Research Technician (Biomedical Research in Melanoma)

Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) - Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal vouchers

Health insurance

Transport support

Flexible working hours

23 days leave + 9 personal days

Mobility & Welcome services

Job summary

Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) in Barcelona seeks a Research Technician to support melanoma research and related immunology projects. You will assist with daily laboratory activities, organize experiments, collect data, and collaborate across teams.

The role involves maintaining mouse colonies and ensuring accurate records, with a focus on advancing translational cancer research. The position requires a Master’s degree and fluency in Spanish and English, plus experience in animal

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Fluency in Spanish and English (business level).
• Experience in animal work and cancer immunology.
• Knowledge of flow cytometry.

Responsibilities

• Support the research team and students in the day-to-day activities of the laboratory.
• Prepare, organise and carry out experiments related to melanoma research.
• Collect, analyse and record experimental data and results.
• Collaborate with other team members and contribute to the coordination of research activities.
• Monitor and maintain mouse colonies, keeping accurate and up-to-date records.

Skills

Fluency in Spanish

Fluency in English

Communication skills

Organized and methodical

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

FACS

Microscopy

Cell culture

Immune assays

Molecular biology

Flow cytometry

Job description

The Melanoma Biomedical Research and Mouse Model and Cancer Laboratory at VHIR is currently seeking a candidate to apply for the Research Technician position. We offer advanced, interdisciplinary training in the field of cancer and tumour biology, and a lively and international educational atmosphere, with excellent state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and competitive fellowships. Our research is focused on translational investigations in melanoma and other skin cancers. We combine conventional and state-of-the‑art technologies (–omics tools) together with animal models and primary human tumour samples (PDX), to study cancer (melanoma) development and progression. Our main interest is to translate our results into the clinic.

Specifically, the candidate will be involved in studying the role of certain molecules in melanoma development and progression, and in the regulation of the immune system in the tumour environment for therapeutic purposes. Further information will be released to interested candidates.

Main responsibilities and duties:

• Support the research team and students in the day‑to‑day activities of the laboratory.
• Prepare, organise and carry out experiments related to melanoma research.
• Collect, analyse and record experimental data and results.
• Collaborate with other team members and contribute to the coordination of research activities.
• Monitor and maintain mouse colonies, keeping accurate and up‑to‑date records.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Master’s degree
• Fluency in, Spanish and English (business level)

Desirable:

• Experience in FACS, microscopy, cell culture, functional immune assays and molecular biology techniques
• Experience in human melanoma and UVB‑induced melanoma mouse models

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Experience in animal work and cancer immunology, holding certification for animal handling
• Knowledge of flow cytometry
• Good communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English.
• Organised and methodical person with high motivation and initiative.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

Labour conditions:

• Working hours: Full-time (37,5 hours per week).
• Starting date: As soon as possible.
• 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:

25-10-2026

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

Data Protection Authority: APDCAT