R2-I Recognised Researcher (Liver Diseases Research Group)

Fundació Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron- Institut de recerca; España; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

Meal vouchers

Health insurance

Transport benefits

Job summary

Fundació Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron- Institut de recerca seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher (R2) who has recently completed their PhD to advance their research career within a structured environment at a leading Barcelona research centre.

The role offers mentored training, opportunities to deepen expertise, contribute to high-quality projects, and strengthen scientific independence, with a focus on viral hepatitis, metagenomics, and NGS.

Qualifications

• Completed PhD in a relevant field.
• Fluency in English.
• Strong background in molecular biology and next-generation sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high‑quality research aligned with project and lab objectives.
• Collaborate with senior researchers in designing experiments and contributing to publications.
• Present research findings within the team and at conferences.
• Provide guidance to junior researchers or graduate students when applicable.
• Engage in continuous professional development and understand IP processes.
• Coordinate optimization of metagenomics methodologies and bioinformatic analyses.

Job description

Organisation/Company Fundació Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron- Institut de recerca Department Research Department Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 29 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Andorra) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5h/week Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher (R2) who has recently completed their PhD and is looking to further develop their research career within a structured and supportive environment.

This role offers a defined period of advanced, mentored training, providing the opportunity to deepen expertise, contribute to high-quality research projects, and strengthen scientific independence.

The position is fully focused on research activities, allowing you to dedicate your time to scientific excellence and career progression within a leading research centre.

Main responsibilities and duties

• Conduct high‑quality research aligned with project and lab objectives, including rigorous data collection, analysis, and literature review.
• Collaborate with senior researchers in designing experiments, developing research protocols, and contributing to publications, reports, and grant proposals.
• Present research findings within the team and at scientific conferences or seminars.
• Provide guidance to junior researchers or graduate students and supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students when applicable.
• Engage in continuous professional development and work with the technology transfer office to identify potential inventions and understand IP processes.
• Coordinate the optimization of metagenomics methodologies
• Provide support for bioinformatic analysis following metagenomics runs and data acquisition
• Collaborate in writing papers
• Prepare and mentor new students
• Organise and ensure proper maintenance of the viral hepatitis laboratory
• Completed PhD Degree in the corresponding field
• Completed 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 allow them to access doctoral studies.
• Fluency in English
• Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology grade >9.00 (other degrees and lower grades will not be considered)
• Master in Translational Biomedical Research offered by VHIR (other masters will not be considered)
• Demonstrated expertise in NGS, supported at least two peer-reviewed publications in metagenomics and four in quasispecies (Only curriculums that meet all of the above requirements will be considered for evaluation)
• PhD in viral hepatitis
• Additional or specialised training in molecular biology and next-generation sequencing of RNA viruses
• Fluency in Catalan and/or Spanish
• English (business level)
• Excellent ability in delivering oral presentations at local, national and international meetings
• Ability to teach and mentor new students

Experience and knowledge

Required

• Experience:
  • Having conducted the PhD (including wet/dry-lab related work) work for at least 3 years as R1.
  • At least 5 years of experience working in molecular biology and next-generation sequencing of RNA viruses
  • Knowledge of viruses, gradient isolation, data collection and analysis
  • Ability to teach and mentor new students
  • Self-motivated, enthusiastic and committed to the work to be developed
• Publications:
  • At least 1 first-author original publication in JCR-indexed peer-reviewed journals.
  • Minimum of 15 published papers in international journals, at least two as a first author
  • Minimum of participation in 8 poster or oral presentations in seminars/meetings
• Competences:
  • Research Expertise: Solid disciplinary knowledge and ability to contribute to high-quality research activities.
  • Research data management: Experience organising and managing research data following FAIR principles.
  • Teamwork and mentoring: Ability to work collaboratively and support junior researchers or students.
  • Analytical thinking: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills applied to research challenges.
  • Scientific dissemination: Experience contributing to publications and research dissemination activities
  • Experience in protein extraction
  • Experience in Western Blot
  • Experience in DNA and RNA extraction
  • Experience in in iodixanol gradients qPCR

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.

• Funding:
  • Experience in contributing to the preparation of competitive funding applications such as postdoctoral fellowships and research grant applications, among others.
  • Participation in a FIS project as a member of the research team
• Supervision and Mentoring:
  • Experience in supervising or mentoring undergraduate students (e.g. research projects or final degree projects)
  • Expertise in mentoring students
  • University teaching experience
• Science Communication and Outreach Activities
  • Experience attending and presenting results in scientific congresses and preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Engagement in science communication or outreach activities
  • Participation in social network activities and social communication
• Intellectual Property Protection and Knowledge Transfer
  • Familiarity with intellectual property protection processes and knowledge transfer activities
  • Experience attending or participating in workshops on intellectual property and technology transfer
• Training and Professional Development
  • Commitment to continuous professional development, including participation in training activities aligned with the relevant professional or research training pathways
• Mobility:
  • Short-term stays in other national or international institutions will be highly valued
• Public Awareness:
  • Engagement in public awareness activities is encouraged

Additional Information

Labour conditions

• Working hours: Full-time (37,5 hours per week).
• Starting date: 1st January 2027.
• Gross annual salary: 35.000€
• 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.
• 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.

Selection process

Deadline to apply: 29-10-2026

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.

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.

Additional comments

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