The Scientific Coordination Unit, part of the Scientific Strategy Directorate at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), plays a central role in strengthening VHIR’s scientific ecosystem. Our mission is to enhance the institute’s internal scientific structure, foster collaboration and strategic alliances, and strengthen scientific talent development, ensuring impact-oriented research aligned with major health challenges and institutional priorities, with the ultimate goal of improving society’s well-being.

We act as a catalyst for scientific excellence by organising and supporting the institutional scientific structure (Research Areas, Hubs, CORES and Programmes), mapping and managing the research portfolio, fostering synergies between research groups to promote growth in strategic scientific priorities, and driving the identification and development of cutting-edge research lines. We also work to build and support an excellent scientific talent community and manage institutional calls, ensuring transparent and inclusive criteria for evaluating scientific performance aligned with open science and responsible research assessment practices.

We are seeking a Scientific Coordination Project Officer to support the coordination and management of VHIR’s scientific structure, contributing to the development and implementation of the institute’s scientific strategy. The position will provide operational, analytical and organisational support, helping to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and promoting scientific projects across the institute.

The selected candidate will contribute to activities such as mapping and managing the research portfolio, supporting the organisation and functioning of Research Areas, Hubs, CORES and Programmes, fostering internal and external scientific collaboration, promoting and organising joint initiatives and scientific activities, and identifying opportunities for shared equipment and technologies.

Main responsibilities and duties:

Support the organisation, functioning and continuous development of the institutional scientific structure, including Research Areas, Hubs, CORES and Programmes, effectively managing a diverse range of activities.
Promote internal and external collaborative research by coordinating scientific initiatives, symposia, joint activities and strategic partnerships.
Conduct analyses and map scientific expertise within the institution to promote excellence, efficiency and visibility.
Coordinate projects independently, ensuring their completion within established parameters and timelines.
Identify relevant funding opportunities related to scientific coordination and support proposal preparation.
Manage relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, proactively fostering collaboration, addressing their needs and resolving concerns.
Communicate ideas clearly and concisely through presentations, written documents and reports to a wide range of stakeholders.
Interact with VHIR Principal Investigators and research groups, as required, to support the analysis, design and implementation of initiatives.
Collaborate with other VHIR support units to ensure the effective implementation of initiatives.
Integrate and promote Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles in scientific activities.
Support strategic institutional priorities led by the Scientific Strategy Directorate.
Participate in teaching or training activities organised by the Unit or VHIR.
Undertake any additional tasks within the scope of the position as assigned by the Unit Head.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or a related discipline.
Excellent written and spoken communication skills in Catalan, Spanish and English (professional working proficiency).

Desirable:

Complementary training in project management, research evaluation or scientific management.
Knowledge of additional languages.

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

A minimum of one year's experience in a research institution and/or scientific project management.
Knowledge of research environments and the biomedical research landscape.
Theoretical and practical knowledge of scientific coordination, research procedures and scientific documentation.
Ability to carry out delegated responsibilities with a moderate degree of autonomy and occasional supervision.
Proficiency in IT tools, particularly Microsoft 365 (PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Power BI).

Desirable:

Familiarity with Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles.
Strong analytical thinking and adaptability, with the ability to analyse complex situations and respond effectively to diverse challenges.
Intermediate skills in problem-solving, results orientation and task coordination.

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 (3 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: 13-07-2026

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 organisation, 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