R2-I (Recognised Researcher)
We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher (R2) who has recently completed their PhD and is looking to further develop their research career within a structured and supportive environment.
This role offers a defined period of advanced, mentored training, providing the opportunity to deepen expertise, contribute to high-quality research projects, and strengthen scientific independence.
The position is fully focused on research activities, allowing you to dedicate your time to scientific excellence and career progression within a leading research centre.
The NET-VHIO Program is a translational research group focused on endocrine and neuroendocrine tumours, integrating preclinical models, molecular profiling and translational approaches to identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities and biomarkers associated with treatment response and resistance.
The group develops patient-derived models including patient-derived xenografts (PDX), organoids and molecular characterization pipelines to study tumour evolution and therapy adaptation in rare endocrine malignancies.
Main responsibilities and duties:
Conduct high‑quality research aligned with project and lab objectives, including rigorous data collection, analysis, and literature review.
Collaborate with senior researchers in designing experiments, developing research protocols, and contributing to publications, reports, and grant proposals.
Present research findings within the team and at scientific conferences or seminars.
Provide guidance to junior researchers or graduate students and supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students when applicable.
Engage in continuous professional development and work with the technology transfer office to identify potential inventions and understand IP processes.
Collaborate in preclinical and translational research projects involving murine models, tumour-derived samples and molecular analyses.
Design, perform and optimise in vitro and in vivo experimental workflows related to cancer biology and targeted therapies.
Coordinate murine colony management, breeding strategies, genotyping and experimental planning in collaboration with animal facility staff.
Support the establishment, processing and maintenance of patient-derived experimental platforms including organoids, primary cultures and PDX-derived samples.
Collaborate with internal and external collaborators, including clinicians, core facilities, CROs and international partners.
Prepare and organise laboratory SOPs, ethical documentation and experimental records according to institutional and regulatory standards.
Monitor and track sample inventories, biobanking activities and experimental timelines ensuring data traceability and integrity.
Contribute to data analysis, figure preparation, scientific reports, grant applications and manuscript writing.
Participate in laboratory coordination activities including procurement management, safety procedures and workflow optimisation.
Education and qualifications:
Required:
Completed PhD Degree in Life Sciences, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology or related biomedical disciplines.
Completed official university qualification from a country of the European Higher Education Area with a minimum of 300 ECTS of official university studies, of which, at least 60, at master’s level, which allow them to access doctoral studies.
Fluency in English
Strong background in cancer biology and preclinical experimental models.
Desirable:
Additional or specialised training in FELASA-accredited training for laboratory animal experimentation, project management, clinical research or translational oncology.
Knowledge of molecular biology methodologies including qPCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, FACS and Western blot.
Experience and knowledge:
Required:
Experience:
Having conducted the PhD (including wet/dry-lab related work) work for at least 3 years as R1.
At least 5 years of hands-on experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques
Experience working with murine models, including breeding, colony management, genotyping and tissue processing.
Experience in cell culture, primary cultures and advanced imaging techniques
Experience handling biological sample repositories and experimental data management
Publications:
At least 1 first-author original publication in JCR-indexed peer-reviewed journals.
Competences:
Research Expertise: Solid disciplinary knowledge and ability to contribute to high-quality research activities.
Research data management: Experience organising and managing research data following FAIR principles.
Teamwork and mentoring: Ability to work collaboratively and support junior researchers or students.
Analytical thinking: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills applied to research challenges.
Scientific dissemination: Experience contributing to publications and research dissemination activities.
Note: Applicants will be required to provide evidence of their experience and achievements related to the position requirements during the application process through the ATS.
Desirable:
Funding:
Experience in contributing to the preparation of competitive funding applications such as postdoctoral fellowships and research grant applications, among others.
[Enter additional desirable requirements]
Supervision and Mentoring:
Experience in supervising or mentoring undergraduate students (e.g. research projects or final degree projects)
Science Communication and Outreach Activities
Experience attending and presenting results in scientific congresses and preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Engagement in science communication or outreach activities
Intellectual Property Protection and Knowledge Transfer
Familiarity with intellectual property protection processes and knowledge transfer activities
Experience attending or participating in workshops on intellectual property and technology transfer
Training and Professional Development
Commitment to continuous professional development, including participation in training activities aligned with the relevant professional or research training pathways
Mobility:
Short-term stays in other national or international institutions will be highly valued
Public Awareness:
Engagement in public awareness activities is encouraged
Capacity to work independently while coordinating multiple ongoing projects.
Experience in genome editing techniques.
Experience working in international research environments.
DOCUMENTATION TO SUBMIT
In this application, you will be required to provide the following information and documentation:
Personal data and CV: Applicants must complete their personal details and upload an updated Curriculum Vitae. The name of this document must be: “CV _NameSurname”
Studies: Applicants must provide an official copy of their doctoral degree certificate, demonstrating that the PhD has been successfully awarded. The name of this document must be: “Studies _NameSurname”
Experience: Applicants must submit a letter issued by the employing institution(s) certifying their postdoctoral research experience. The letter must clearly state the exact period of time during which the applicant held the postdoctoral position, including start and end dates, and must explicitly indicate that the activities carried out correspond to postdoctoral research tasks or that the position held falls under a recognised postdoctoral professional category. In the case of applicants in their first year of postdoctoral experience, for whom no previous postdoctoral contracts exist, a signed declaration must be provided confirming that the applicant is currently in their first year of postdoctoral activity. The name of this document must be: “Experience _NameSurname”
Publications: Applicants must download the Publications Excel template provided here and upload the completed document as part of the application. Password to access the file is vhir. For each publication, the following information must be provided: PMID, DOI, Title, Authors, Journal, Year of Publication, Type of Publication, and Quartile. The name of this document must be: “Publications _NameSurname”
Important information
Only applications submitted before the deadline and containing all the required information and documentation will be evaluated. Once the application is submitted, candidates will automatically receive an acknowledgement of receipt.
Labour conditions:
Working hours: Full-time (37,5 hours per week).
Starting date: Immediate
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
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: 16-07-2026
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 can be found here.
Data Protection Authority: APDCAT
- Department
- RESEARCH AREA_CANCER
- Role
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- Locations
- Barcelona
- Employment type
- Full-time