Staff Scientist

Pediatric tumors of the nervous system are the most common solid malignant neoplasms of childhood cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. The main objective of the Laboratory of Neural Tumors is to develop and implement new therapies to improve the outcome of pediatric cancer patients both in terms of efficacy but also safety to reduce the long-term sequalae of the current treatments In particular the laboratory focus on pediatric solid tumors such as Neuroblastoma a pediatric solid tumor of the peripheral nervous system but also on highly aggressive tumors of the central nervous system (e.g. ependymoma high-grade gliomas or medulloblastoma among others).

We are seeking an experienced researcher with at least 5 years of postdoctoral research experience. The successful candidate will contribute to high-quality research in collaboration with senior researchers supporting scientific development funding activities and research management. Staff Scientists are expected to progressively strengthen their scientific profile while contributing to supervision scientific dissemination and institutional activities.

More info about our research lines can be found at:

responsibilities and duties:

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• PhD Degree in the relevant field

• English level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

• Animal experimentation certificate.

Desirable:

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Experience:

  • At least 5 years of postdoctoral research experience.

  • Participation in research projects of academic clinical trials.

• Publications:

  • Demonstration of excellent original research with significant impact in the field (understood as the potential impact on scientific knowledge and on evidence-based decision-making). Minimum indicators are:

    • Between 2 and 5 original articles in D1/Q1 journals

    • Between 1 and 2 articles as main author (D1/Q1 journals)

• Funding

  • Experience contributing to grant proposals

    • Participation in competitive research rpojects as a member of the research team

• 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.

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:

• Training and Professional Development

  • Commitment to continuous professional development including participation in training activities aligned with the relevant professional or research training pathways

• Teaching and Public Engagement Activities

  • Experience contributing to teaching or training activities particularly at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

  • Interest or involvement in public engagement and awareness-raising activities related to science and research.

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

• Studies: Applicants must provide an official copy of their doctoral degree certificate demonstrating that the PhD has been successfully awarded. The name of this document must be: Studies NameSurname

• Experience: Applicants must submit a letter issued by the employing institution(s) certifying their postdoctoral research experience. The letter must clearly state the exact period of time during which the applicant held the postdoctoral position including start and end dates and must explicitly indicate that the activities carried out correspond to postdoctoral research tasks or that the position held falls under a recognised postdoctoral professional category. The name of this document must be: Experience NameSurname

• Publications: Applicants must download the Publications Excel template provided here and upload the completed document as part of the application. For each publication the following information must be provided: PMID DOI Title Authors Journal Year of Publication Type of Publication and Quartile. The name of this document must be: Publications NameSurname

• Competitive research projects (team member): Applicants must provide official documentation confirming their participation as a member of the research team in one or more competitive research projects. This documentation should consist of the official funding resolution or an equivalent document (PDF format) issued by the funding body in which the research team members are clearly cases where the funding agency does not issue a resolution explicitly listing all team members applicants must submit an official certificate issued by the host institution or project coordinator clearly stating that the applicant was a member of the project team including the project title and where possible the project reference number and duration. The name of this document must be: CompetitiveResearchProjects 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:

What can we offer

• Incorporation into the Vall dHebron Research Institute (VHIR) a public sector institution that promotes and develops biomedical research innovation and teaching at Vall dHebron 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: VHIRs wellbeing programme offers a variety of activities to help staff thrivephysically mentally and socially. Through four pillarsFeel Well Feel Connected Feel Empowered Feel Welcomedit 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: 22/06/2026

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 dHebron 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 . DPO: . More information can be found here.
Data Protection Authority: APDCAT