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:
http://en.vhir.org/portal1/grup-lines2.asp-s=recerca&contentid=186750&idrefer=186749
https://sites.google.com/view/neural-tumors-lab/home
Support senior researchers (R3/R4) in research activities, project coordination, funding strategy and in the development of research programmes
Conduct high-quality research and contribute to publications and conference presentations
Design and optimise research methodologies, ensuring rigour, reproducibility and adherence to ethical standards
Assist in the preparation of competitive grant proposals for individual and collaborative projects
Contribute to institutional initiatives and participate in outreach and science communication activities
Additional responsibilities may be undertaken depending on project needs, including administrative coordination, supervision of junior researchers, and participation in innovation and knowledge transfer activities (e.g. patent applications or commercialisation initiatives)
PhD Degree in the relevant field
English level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
Animal experimentation certificate.
Additional or specialised training in animal experimentation
Fluency in Catalan and/or Spanish and English (professional proficiency)
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.
Supervision and Mentoring:
Experience in supervising or mentoring undergraduate students (e.g. research projects or final degree projects), master’s students (master’s dissertations), or early-stage researchers (R1. Predoctoral Researchers)
Science Communication and Outreach Activities
Experience attending and presenting results in scientific congresses and preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Engagement in science communication or outreach activities
Experience contributing to the organisation of workshops, seminars, or scientific events.
Intellectual Property Protection and Knowledge Transfer
Familiarity with intellectual property protection processes and knowledge transfer activities
Experience contributing to the preparation or submission of patent applications or participating in initiatives aimed at translating or commercialising research outcomes.
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 listed. In 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.
Working hours Full-time (37,5 hours per week).
Starting date July 1st 2026
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
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: 22/06/2026
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
We are a public sector institution that promotes and develops the biomedical research, innovation and teaching at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, the hospital of Barcelona and the largest of Catalan Institute of Health (ICS). The members of our Board of Trustees are the Catalan Ministry of Health, the Catalan Ministry of Economy and Knowledge (we are a CERCA center), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Bank of blood and tissues, the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), of which we are an accredited research institute, and the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), which together with VHIR is part of Accredited Institute of Campus Vall d’Hebron Institute by the Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII).
Since its creation in 1994, VHIR works to find solutions to the health problems of society, and contribute to spread them around the world. In more than 20 years we have achieved leadership in biomedical research at hospitals in our country, and we want to be recognised in 2020 as an excellent and competitive European Institute leader in clinical and traslational research linked to a university hospital.
In our institute are working more than 1,300 people, of which over 1,200 doing research and others, around 100, help to do it or transfer it to the society once made, whether in the form of projects, technology transfer and innovation, communication or fundraising, among others.
The best of our institution and its research staff is doing research to solve people’s health problems. Our task is not only basic or translational, we are leaders in clinical research. We have the beds of the hospital separated in less than 50 meters of laboratories and our patients will benefit from our research. In this we believe, and our efforts are focused on it. This is understood by industry leaders who are committed to our hospital, making it a world reference for its first clinical trials.
