Community Engagement Officer

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 and community where scientists can achieve their best work.

Your role

EMBO is looking for a Community Engagement Officer to support its interactions with the life sciences research community in Europe and beyond, including EMBO Members, Young Investigator Network, and Fellows. The Officer implements engagement activities in collaboration with EMBO Programmes and external partners. The Officer reports to the Senior Community Engagement Officer within the EMBO Director’s Office. This dynamic role offers an opportunity to contribute to enhance the visibility and voice, and influence and impact of EMBO.

Specific responsibilities:

Design community activities catering to different career stages of life science researchers

Consult EMBO Programmes, and identify external partners as appropriate
Conduct background research, draft and obtain approvals of proposals outlining the objectives and scope of activity, timeline, budget, and expected outcomes

Implement community activities per engagement strategy

Coordinate with all relevant stakeholders – EMBO community and staff, external partners, vendors, and service providers
Organize events in various formats – committees and advisory bodies, working groups and taskforces, lectures, workshops, conferences, roundtables, meetings, consultations, panels, webinars, networking
Manage all event logistics – programme schedule and materials, travel, accommodation, event venue, audio/video/online technical needs, reimbursements
Represent EMBO and give presentations, facilitate workshops, or moderate discussions as needed

Evaluate by tracking progress of community activities

Prepare minutes and summary documents from activities for internal review and complying with reporting requirements
Conduct horizon-scanning and report on developments that may impact ongoing or future activities

Communicate, in close liaison with the EMBO Communications team, by highlighting community activities and accomplishments

Engage via print and online media through presentations, reports, articles, blogs, newsletters, and social media

Perform additional tasks as required by the Senior Community Engagement Officer and the EMBO Director.

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

You have

A Master’s degree in Natural or Social Sciences
Minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in programme administration or engagement of community of scientists, policymakers, media, or the public
Excellent written and oral English language skills
Outstanding research, analytical, and communication skills
Excellent planning, multitasking, and organisational skills
Timeliness and meticulousness in quality of work delivered
Ability to work independently and in a team with a collaborative and service-oriented mindset
Ability to work with stakeholders from diverse sectors, nationalities, and cultures
Willingness to travel, including on international duty, as needed.

You might also have

Worked in life sciences or with life scientists
Background in an international scientific or not-for-profit setting
Interest in research or policy.

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 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.

As a non-profit organization, 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

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
CV/Resumé no longer than 3 pages
Other: a single PDF file with
Work samples (published or unpublished): reports, blog posts, articles, or social media content.