Pre-Award National Grants Specialist (Pre-Award Project Unit)
Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) is a public sector institution located in Barcelona (Spain) that promotes and develops innovative biomedical research within Vall d’Hebron University Hospital. VHIR is oriented towards finding solutions to the health problems of the citizens and aims to contribute to the scientific, educational, social and economic development within its field of activity.
The Competitive Research Directorate supports the scientific community at Vall d’Hebron throughout the full project lifecycle of competitive research projects. The Directorate works closely with researchers to identify funding opportunities, prepare competitive proposals, and ensure the successful implementation of funded projects.
Within this framework, the Pre-Award Project Unit facilitates and provides support to research staff in the search for competitive funding, detecting opportunities and contributing to the development of high-quality proposals.
We are currently seeking a motivated and proactive professional to join the team as Pre-Award Grants Specialist, with a primary focus on national funding calls, to support researchers during the proposal preparation phase.
Main responsibilities and duties:
Detect, analyse and disseminate national competitive research calls (e.g. AEI, ISCIII and other national funding bodies).
Contribute to the strategic evaluation of funding opportunities and project ideas in alignment with national funding calls
Support researchers throughout the proposal preparation process, including assistance in the development of the project plan and required documentation.
Participate in the preparation of national competitive research proposals, including drafting, reviewing and ensuring compliance with call requirements.
Feed and maintain the internal databases with information on calls and proposals, ensuring high-quality data and providing indicators and reports when requested.
Manage grant agreements with funders and other VHIR Directorates (HR, Legal).
Participate in information sessions and relevant events related to national research funding.
Perform any other duties related to the position, as required, to contribute to the general functioning of the Pre-Award Project Unit.
Education and qualifications:
Required:
University degree related to the duties described for the position
Excellent written and oral communication skills in Catalan and/or Spanish
Desirable:
Additional training in national competitive research projects
Fluency in English (business level)
Knowledge of other European languages
Experience and knowledge:
Required:
Experience in proposal preparation and/or management of competitive research projects
Knowledge of national funding programmes (ISCIII, AEI, AGAUR, PERIS, Foundations, etc.)
Strong personal skills, including:
Self-motivated
Well-organized
Meticulous, strong attention to detail
Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
Strong problem-solving and communication skills
Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills
Desirable:
Knowledge of European (Horizon Europe) and other international funding programmes.
Experience in addressing Impact, RRI and other transversal aspects important for competitive proposals
Previous experience in health/biomedical research environment
International work experience
Labour conditions:
Working hours: Full-time (37,5 hours per week)
Starting date: As soon as possible
Gross annual salary: Remuneration will be determined by experience, skills and responsibilities and aligned with the Collective Agreement pay scale.
Contract type:
Temporary contract
Duration: Temporary (approximately 4 months), with the possibility of maternity cover.
What can we offer?
Incorporation into the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), a public sector institution that promotes and develops biomedical research, innovation and teaching at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital (HUVH), the largest hospital in Barcelona and the largest within the Catalan Institute of Health (ICS).
A dynamic scientific environment of excellence, where cutting-edge biomedical projects are continuously developed.
Continuous learning and career development pathways.
Flexible working hours.
23 days of annual leave plus 9 personal days.
Flexible remuneration programme, including meal vouchers, health insurance, transport and more.
Corporate benefits platform, offering significant discounts on travel, culture, technology, gastronomy, sports and more.
Healthy offering– “Feel Good, Feel VHIR”: VHIR’s wellbeing programme offers a variety of activities to help staff thrive—physically, mentally, and socially. Through four pillars—Feel Well, Feel Connected, Feel Empowered, Feel Welcomed—it fosters health, growth, and community.
International mobility support (Welcome Services): we aim to make your arrival in Barcelona smooth and pleasant by providing city information, guidance on required procedures, access to the International Welcome Desk, family support and assistance with finding accommodation.
Deadline to apply: 28-04-2026
How We Hire:
Pre-selection: Candidates are shortlisted based on their skills, qualifications, and relevant experience as outlined in their CVs.
Interviews: Meetings may be held with Talent Acquisition and/or the hiring manager.
Practical assessment: Depending on the role, candidates may complete a case study, technical task, presentation, or written exercise, on-site or remotely.
Checks: Education, references, and other job-related verifications may be carried out.
Job offer: The selected candidate receives a formal job offer upon successful completion of the process.
VHIR embraces Equality and Diversity. As reflected in our values we work toward ensuring inclusion and equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, training, and management for all staff within the organization, regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age, functional diversity or ethnicity.
Information on Personal Data Protection:
Data Controller: Fundació Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca -VHIR-. Purpose: Personnel selection. Legal Basis: Your consent. Data retention period: One year. If you are selected, as long as the employment relationship is in force and legal responsibilities may arise. Data sharing: Does not occur, except for communications necessary to fulfill the purpose and those required by law to public and private bodies. Rights: You can access, rectify, delete, object to, and limit the processing of data, as well as request data portability where applicable, by contacting lopd@vhir.org. DPO: dpd@ticsalutsocial.cat. More information: www.vhir.org
Data Protection Authority: APDCAT
- Department
- COMPETITIVE RESEARCH DIRECTORATE_PRE-AWARD PROJECT UNIT
- Role
- Project Manager
- Locations
- Barcelona
- Employment type
- Full-time