Created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, IRB Barcelona is a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence—a seal that was awarded in 2011.

The institute is devoted to conducting research of excellence in biomedicine and to transferring results to clinical practice, thus improving people’s quality of life, while simultaneously promoting the training of outstanding researchers, technology transfer, and public communication of science. Its 29 laboratories and seven core facilities address basic questions in biology and are orientated to diseases such as cancer, metastasis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and rare conditions.

IRB Barcelona is an international centre that hosts 500 members and 45 nationalities. It is located in the Barcelona Science Park. IRB Barcelona forms part of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) and the “Xarxa de Centres de Recerca de Catalunya” (CERCA).

Your role & our team

IRB Barcelona seeks to recruit a Section Head of Pre-award Grants support. Reporting to the Head of Competitive Grants and International Promotion, you will lead a team of professionals that provides proactive support to IRB Barcelona researchers throughout the grant application process, from proposal development to grant agreement signature. In this position, you will have the opportunity to directly contribute to the success of cutting-edge research and shape the future of scientific funding at a leading institution.

Key responsabilities:

• Coordination of the Pre-Award Grants team

• Provide comprehensive support throughout the entire grant application and negotiation process:
  • Identify and disseminate funding opportunities and open calls.
    
  • Ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, budget requirements, ethical issues and other funder requirements.
    
  • Proactively assist IRB Barcelona researchers in securing competitive funding
    
  • Lead negotiations and oversee the finalization of agreements and signatures.
    
  • Serve as the primary liaison between IRB Barcelona and granting agencies
    
• Complete the setup and manage the database for grant applications and funding opportunities.
• Contribute to the writing and submission of institutional projects.

• Facilitate the professional development of the Pre-Award grant team, through training and mentoring.

You have:

• Experience: Strong experience in mentoring researchers on grant applications for national and international funding agencies. Experience in management of the pre-award cycle of national and international competitive grants. Expertise in budget preparation for research grants applications.
• Skills: 
  • Ability to communicate effectively with researchers, administrators and funding agencies.
    
  • Excellent organizational and coordination abilities.
    
  • Ability to interpret legal language, assess agreements and negotiate terms.
    
  • Experience in using ERP systems, ideally SBO.
    
  • Working knowledge in Google Workspace and MS Office

• Knowledge: BSc, MSc or PhD in relevant field.
• Languages: Excellent command of English and Spanish

You might also have:

• Academic background in Life Sciences
  
• Experience managing pre-award teams and cross-functional coordination.
  
• Experience in tracking and analysing key indicators to assess funding trends.
  
• Working knowledge of Catalan and other languages will be valued.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENTITLEMENTS:

• Working conditions: Employed in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations under a full-time contract. Employees receive the benefits of the Spanish Social Security system covering sickness, maternity/paternity leaves and injuries at work. 
• International Environment: The opportunity to join a prestigious international research institution and become a member of our administration team.
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Continuous training in a high-quality environment.

HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Deadline for applications: 08/05/2025 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended) 
• Number of positions available: 1
• Selection process:
  • Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter & experience,
  • Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.
  • Job offer: Will be sent to the successful candidate after the interview. 

Note: The strengths and weaknesses of the applications will be provided upon request.