Job Description

Junior Researcher for the Experimental Cardiovascular Laboratory/ Cardiovascular Disease Group

We are seeking an early-stage predoctoral researcher who is ready to develop their research career through structured training and active participation in high-quality scientific projects. You will undertake doctoral-level research under the supervision and mentorship of experienced researchers, while developing scientific, technical and transferable skills.

You will be expected to contribute to high-quality research in line with the scientific objectives of the team, work towards the completion of your doctoral thesis and participate in the dissemination of research results through scientific publications, conferences and seminars.

In addition, you will participate in training and professional development activities, contribute to outreach and collaborative research activities, and develop the skills and experience required for the next stage of your research career.

Main responsibilities and duties:

• Develop and complete a doctoral research project and thesis in accordance with the agreed research and training plan.
• Conduct high-quality research under the supervision of senior researchers, including data collection, analysis and literature review.
• Collaborate with senior researchers in designing experiments, developing research protocols and contributing to publications and scientific communications.
• Present research findings within the team and at scientific conferences, seminars or other dissemination activities.
• Participate in doctoral training, scientific events and continuous professional development activities.
• Develop their own translational research project to solve an unmet clinical issue in cardiology. This includes conducting the appropriate experiments (both in in vivo and in vitro animal models), data measurement and interpretation, and statistical analyses.
• Collaborate with and support other research members in the development of their projects, generating a fruitful discussion within the group.
• Investigate the role of p38 MAPK in myocardial damage associated with ischemia-reperfusion and in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. This will involve conducting studies using isolated rodent heart models and in vivo animal models, including rodents and pigs, as well as performing anaesthesia and surgical procedures.
• Prepare scientific abstracts and manuscripts for publication with minimal supervision.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Completed university degree and a master’s degree with a minimum of 300 ECTS of official university studies at the time of applying or completed an 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 provide access to doctoral studies.
• Candidates must be admitted to a doctoral programme and enrol in the corresponding doctoral studies at the beginning of the appointment.
• English level B2 or equivalent, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• Master’s degree in Translational Biomedical Research
• Animal handling course

Desirable:

• Additional or specialised training in biostatistics and data analysis
• Fluency in Catalan and/or Spanish

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Competences:
• Research Expertise: Foundational disciplinary knowledge and ability to contribute to high-quality research activities.
• Research data management: Ability to organise and manage research data following FAIR principles.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and contribute to collaborative research activities.
• Analytical thinking: Ability to critically analyse information, data and research findings to support scientific activities.
• Scientific dissemination: Ability to contribute to publications, presentations and other research dissemination activities under supervision.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in projects cardiovascular research projects focused on molecular mechanisms of cardiac damage and innovative strategies, preferably in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, TRPV4 channels in right ventricular fibrosis and/or cardiac damage by pollution

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:

• Experience:
• Previous research experience would be an advantage.
• Publications:
• Previous peer-reviewed publications would be an advantage.
• Science Communication and Outreach Activities
• Experience presenting results in scientific congresses and preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Engagement in science communication or outreach activities
• Intellectual Property Protection and Knowledge Transfer
• Awareness of intellectual property and knowledge transfer activities will be valued
• Training and Professional Development
• Commitment to continuous professional development, including participation in training activities aligned with the relevant professional or research training pathways
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to contribute constructively to multidisciplinary projects.

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”
• Certified Academic Record (bacherlor's and master's degrees): Applicants must upload a scan of their Certified Academic Record, including grades obtained for both degree and master’s studies. A minimum of 300 ECTS credits must have been completed. If the documents are not issued in Catalan, Spanish or English, a translation into one of these languages must be provided. In the case of studies completed outside Spain, applicants may be required to provide an official declaration of equivalence of their average academic grade to the Spanish grading scale, issued through the procedure established by the competent Spanish Ministry. It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain and provide this document where required. The name of this document must be: “AcademicRecord _NameSurname”
• Admission to a doctoral programme: Applicants must provide official documentation certifying their admission to a doctoral programme. This document must be issued by the corresponding university and must clearly identify the doctoral programme and the academic year. The name of this document must be: “DoctoralProgrammeAdmission_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:

• Working hours: Full-time (37,5 hours per week).
• Starting date: As soon as possible.
• Gross annual salary: €25,079.88 R.
• 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: 29-09-2026

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 lopd@vhir.org. DPO: dpd@ticsalutsocial.cat. More information can be found here.

Data Protection Authority: APDCAT