Job Description

Your group
Hackett

Your supervisor

Jamie Hackett

Your role

You will play a central role in a pioneering an in vivo epigenome editing programme, deploying CRISPR-based epigenetic editors to modulate target gene expression in the liver. Based at EMBL and working in close collaboration with biotech partners, you will drive experimental progression from AAV/LNP-mediated delivery in mouse models, through rigorous genomics and biodistribution analyses, to metabolic and disease phenotyping.

The goal is to engineer therapeutically relevant changes in hepatic gene expression, with direct application to disease. This means working at the frontier of epigenome editing in mouse models, where mechanistic insight meets translational impact. The role sits at an exciting academic–industry interface, giving you direct exposure to biotech operating models, clinically oriented experimental design, and milestone-driven programme management. While the work is structured and output-focused, there is genuine scope to contribute to scientific strategy and ownership of experimental direction alongside industry scientists. You will also have the possibilty to co-lead and mentor a small team of researchers - building real scientific leadership experience in a translational setting. This position is an opportunity for motivated scientists to build an academic or industry career in gene therapy and state-of-the-art CRISPR technologies, and drive bottom-up therapeutic development.

You have

• PhD in gene therapy, (epi)genomics, liver biology, or a closely related field
• Hands-on in vivo experience in rodent models, ideally including AAV and/or LNP delivery and tissue collection ​
• Strong command of core molecular biology techniques (qRT-PCR, ChIP, cloning, histology) and experience with CRISPR design and implementation
• Motivation to work in an international team bridging academia and biotech, driving technologies towards clinical translation
• Good communication and interpersonal skills; fluency in English is essential

You may also have

• Deep familiarity with liver biology and hepatic metabolic disease
• Experience analysing genomics datasets (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq or ATAC-seq)
• Exposure to IND-enabling or pre-clinical experimental workflows
• Experience supervising junior researchers or students

Contract length:

2 years, with potential to be extendable up to 5 years.

Salary:

At least 3.228 EURO/month after tax

Professional development support

The EMBL Fellows’ Career Service provides support and guidance to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows across all six EMBL’s sites.

Working with a dedicated Careers Advisor, this invaluable service will help you to take informed decisions about your career planning both in the short and longer term. Whether your main interest is pursuing a career path in academia, exploring opportunities in industry or exploring an independent venture, the EMBL Fellows’ Career Service with provide you with a portfolio of activities and resources to help you.

To find out more please visit - EMBL-fellows-career-service

Why join us

Enjoy lots of employee benefits:

• Financial incentives: Monthly family and child allowances, generous stipend reviewed yearly, pension scheme, death benefit and unemployment insurances

• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working patterns

• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family

• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year in addition to public holidays

• Campus life: Free shuttle bus (Heidelberg), on-site library, subsidised on-site cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)

• Family benefits: Kindergarten (Heidelberg), 10 days of child sick leave, paid maternity & parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
  

What else you need to know

• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants

• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.

• Job location: All our fellowships are based on-site (for at least part of each week). If you are living overseas, you will receive a generous relocation package to support you.

• EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here

• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date

05/06/2026