IRB Barcelona is looking for a Scientific Computing Officer to join its Scientific Computing team.

The successful candidate will help researchers make effective use of the institute’s computing and data infrastructure. The role will combine user support, scientific workflow analysis, software deployment, documentation and collaboration with research groups.

We are looking for someone with a strong interest in scientific computing and a willingness to learn. Previous experience in High-Performance Computing is welcome, but it is not required. The position is suitable for candidates who have a basic technical background and want to develop their career at the intersection of research, computing and data.

KEY RESPONSABILITIES 

• Support researchers in running scientific applications and computational workflows.

• Understand research data flows, from data generation and ingestion to processing, analysis, storage and archiving.

• Help users identify the most appropriate computing and storage resources for their work.

• Assist with the installation, configuration and maintenance of scientific software.

• Support jobs running on Linux servers and HPC environments.

• Help researchers improve the reproducibility, portability and efficiency of their workflows.

• Prepare user documentation, examples and training materials.

• Participate in training sessions, onboarding activities and direct support for research groups.

• Collaborate with researchers, IT specialists and other Scientific Computing team members.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the institute’s scientific computing services.

YOU HAVE

We do not expect candidates to already be experts in all aspects of scientific computing. The essential requirements are:

• Basic programming or scripting skills in at least one language, such as Python, Bash, R, C, C++ or a similar language.

• Basic knowledge of Linux and the command line.

• Ability to understand the main stages of a scientific or data-processing workflow.

• Interest in research computing, scientific software and data-intensive science.

• Ability to analyse problems and learn new technologies.

• Good communication skills and a service-oriented approach.

• Ability to work collaboratively in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

• Working knowledge of English.

NICE TO HAVE

Experience in any of the following areas would be valuable, but is not mandatory:

• High-Performance Computing environments and workload managers such as Slurm.

• Scientific programming in Python, R, C, C++ or Fortran.

• Research workflow tools, notebooks or pipeline systems.

• Containers such as Apptainer, Singularity or Docker.

• Software environments and package managers such as Conda, Spack or EasyBuild.

• Scientific applications used in bioinformatics, structural biology, molecular modelling, imaging, data science or artificial intelligence.

• Data management concepts, scientific metadata, FAIR principles or reproducible research.

• Storage systems, object storage or data transfer tools.

• Open OnDemand, Jupyter, RStudio or remote visualisation environments.

• Git and collaborative software-development practices.

• Experience supporting, training or working directly with researchers.

WHAT WE VALUE

We particularly value curiosity, problem-solving ability and the willingness to learn. Candidates do not need to meet every item in the “nice to have” section to apply.

We particularly value curiosity, problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn.

WHAT WE OFFER

To be a part a part of something meaningful: We are a biomedical research centre that tirelessly works to achieve a society free of diseases. Our mission is to carry out research of excellence to cure cancer and other diseases linked to ageing.

Good Working conditions: Permanent Contract (contrato de actividades científico-técnicas) linked to the scientific and technical activities of the Information Technology Services unit. 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 leave and injuries at work.

Competitive salary: commensurate with experience and qualifications.

International Environment: we are home to nearly 500 researchers, technical and support staff from 45 countries.

Multidisciplinary Research: Research of excellence at the unique interface between biology, chemistry, and structural and computational biology.

Continuous Training: Transversal and general training is offered to our community (examples include research seminars, conferences, training in time management, scientific integrity, gender equality, health and safety, languages courses and emotional wellbeing).

Relocation & Visa Assistance: Trained staff provides support on visa paperwork, administrative requirements, and practical information on living and working in Barcelona, etc.

Social Life: We like to have fun. We promote several activities, like a Football League, an annual skiing trip, a Mountaineering Club, a Running Club and "Cool-off sessions", where members meet informally for drinks, snacks and scientific discussions.

Fairness: Our recruitment is open, transparent and merit-based, and all applicants compete on the same terms. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.

HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Deadline for applications: 04/08/2026 (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. 

IRB BARCELONA endorses the Requirements and Principles of the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and Open, Transparent, Merit-based recruitment promoted by the European Commission and follows Equal Opportunities policies.

On 9 December, 2014, IRB Barcelona was awarded the "HR Excellence in Research" logo. This recognition reflects the commitment of the Institute to the continuous improvement of its human resources policies in line with the Charter & Code. The Institute works to ensure fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures.

Please check our Recruitment Policy.

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

ABOUT IRB BARCELONA,

Created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, IRB Barcelona, a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence since the first call in 2011, has received the accreditation four consecutive times.

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 27 laboratories and 9 core facilities address basic questions in biology and are oriented towards diseases such as cancer, metastasis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and rare conditions.

IRB Barcelona is an international centre that hosts 500 members from 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).