R1 Predoctoral Researcher (Urology Research Group)

Vall-D; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Annual leave 23 days

9 personal days

Meal vouchers

Health insurance

Transport support

Job summary

Fundaci9 Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron - Institut de Recerca (VHIR) seeks an early-stage predoctoral researcher to pursue doctoral-level training under experienced mentors, contributing to high-quality projects and developing transferable skills.

You will lead components of a doctoral research plan, engage in data collection, literature review, and dissemination through publications, conferences and seminars, while preparing your doctoral thesis.

Qualifications

• Master5s degree with 300 ECTS of official university studies, access to doctoral studies.
• Admitted to a doctoral programme at the beginning of the appointment.
• English level B2 or equivalent (CEFR).
• Desirable: statistics training.
• Desirable: Catalan and/or Spanish proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop and complete a doctoral research project and thesis following the training plan.
• Conduct high-quality research under supervision, including data collection and literature review.
• Collaborate with senior researchers to design experiments and contribute to publications.

Skills

Research data management

Teamwork

Analytical thinking

Scientific dissemination

Good communication skills

Cell lines techniques

Education

Master’s degree with 300 ECTS

Admission to doctoral programme

Job description

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:

• Develop and complete a doctoral research project and thesis in accordance with the agreed research and training plan.
• Conduct high-quality research under the supervision of senior researchers, including data collection, analysis and literature review.
• Collaborate with senior researchers in designing experiments, developing research protocols and contributing to publications and scientific communications.
• Present research findings within the team and at scientific conferences, seminars or other dissemination activities.
• Participate in doctoral training, scientific events and continuous professional development activities.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Completed university degree and a master’s degree with a minimum of 300 ECTS of official university studies at the time of applying or completed an official university qualification from a country of the European Higher Education Area with a minimum of 300 ECTS of official university studies, of which, at least 60, at master’s level, which provide access to doctoral studies.
• Candidates must be admitted to a doctoral programme and enrol in the corresponding doctoral studies at the beginning of the appointment.
• English level B2 or equivalent, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Desirable:

• Additional or specialised training in statistics
• Fluency in Catalan and/or Spanish

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Competences:
  • Research Expertise: Foundational disciplinary knowledge and ability to contribute to high-quality research activities.
  • Research data management: Ability to organise and manage research data following FAIR principles.
  • Teamwork: Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and contribute to collaborative research activities.
  • Analytical thinking: Ability to critically analyse information, data and research findings to support scientific activities.
  • Scientific dissemination: Ability to contribute to publications, presentations and other research dissemination activities under supervision.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Experienced working with cell lines and basic molecular techniques such as immunofluorescence and western blot

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.

Desirable:

• Experience:
  • Previous research experience would be an advantage.
• Publications:
  • Previous peer-reviewed publications would be an advantage.
• Science Communication and Outreach Activities:
  • Experience presenting results in scientific congresses and preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Engagement in science communication or outreach activities
• Intellectual Property Protection and Knowledge Transfer:
  • Awareness of intellectual property and knowledge transfer activities will be valued.
• Training and Professional Development:
  • Commitment to continuous professional development, including participation in training activities aligned with the relevant professional or research training pathways

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:

• Working hours: Full-time (37,5 hours per week).
• Starting date: As soon as possible
• Gross annual salary: €20.505,00
• Contract type: Predoctoral

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: 12-11-2026

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