The Rare Anaemia Disorders Research Laboratory at the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) is a translational laboratory operating across the full research continuum, from basic science to supporting clinical diagnosis. The laboratory coordinates the INTEGRA program, through which 11 Spanish hospitals contribute patient samples and clinical data. Samples are received and processed in our laboratory, while clinical data are managed in REDCap. INTEGRA is aligned with the RADeep: European Rare Anaemia Disorders European Epidemiological Platform, also coordinated by the group. Our strategy focuses on developing and validating innovative methodological approaches to better characterise patients affected by rare anaemia disorders according to their individual features, including genomics, metabolomics, functional tests and clinical data to enable better diagnosis, personalised risk profiles and precision medicine.

In this context, we are seeking a motivated, proactive, and detail-oriented Laboratory Manager to coordinate sample and data generation, ensure the quality and readiness of research and clinical data, coordinate the lab team, and act as the operational counterpart to our contributing centres. We are looking for a hybrid profile that combines clinical laboratory rigor with research curiosity and the leadership needed to run a multi-technique, multicentre laboratory.

Main responsibilities and duties:

Organise and run the day-to-day operations of the laboratory
Act as the primary operational contact for the 11 hospitals in the INTEGRA network: coordinate the inflow of samples, communicate pre-analytical requirements, resolve sample quality issues, and promote consistent data capture across the contributing centres
Coordinate sample traceability and chain of custody, from reception and processing through storage and shipment, including shipping logistics (cold chain, transport conditions) and associated documentation
Safeguard the quality, accuracy, and integrity of clinical and experimental data, i.e. samples, genomics, metabolomics and functional datasets, and maintain its readiness in REDCap for exploitation across the group's projects
Collaborate with the scientific team to ensure laboratory outputs meet research objectives, contributing to method development, experimental design, and drafting of new proposals and technical reports.
Draft, update, and version-control standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory protocols
Set up and run a monitoring system for consumable stocks, orders, and invoices

Education and qualifications:

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in a biomedical or life sciences area (e.g., Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology, or equivalent)
Fluency in English, both spoken and written

Desirable:

PhD and/or specialist training in laboratory haematology, clinical analysis, or a related diagnostic field.
Additional training in biobanking / sample management, quality systems (e.g., ISO 15189), and data protection (GDPR)

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

Proven experience of at least 2 years in a clinical or translational laboratory that supports diagnosis (not a primarily basic-research background)
Experience in sample reception, tracking, and chain of custody, ideally using a LIMS or equivalent system
Hands-on expertise in manual sample-manipulation techniques
Demonstrated attention to detail and proactive mindset
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work both independently and within a dynamic team

Desirable:

Experience coordinating multiple centres and managing the inflow of external samples and data
Knowledge of REDCap
Experience with rare anaemias / red blood cell disorders or specialised non-oncology haematology
Experience in EU-funded and/or national research projects

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: 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: 31/08/2026

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