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. The Cardiovascular Diseases Research Group generates knowledge on the mechanisms of heart diseases and proposes new diagnostic and therapeutic tools to be applied in patients with cardiomyopathies.

The group is looking for candidates to apply to the next call of Ayudas para la Formación de Profesorado Universitario (FPU2026) and join its research team to undertake doctoral studies in cardiovascular research.

More information about our group can be found at: http://www.vhir.org/portal1/grup-presentacio.asp?s=recerca&contentid=186804&idrefer=186805

We are seeking an early-stage predoctoral researcher who is ready to develop their research career through structured training and active participation in high-quality scientific projects. You will undertake doctoral-level research under the supervision and mentorship of experienced researchers, while developing scientific, technical and transferable skills.

You will be expected to contribute to high-quality research in line with the scientific objectives of the team, work towards the completion of your doctoral thesis and participate in the dissemination of research results through scientific publications, conferences and seminars.

In addition, you will participate in training and professional development activities, contribute to outreach and collaborative research activities, and develop the skills and experience required for the next stage of your research career.

Main responsibilities and duties:

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Hold a university degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Biomedicine, Veterinary Medicine, or a related discipline.

• Have a minimum average grade of 8 out of 10 in the Bachelor's degree.

• Hold a completed university degree and a Master's degree, with a minimum of 300 ECTS credits in official university studies at the time of application. Alternatively, hold an official university qualification from a country within the European Higher Education Area comprising at least 300 ECTS credits, including a minimum of 60 ECTS credits at Master's level, that provides access to doctoral studies.

• Meet the eligibility requirements for the FPU2026 call, including the following:

• Not have previously been awarded an FPU grant under any previous call.

• Not hold a doctoral degree from any Spanish or foreign university.

• Not have held a predoctoral contract for more than 12 months prior to submitting the application.

• Be enrolled in or admitted to a doctoral programme for the 2026–2027 academic year at the time of application. Candidates who are not yet enrolled or admitted may also apply if they will meet this requirement by the date the employment contract is formalised.

• Be admitted to the relevant doctoral programme and enrol in the corresponding doctoral studies at the beginning of the appointment.

• Have an English proficiency level of at least B2 or equivalent, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Desirable:

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Good knowledge of animal physiology, particularly the cardiovascular system.

• Solid background in molecular biology and practical experience with molecular biology techniques, such as Western blotting, PCR, and immunofluorescence.

Desirable:

• Fluencye in Catalan and/or Spanish

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.

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”

• Certified Academic Record (bacherlor's and master's degrees): Applicants must upload a scan of their Certified Academic Record, including grades obtained for both degree and master’s studies. A minimum of 300 ECTS credits must have been completed. If the documents are not issued in Catalan, Spanish or English, a translation into one of these languages must be provided. In the case of studies completed outside Spain, applicants may be required to provide an official declaration of equivalence of their average academic grade to the Spanish grading scale, issued through the procedure established by the competent Spanish Ministry. It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain and provide this document where required. The name of this document must be: “AcademicRecord _NameSurname”

• Admission to a doctoral programme: Applicants must provide official documentation certifying their admission to a doctoral programme. This document must be issued by the corresponding university and must clearly identify the doctoral programme and the academic year. The name of this document must be: “DoctoralProgrammeAdmission_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:

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: 10-11-2026

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. More information can be found here: https://vhir.vallhebron.com/en/personal-data-protection
Data Protection Authority: APDCAT