Data Manager (Ref: MGMT 2025-03) Institut Català d'Investigació Química

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Data Manager. This position is funded by the ‘Severo Ochoa’ Centres of Excellence programme, reference CEX2024-001469-S, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.

ICIQ is committed to performing excellent research at the frontier of knowledge in the broad area of chemistry (Catalysis, Artificial Photosynthesis, Activation of Small Molecules, Photovoltaics, Functional Molecular Assemblies and Chemical Biology, from either theoretical or experimental perspectives). The institute also aims at training the future generation of scientists by offering high-quality educational programmes to master, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers (Full details on http://www.iciq.org/).

Our mission is to lead, from the vantage point of molecular science, cross-strategies for solving major social and economic challenges, such as climate change and sustainable supply of energetic and raw materials, thereby contributing to the establishment of a knowledge-based economy and improving citizens’ quality of life in our influence area.

The Data Manager will directly report to the direction team and will be responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing ICIQ’s digital transformation in chemical research. This role will lead the integration of electronic lab notebooks, LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), and diverse data repositories while ensuring adherence to open science policies and FAIR data principles. The Data Manager will also drive cultural change by liaising with research units, technical teams, and external partners.

Responsibilities

Digitalization Implementation:
• Oversee the transition from paper-based lab notebooks to fully integrated digital systems, including the deployment of ELNs, LIMS, and supporting platforms (e.g., ioChem-BD, CORA.RDR).
• Manage the creation and maintenance of a curated database documenting chemical reactions, new molecules, and analytical data.

Data Integration & Governance:
• Coordinate the digital interconnection between research, purchasing, and safety units, ensuring seamless data flow and compliance with open science standards.
• Implement Semantic Web technologies to promote interoperability across different data sources and research domains.

Leadership & Project Management:
• Building a cross-functional team that includes a Data Steward and technical staff, managing project timelines.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders and external collaborators, facilitating a culture of digital proficiency and open data sharing.

Compliance & Quality Assurance:
• Ensure that all digital data collection, curation, and storage processes comply with FAIR principles and quality standards.
• Monitor and evaluate digital workflows to drive continuous improvement in data quality and research efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Information Management, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with ELN/LIMS systems, open-source tools (e.g., RDKit, Chemotion), and open science initiatives.
  Process design and experience in UML (Unified Modeling Language).
• Proficiency in programming (preferably Python) for data analysis and process automation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale data integration projects.
• Strong project management skills and experience working in a fast-paced research environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced level of English (written and spoken) is required.
• Teamwork and collaborative skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Valued qualities:

• Proven experience in digital transformation projects, preferably in a research or scientific setting.
• Data governance, quality control, and integration expertise.
  Experience with Semantic Web technologies and FAIR data standards.
  Good knowledge of CERCA centres and the Catalan and Spanish research system.

We offer:

• An international and dynamic environment within a multidisciplinary team
• A full-time permanent contract
• Annual salary split into 12 monthly payments.
• Remuneration according to the candidate’s qualifications/experience
• Incorporation: Immediately

All Applications Must Include

• A Cover Letter with a statement of interest in English, including two contacts for further references – Applications without this document will not be considered
• A full CV in English including contact details

OTM-R principles in the selection processes
ICIQ follows the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as established by the European Commission.

ICIQ follows in its selection process a gender equality opportunity policy and a non-discrimination policy on the basis of age, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, language and disability.

ICIQ is committed to promoting a work-life balance for its employees and, as such, offers flexible working hours.

Selection Process
ICIQ’s selection process usually entails the following phases:

• Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will be based on qualifications and expertise as reflected on the candidates’ CVs. This phase is merit-based.
• Interview: Preselected candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager of the position and the appointed Selection Committee.
• Offer Letter: Once the successful candidate is selected, the People Unit will extend a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary and overall job conditions.

For further information, you can visit our HR Excellence in Research page at: HR Excellence in Research (iciq.org)

This position is funded by the ‘Severo Ochoa’ Centres of Excellence programme, reference CEX2024-001469-S, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.

(Esta posición es parte de la actuación Severo Ochoa Centros de Excelencia, con referencia CEX2024-001469-S, financiada por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033).