

EMBO is looking for a Programme Officer for EMBO Global Activities to provide a wide range of administrative and organizational coordination and support related to the organization’s interactions with international researchers, government representatives, research institutes and funding organizations beyond Europe. This is an ideal role for a life scientist with a strong interest and experience in international scientific cooperation and science diplomacy, as well as science management. The work of the Programme Officer falls into three broad categories: interactions with current and prospect EMBC Associate Member States, partner countries and territories; the EMBO Global Investigator Network; and EMBO Courses & Workshops.

Specific responsibilities:

• Support tasks related to the implementation of EMBO’s Global Activities strategy, managing institutional partnerships and collaborations with EMBC Associate Member States, Partner Countries, and other international partners;
• Organize meetings and lead on delegation visits related to EMBO Global Activities, including preparation of documentation, coordinating event logistics, and minute-taking;
• Manage incoming correspondence including identifying priority items for immediate attention, taking action where possible, or drafting responses;
• Manage incoming applications for the EMBO Global Investigator Network and Global Courses, Workshops, and Lecture Series, including correspondence with applicants, potential reviewers and the relevant selection committees;
• Keep application guidelines, committee guidelines and the online application system up to date, logging applications, collate application files and send them out for review, and compile scores and evaluations;
• Track and process payment and reimbursement requests, preparing grant payments and ensure timely and correct payment in liaison with the EMBO Administration and Finance Office;
• Collate and analyze statistical information and create reports as required;
• Maintain records and an archive of all relevant documentation;
• Ensure websites related to EMBO Global Activities display up-to-date information and check external sources for adherence to funding guidelines;
• Act as backup for colleagues on the EMBO Young Investigator Network and Courses & Workshops teams;
• Perform additional tasks as required.

The position will require travel and working outside regular working hours. 

You have

• A background in and broad understanding of research in the life sciences;
• Ideally, at least two years relevant experience, preferably in international science administration or science diplomacy;
• Experience working in a service-oriented environment;
• Ability to work on several projects concurrently, both autonomously and as part of a team;
• A high level of organizational and time management skills;
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task effectively to meet multiple deadlines with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail;
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills;
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint and Excel), other databases, and willingness to learn new software tools;
• Excellent written and oral English language skills.  

You might also have

• Basic knowledge of content management systems and of databases, such as Filemaker Pro;
• Additional language skills are advantageous. 

Why join us

EMBO is a non-profit organization with a collegial working environment inspired by our dedication to working for a common greater good. Our recently expanded offices are located on the international EMBL life science research campus in Heidelberg, Germany. Heidelberg, home to around 150,000 people, is a lively university city. EMBO is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international science organisation. 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.

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

What else you need to know

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.

The Programme Officer reports jointly to the Head, Global Activities – government relations,  and the Head of the EMBO Young Investigator Network/Courses & Workshops.

To apply, click the 'Apply' button.