European Health Policy & Scientific Affairs Manager (Rare Anemias Disorders Research Laboratory)

The University Hospital Vall d'Hebron is highly specialised in rare diseases. The scientific leadership of the European Reference Network ERN-EuroBloodNet, www.eurobloodnet.eu, dedicated to Rare Hematological Diseases (RHD), is led by Dr Mar Mañú Pereira, head of the Rare Anemia Disorders research lab at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR).

In line with the European health data strategy, our team coordinates several initiatives on European patient registries for rare hematological diseases. We collect and harmonise patient data from across Europe to strengthen the evidence base for EU public health policy-making and enable researchers to access standardised, comparable datasets, ultimately improving care for people living with RHDs. In the context of the forthcoming European Health Data Space (EHDS), which will regulate health data sharing in Europe, these projects are of strategic relevance.

Dr Mañú Pereira serves as Scientific Coordinator of ERN-EuroBloodNet and coordinates major European patient registry platforms in this field, including ENROL and RADeep. The group’s portfolio includes numerous EU-funded and internationally collaborative projects, combining high-impact scientific leadership with sustained engagement across EU-level stakeholders. In recognition of this experience and leadership, Dr Mañú Pereira has been appointed Vice-Chair within the Chairing Trio of the 24 European Reference Networks (ERNs) Coordinators (from 2025), reflecting the high visibility and responsibility of this work at the European level.

We are therefore looking for an experienced, motivated, and committed European Health Policy & Scientific Affairs Manager to work alongside the PI in the effective coordination and delivery of strategic, high-visibility initiatives supporting EU public health policies. The role will provide senior-level support across high-level stakeholder engagement, strategic coordination, governance, and ensuring timely follow-up and implementation of decisions across projects and partners.

Education and qualifications:
Required:

Bachelor degree in the field of biosciences (e.g. Pharmacy, Biology)

Fluent (spoken and written) English.

Desired:

Master’s degrees in the field of biosciences (e.g. Pharmacy, Biology)

PhD in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Biology, or a closely related field.

Qualification in Project Management tools.

Additional postgraduate training in leadership or strategic project direction.

Experience and knowledge:
Required:

At least 8 years of professional experience in health research, policy-relevant projects, or European-funded initiatives.

Experience contributing to strategy, scientific coordination, or policy-oriented activities within academic or healthcare organisations.

Strong background in research reporting, monitoring, and communication with funding bodies and institutional stakeholders.

Experience working in interdisciplinary and international environments.

Desired:

Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple strategic activities simultaneously.

Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management capabilities.

High level of autonomy, discretion, and reliability when supporting senior researchers and leadership teams.

Strategic thinking combined with strong operational execution.

Capacity to work across scientific, policy, and institutional domains.

Ability to work effectively with a dynamic team and to work independently with tight deadlines.

Main responsibilities and duties:

Serve as the Principal Investigator’s (PI) strategic right hand, translating priorities into plans and actions for correct strategy development and implementation.

Manage the PI’s strategic calendar and priorities, ensuring time is allocated to highest-impact activities and deadlines.

Coordinate end-to-end meeting management for high-level engagements (agenda-setting, participants, pre-reads, logistics, presentations, minutes, and action trackers).

Monitor EU policy and funding landscapes relevant to health/research/innovation (DG priorities, work programmes, consultations, calls, and major initiatives), summarising implications for strategy.

Map and manage stakeholder relationships (European Commission services, agencies, Member State representatives, scientific networks, platforms, consortia, NGOs, industry where relevant).

Synthesize evidence and data for decision-making, translating complex scientific/technical content into policy-relevant, executive-friendly materials.

Maintain a structured knowledge base (briefing library, stakeholder dossiers, meeting notes, version control, documentation trail).

Ensure governance and compliance (confidentiality, conflicts of interest, appropriate engagement rules, documentation standards), escalating sensitive issues appropriately.

Review and validate documentation, ensuring consistency with EU guidelines

Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Build and maintain collaborative relationships with patient advocacy groups and community representatives.

Labour conditions:

Full-time position: 37,5h/week.

Starting date: immediate

Gross annual salary: Remuneration will depend on experience and skills. Salary ranges are consistent with our Collective Agreement pay scale.

Contract: Technical and scientific activities contract linked to the project activities.

What can we offer?

Incorporation to Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), a public sector institution that promotes and develops the biomedical research, innovation and teaching at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (HUVH), the biggest hospital of Barcelona and the largest of Catalan Institute of Health (ICS).

A scientific environment of excellence, highly dynamic, where high-end biomedical projects are continuously developed.

Continuous learning and a wide range of responsibilities within a stimulating work environment.

Individual training opportunities.

Flexible working hours.

23 days of holidays + 9 personal days.

Flexible Remuneration Program (including dining checks, health insurance, transportation and more)

Corporate Benefits: platform through which you can obtain significant discounts on travel, culture, technology, gastronomy, sports... among many others.

Healthy Offering: choose from a variety of wellbeing focused activities to be the healthiest you.

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 recommendations, and support in finding accommodation

Deadline to apply: 17-02-2026

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.