We are seeking a highly motivated Human Biology Research Technician to support ongoing research activities in metagenomics and viral pathogen detection. The successful candidate will contribute to software development, bioinformatics analysis, student training, and scientific dissemination within the research group.

Main responsibilities and duties:

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Biology from Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). Applications from candidates holding other degrees will not be considered.

• Demonstrated experience in shotgun untargeted metagenomics, evidenced by at least one published peer-reviewed paper in this field. Applications that do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

• Experience with deep-sequencing methodologies.

• Experience in the analysis of viral deep-sequencing metagenomic data.

• Fluency in Catalan, Spanish and English (minimum C1 level in all three languages).

Desirable:

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• A minimum of six months' experience in molecular biology and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of RNA viruses.

• Experience using bioinformatics pipelines for pathogen detection through metagenomic analysis.

• Sound knowledge of virology.

• Ability to train, supervise and mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students.

• Highly motivated, enthusiastic and committed, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable:

Labour conditions:

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: 17-08-2026

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 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