The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the world's leading life science research organizations.
With sites across Europe, EMBL fosters an international, collaborative, and inclusive environment where diverse teams advance scientific discovery.
EMBL Rome focuses on uncovering fundamental principles of the molecular biology and physiology of mammalian systems.
The Chen Group , led by incoming Group Leader Jenny Chen, investigates the genetic control of innate animal behavior.
We leverage natural rodent populations to uncover the molecular and neural basis of innate sociosexual behaviors, integrating high?throughput sequencing, neurogenetic approaches, and mouse behavioral assays.
We are seeking an organized, proactive Lab Manager to support the establishment and day?to?day running of our new group.
This role offers a rare opportunity to help build a laboratory from the ground up, including shaping its infrastructure, experimental workflows, and research culture from the outset.
The successful candidate will play a central role in enabling cutting?edge research and will also have the opportunity to develop and pursue independent projects, where aligned with their interests and the lab's scientific direction.
Your role
We are looking for an outstanding experimental scientist to become a founding member of a new research program investigating the genetic basis of behavior in mice.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in molecular biology and mouse?based research; prior neuroscience experience is highly desired.
The successful candidate will play a dual role: helping to establish and manage the laboratory's experimental infrastructure while serving as a key experimental contributor to the group's research program.




This position is ideal for a scientist who enjoys building new capabilities, mentoring others, and conducting hand?on experimental research in a collaborative environment.
As a new and growing group, the role will naturally evolve, so we are looking for someone adaptable and comfortable in a developing environment.
Lab Operations
Coordinate day?to?day laboratory activities
Promote safe and effective laboratory practices
Manage consumables, equipment, and procurement processes
Support budget tracking and purchasing documentation
Ensure compliance with EMBL health & safety policies and local regulations
Scientific Contribution
Contribute directly to the design, execution, and optimization of molecular, genetic, and behavioral experiments in mice
Work closely with the Group Leader and other lab members to translate biological questions into experimental approaches
Develop and implement new protocols and experimental capabilities as the research program evolves
Support the training and mentorship of students and new lab members in experimental techniques
Participate actively in group meetings, project planning, and scientific discussions
You have
A PhD and/or postdoctoral experience in biology or a related life science field, or equivalent research experience
Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independently




Strong foundational knowledge of standard molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g. cloning, cell culture, immunostaining, in situ hybridization, PCR or related methods)
Experience with tissue dissection and histology, including cryosectioning and/or vibratome sectioning
Evidence of adaptability and ability to acquire and implement new experimental techniques as needed
Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively within a collaborative research environment
Proficiency in English (working language at EMBL)
You may also have
Experience with rodent work, including stereotaxic surgery and/or behavioral assays
Experience with neuroscience?related methods such as optogenetics and chemogenetics
Knowledge of Italian
Contract length: 3 years (renewable up to 9 years)
Salary: Grade 6 (monthly salary from *****,07 EUR after tax, excl. EMBL pension and health insurance contributions of 13%, plus other paid benefits)
Additional Information
The Chen Lab will open in September ****.
The preferred start date is January ****, or soon thereafter, to support the setup phase.
This role offers the opportunity to play a central part in establishing the lab's operations and culture within a cutting?edge research environment.
Why join us
EMBL is curiosity?driven, community?oriented and international.
As an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, we believe that diversity enables us to collaborate more effectively and be innovative in our approaches.
We are, therefore, committed to creating an inclusive and flexible culture – one where everyone can realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to our organisation.
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📌 Lab Manager (Lazio)
🏢 Embl
📍 Lazio