Academic Officer (ref. AD/25/24)

IRB Barcelona is seeking a highly motivated Academic Officer to join our People and Academic Affairs Department, reporting directly to the Academic Coordinator.

As an Academic Officer, you will play a key role in ensuring the seamless operation of our academic programmes. You will actively contribute to enhancing the overall student experience, with a focus on increasing satisfaction and fostering an environment that attracts and retains top national and international talent.

This position is financed by the project THRIVE within the framework of the CoARA Boost Project under grant agreement No. 101131826.

Key responsibilities

Oversee and execute the organization of the Undergraduate Programme.
Provide comprehensive support for the Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowship Programmes, including call announcements, dissemination, eligibility review, interview logistics at IRB Barcelona, notification of results, and onboarding processes.
Ensure the effective implementation of the Complementary Training Programme.
Offer career development support for predoctoral researchers through one-on-one advising sessions, helping them explore academic and non-academic career paths and develop essential skills.
Provide personalized support to students, students committees and scientists on academic affairs.
Assist with activities for young researchers organized by the Institute.
Facilitate collaborations with other research institutes to exchange expertise on academic affairs.
Perform administrative tasks, including maintaining and updating Academic Office databases, managing information on the website and intranet, and serving as the Key User for the recruitment portal.
Support the organization and preparation of visits for international students to the Institute

You have

Experience:

Proven experience in career advising, academic programmes, or similar roles in a research or academic setting

Knowledge:

Degree in a life sciences/chemistry-related field. PhD will be a plus.
Good command (spoken and written) of Catalan, Spanish and English.
Strong IT skills.

Skills:

Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, and external partners. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong resolution and proactivity.
Strong organisational, time management and project management skills.
Flexible and people oriented.

You might also have

Familiarity with fellowship and training programme processes is a plus.
Proficiency in managing databases and online platforms.
General understanding of HR policies and processes.

What we offer:

To be a part a part of something meaningful: We are a biomedical research centre that tirelessly works to achieve a society free of diseases. Our mission is to carry out research of excellence to cure cancer and other diseases linked to ageing.

Good Working conditions: Permenent Contract linked to the project THRIVE within the framework of the CoARA Boost Project under grant agreement No. 101131826. Employed in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations under a full-time contract. Employees receive the benefits of the Spanish Social Security system covering sickness, maternity/paternity leave and injuries at work.

Competitive salary: commensurate with experience and qualifications.

International Environment: Nearly 90 Postdoctoral researchers (more than a half non-Spanish nationals) are currently working at IRB Barcelona.

Multidisciplinary Research: Research of excellence at the unique interface between biology, chemistry, and structural and computational biology.

Training and Career: Postdoctoral researchers joining IRB Barcelona gain access to the Institute’s advanced research training and career development opportunities, all within in a competitive international environment. Courses and workshops on themes of particular interest to postdocs are offered regularly by the Institute.

Relocation & Visa Assistance: Trained staff provides support on visa paperwork, administrative requirements, and practical information on living and working in Barcelona, etc.

Social Life: We like to have fun. We promote several activities, like a Football League, an annual skiing trip, a Mountaineering Club, a Running Club and "Cool-off sessions", where members meet informally for drinks, snacks and scientific discussions.

Fairness: Our recruitment is open, transparent and merit-based, and all applicants compete on the same terms. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.

HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:

Deadline for applications: 24/12/2025 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended)

Number of positions available: 1

Selection process:

Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter & experience.

Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

Job offer: Will be sent to the successful candidate after the interview.

IRB BARCELONA endorses the Requirements and Principles of the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and Open, Transparent, Merit-based recruitment promoted by the European Commission and follows Equal Opportunities policies.

On 9 December, 2014, IRB Barcelona was awarded the "HR Excellence in Research" logo. This recognition reflects the commitment of the Institute to the continuous improvement of its human resources policies in line with the Charter & Code. The Institute works to ensure fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures.

Please check our Recruitment Policy.

Note: The strengths and weaknesses of the applications will be provided upon request.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE,

Created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, IRB Barcelona, a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence since the first call in 2011, has received the accreditation four consecutive times.

The institute is devoted to conducting research of excellence in biomedicine and to transferring results to clinical practice, thus improving people’s quality of life, while simultaneously promoting the training of outstanding researchers, technology transfer, and public communication of science. Its 29 laboratories and seven core facilities address basic questions in biology and are oriented towards diseases such as cancer, metastasis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and rare conditions.

IRB Barcelona is an international centre that hosts 500 members from 45 nationalities. It is located in the Barcelona Science Park. IRB Barcelona forms part of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) and the “Xarxa de Centres de Recerca de Catalunya” (CERCA).