Policy Officer, EMBO

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

5 years (renewable)

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.

EMBO works with life scientists to ensure that research is pursued responsibly and to the highest standards. EMBO helps scientists to embed research integrity principles in their work and collaborates internationally with researchers, decision-makers and other stakeholders to shape policies for responsible scientific research.

EMBO involves life scientists in discussions on developments and trends in science and research policies affecting their work. It collaborates with researchers to ensure that their needs and concerns are taken into consideration when policies for science and research are developed. The aim is to provide advice to decision-makers and contribute to evidence-based policies for science and research that benefit researchers, scientific research, and society. 

Your role

EMBO is looking for a Policy Officer to support the development and implementation of activities on topics related to the research system, such as research integrity and good scientific practice, research assessment, open science, career structures, and the composition of the research workforce.

These activities include convening international topical workshops, discussion sessions, and organizing community consultations; producing reports, summaries, and other documents for diverse audiences, including policymakers; and carrying out ad-hoc analyses related to the topics above.

The Policy Officer reports to the Senior Policy Officer within the EMBO Director’s Office.

Specific responsibilities:

• Conduct background research;
• Draft concept notes and shape event programmes;
• Identify and invite participants for events;
• Take notes during events;
• Draft and proof-read meeting reports;
• Present reports as requested by the Senior Policy Officer or the Director;
• Monitor policymaking processes, especially at the European level, for issues relevant to the EMBO community;
• Represent EMBO at external meetings as required;
• In close cooperation with the EMBO Communications team, contribute to communicating activity outcomes via blogs and other written texts and disseminating relevant information via social media;
• Maintain and update relevant webpages;
• Administrative support work will be required;
• Perform additional tasks as required by the Senior Policy Officer and the EMBO Director.

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

You have

• An advanced academic degree (MA, PhD or similar) in a relevant discipline across the life sciences, social sciences or humanities;
• Ideally, at least three years of working experience in a field related to the job;
• Experience in organizing multi-stakeholders events;
• Experience in the preparation, editing and revision of policy briefs and/or documents for various audiences;
• Proven analytical skills;
• Excellent communication skills in oral and written English;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• The ability to work in a multicultural environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.  

You might also have

• Experience working with life scientists;
• Experience working in an academic or not-for-profit environment, ideally in an international setting;
• Familiarity with the life sciences and scientific career paths;
• Experience in delivering discussion sessions for researchers. 

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 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.

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.

Please include with your application:

• Motivation letter
• A single PDF file containing
  • CV/Resumé no longer than 3 pages
  • 2-3 references: name, affiliation, and e-mail address of individuals who know you in a professional capacity
  • Maximum 4 work samples, published or unpublished, of: reports, policy briefs or any other relevant written documents.  

To apply, click the 'Apply' button.