The Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) is a
leading public-sector biomedical research institute embedded within
the Vall d’Hebron Campus, one of the largest and most comprehensive
healthcare ecosystems in southern Europe. VHIR is internationally
recognised for its excellence in translational research, bringing
together fundamental, clinical and population-based science to
accelerate the impact of research on patients’ lives. In alignment
with the European Research Career Framework (R1–R4), VHIR is
seeking to recruit an outstanding Recognised-Established Researcher
to establish and lead research based on circadian biology and its
implications for health and disease. This position is conceived as
a strategic entry point into VHIR’s research career pathway, with
the opportunity to progress through a competitive internal
tenure-track scheme, subject to performance, funding success and
periodic evaluation. This call is designed for ambitious,
high-potential researchers ready to take the next step towards
scientific leadership. We particularly welcome candidates with a
strong trajectory indicative of future success in highly
competitive funding schemes Main responsibilities and duties:
Establish and drive an independent and innovative research line,
aligned with VHIR’s strategic priorities Secure competitive funding
as Principal Investigator (PI), with a strong focus on prestigious
national and international programmes Deliver high-impact
scientific outputs, publishing in leading peer-reviewed journals
and advancing the frontiers of knowledge Build, lead and mentor a
high-performing research team (R1–R2), fostering talent development
and scientific excellence Engage in strategic collaborations with
leading national and international partners across academia,
healthcare and industry Oversee research activities, projects and
resources, ensuring effective management and delivery of results
Contribute to innovation, knowledge transfer and societal impact,
supporting the translation of research into real-world applications
Education and qualifications: Required: PhD in relevant discipline
Strong publication record Proven research independence Strong
potential to secure competitive national and international funding
The capacity to build, lead and inspire a research team Fluency in
English Desirable:



International experience High technical and
conceptual expertise or strategic mindset to translational
potential Knowledge of Catalan and/or Spanish Experience and
knowledge: Required: Experience leading research activities or
projects Ability to supervise and mentor researchers Capacity to
develop collaborations Communication, dissemination and scientific
visibility Ability to Integrate into and strengthen the host
institution Openness to collaborate with clinical teams, core
facilities, or industry Desirable: Experience in coordinating small
research teams or work packages International research experience
or active participation in international collaborations
Contribution to high-impact publications as first or senior author
Engagement in knowledge transfer, innovation or translational
activities Experience contributing to grant writing and project
management Labour conditions: Working hours : Full-time (37,5 hours
per week). Starting date : June 15th, 2026 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 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 . Versátil
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: 29-04-2026 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 [email protected] . DPO: [email protected] . More
information can be found here . Data Protection Authority:
APDCAT

📌 Recognised-Established Researcher (Cataluña)
🏢 VHIR
📍 Cataluña