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 the Head of Competitive Grants and International Promotion to collaborate closely with the new Department Head of Competitive Funding Strategy and Scientific Management, coordinating departmental synergies and optimizing operations.

Key responsabilities:

• Oversee activities of the Pre-award and the International Promotion sections, identifying synergies and streamlining processes.

• Collaborate in the management and coordinate the writing of strategic institutional grant applications, ensuring alignment with funding priorities and institutional goals.

• Provide strategic guidance to the Department Head on aligning institutional strategies with evolving funding opportunities.

• Collaborate with other IRB Barcelona departments to ensure institutional procedures and policies comply with requirements of granting authorities.

• Promote international strategic collaborations through participation in international projects, initiatives and/or research infrastructures.

• Experience:
  • Experience in managing project offices, departments, or equivalent structures within academic institutions (min. 3 years in a similar role)
    
  • Extensive knowledge of major competitive funding opportunities for life sciences and health research at local, national, and international levels.
    
  • Deep understanding of the EU funding ecosystem, including key programs, decision-making processes, and strategies for influencing policy and funding priorities.
    
  • Strong expertise in major projects, initiatives and EU-wide research infrastructures relevant to IRB Barcelona’s scientific interests.
    
  • Experience in managing the full cycle of competitive grants, including proposal writing, scientific and financial management of collaborative projects
    
  • Experience in proposal writing and reporting for strategic institutional projects (at local, national and European level).
• Knowledge: PhD in Life Sciences
• Skills:
  • Excellent communication skills and impact-oriented mindset
    
  • Strong team management skills and problem-solving abilities
    
  • Ability to generate reports and analyze funding trends.
    
  • Strong negotiation skills with funding agencies and researchers to secure support and align project goals.
    
  • Excellent writing skills in English, Spanish and Catalan
    
  • Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace, MS Office and project/ team management software.
• Languages: Excellent command of written and spoken English, Spanish and Catalan

You might also have:

• Knowledge of transversal aspects of research projects (open science, ethical aspects, data management)
• Budget development and financial planning
• Ability to interpret legal language and assess agreements

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: 22/04/2025 (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.