Research Associate (Physiology and pathophysiology of the digestive tract)
Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) is a public sector institution, located in Barcelona (Spain) that promotes and develops innovative biomedical research at the University Hospital Vall d'Hebron. VHIR is oriented towards finding solutions to the health problems of the citizens and has the will to contribute to the scientific, educational, social and economic development within its area of competence around the world.
In the Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Digestive Tract group, the gastroenterology line investigates the integrated function of the intestinal tract including secretion, motility and absorption in health and disease. It also studies the interactions of intestinal inflammation with some aspects of enteric flora in inflammatory bowel disease.
VHIR offers a position for a Research Associate in the Digestive and Liver Diseases Research Group focused on the Neurophysiology and neurophysiopathology of the digestive tract.
Main responsibilities and duties:
Coordinate and manage the line of investigation on the development of new technologies for management of intestinal disorders by means of psychological interventions.
Prepare and organise the interaction with the psychiatry team.
Patients recruitment and follow-up of the intervention outcomes.
Analyse the results of the study.
Prepare a first version of the manuscripts.
Education and qualifications:
Required:
The candidate must have an MD degree, and specialist competence in Gastroenterology.
Experience in performing motility studies, including barostat studies, esophageal and anorectal manometry, and pH and pHimpedance measurements.
Fluency in Catalan, Spanish and English.
Experience and knowledge:
Required:
The candidate should have experience in the application of psychological interventions.
The candidate should have experience in research on disorders of brain-gut interaction, and publications on this topic in peer-reviewed journals.
The candidate should have experience in application of virtual reality on treatment of gut-brain disorders.
Desirable:
Strong responsibility, initiative, self-motivation and social skills.
Labour conditions:
Working hours: Full-time (37,5 hours per week).
Starting date: May 2026.
Gross annual salary: Remuneration will be determined by experience, skills and responsibilities and aligned with the Collective Agreement pay scale.
Contract type: Technical and scientific activities contract linked to project activities.
Duration: 8 months.
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: 23-04-2026
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
- RESEARCH AREA_CHRONIC & PREVALENT DISEASES
- Role
- Associate Researcher
- Locations
- Barcelona
- Employment type
- Full-time