Bioinformatics Technician (Microbiology)

Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) - Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca; Barcelona; Presencial; EUR 42.000 - 60.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The Virology Section at Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) invites applications for a Bioinformatics Technician. You will study viral genomes, develop pipelines, and support multiple projects from a computational biology perspective.

We seek a motivated candidate with experience in genomics, Nextflow, Python and Bash, and the ability to collaborate across diverse scientific teams. This is a full-time role at VHIR in Barcelona, with flexible remuneration and international mobility support.

Formación

• Proven experience in bioinformatics applied to viral genomics.
• Experience developing modular pipelines using Nextflow.
• Advanced programming in Python and Bash with strong CLI skills.
• Experience with GitHub in collaborative settings.
• Data visualization experience using Plotly and Folium.

Responsabilidades

• Support ongoing bioinformatics work in the Virology Section.
• Design, optimise and lead new bioinformatics pipelines.
• Develop methods to support viral genomic projects.
• Design and maintain databases and sequence repositories.
• Co-author publications and collaborate with researchers.
• Work across computational and experimental domains.

Conocimientos

Bioinformatics

Genomics analysis

Nextflow pipelines

Python

Bash

CLI execution

GitHub collaboration

Plotly/Folium

Remote server experience

Teamwork

Educación

Bachelor’s Degree in Biosciences

Master’s degree in Bioinformatics

C1 English (Cambridge Advanced)

Catalan & Spanish proficiency

Herramientas

Nextflow

GitHub

Plotly

Folium

SQL

nf-test

Descripción del empleo

The Virology Section is seeking a highly motivated Bioinformatics Technician to study the genetic features, diversity, and evolution of respiratory viruses and other viral agents from a bioinformatics perspective. This position reflects a role requiring proven experience in viral genomics analysis and the development of bioinformatics pipelines.

Main responsibilities and duties:

• Support ongoing bioinformatics work in the Virology Section.
• Execute and, where possible, optimise existing pipelines.
• Develop and apply bioinformatics methods to support multiple projects in the field of microbiology.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and computational analysis of virus genomic data.
• Design and maintain databases and sequence repositories.
• Co-author publications within the context of a virology research group.
• Collaborate on other projects within the microbiology research group.
• Lead the design of new bioinformatics pipelines.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biosciences.
• Master’s degree in Bioinformatics.
• Fluency in Catalan, Spanish, and English, with a certified C1 level (minimum Cambridge English Advanced Grade A).

Desirable:

• Specialised training in AI usage focused on programming.

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Proven experience in bioinformatics applied to genomics, with a strong focus on viral characterisation or automated genomic surveillance tools.
• Expertise in modular pipeline development using Nextflow.
• Advanced programming skills (including Python and Bash) and high proficiency in software execution via the CLI.
• Experience working on remote servers.
• Written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to operate across both computational and experimental domains.
• Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary teams with researchers from diverse scientific fields.
• Experience using version control systems (GitHub) in a collaborative environment.
• Experience using data visualisation and mapping tools such as Plotly and Folium.
• Highly motivated, proactive, responsible, and well-organised, with strong teamwork skills.

Desirable:

• Basic knowledge of HTML for automated report generation and web-page creation.
• Experience working with and developing databases (e.g., SQL, PL/SQL).
• Expertise in pipeline validation and structured testing using nf-test.

Labour conditions:

• Working hours: Full-time (37,5 hours per week).
• Starting date: October, 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 activities.

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: 22-09-2026

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 or 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 fulfil 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 [e-mail]. DPO: [e-mail]. More information: www.vhir.org

Data Protection Authority: APDCAT