Legal jobs in Spain

The Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) is an international biomedical research institute based in Barcelona, Spain. It has more than 400 scientists from 44 countries and is supported by a flexible administration and high-end technologies. The CRG holds an HR Excellence in Research Award renewal from the European Commission (April 2021). Please review our Recruitment Policy.

We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced legal professional to assume the position of Head of the Legal Department. This is a strategic leadership role, central to ensuring that the Institute’s operations and decision-making processes align with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks at national and international levels.

Reporting directly to the Administrative Director, the Head of the Legal Department will oversee and coordinate all legal services within the organisation, providing authoritative legal advice across a broad range of matters, including contract negotiation and drafting, institutional governance, regulatory compliance, public procurement, and personal data protection. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the success of a leading international research institute by ensuring legal integrity, supporting strategic partnerships, and enabling sound governance. The successful candidate will demonstrate high professional integrity, sound legal judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, interdisciplinary, international environment.

• Providing legal advice to the Management bodies, Administration and Research areas on current regulations across different legal fields, considering the public sector and foundations frameworks.
• Legal drafting and review of institutional and strategic agreements and contracts with other institutions at national and international levels.
• Development and implementation of policies, codes and procedures of the centre and the Legal department in accordance with applicable laws.
• Coordination and leadership of the Compliance program of the Institute, representing the Compliance Committee before the governing body, members and collaborators, ensuring regulatory compliance and overseeing the CRG Internal Information System.
• Providing legal advice on public procurement processes, resolution of legal queries, and participation in the Contracting Board.
• Providing legal advice on Personal Data Protection and updating legal documentation.
• Managing Mergers & Acquisitions operations, notarization and related processes.
• Drafting legal action documents, administrative appeals and legal statements for general audits and management of court proceedings.
• Handling legal proceedings with official bodies, Board of Trustees and stakeholders.
• Managing corporate insurance policies and related processes.
• Internal organization of tasks of the team, coordination of services with law firms and budgetary control of the department.

The mission of the Legal Department is to provide legal advice at CRG, ensuring compliance with current regulations. Services include legal advice on contracts and agreements with other institutions, monitoring legislative changes, legal advice on Public Procurement and Personal Data Protection, drafting legal action documents and pleadings, executing legal procedures with official bodies, and managing the centre’s insurance policies. The department comprises two legal officers, the Head of the Department and administrative support.

Must Have

• Minimum five years of experience in a similar position.
• Experience in the biomedical / pharma fields is an asset.

Desirable but not required / Nice to have

• Holding an additional university degree or master’s degree.
• Training in public procurement and personal data protection.

Education and training

• Advanced level of English, Spanish and Catalan, spoken and written.

• Advanced user of MS Office.
• Experience with legal databases.

• Ability to work in dynamic environments and coordinate with other areas and transversal projects.
• High capacity for organization and planning; ability to manage and prioritise team workload and work under pressure.
• Practical problem-solving approach; results-oriented.

• Estimated annual gross salary: compensation according to qualifications and pay scales.
• We provide a stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructures and professional development opportunities.
• We promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
• The CRG supports work-life balance with extended vacation periods and flexible working hours.

• All applications must include a motivation letter addressed to Alicia Llamas, Head of Finance (Interim Administrative Director) and Jaume Bacardit, future Administrative Director – joining October 1, 2025, and contact details of two referees.
• Applications should be submitted online on the CRG Career site.

• Pre-selection: based on qualifications and expertise reflected in candidates’ CVs; merit-based.
• Interview: preselected candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager and a selection panel if required.
• Offer Letter: the People department will issue a job offer with start date, salary and working conditions.
• Deadline: the position remains open until a suitable candidate is appointed.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Legal

The content has been refined to remove unrelated boilerplate and present responsibilities and qualifications clearly.