Academic Officer (ref. AD/25/24)

IRB Barcelona is seeking a highly motivated Academic Officer to join our People and Academic Affairs Department, reporting directly to the Academic Coordinator.

As an Academic Officer, you will play a key role in ensuring the seamless operation of our academic programmes. You will actively contribute to enhancing the overall student experience, with a focus on increasing satisfaction and fostering an environment that attracts and retains top national and international talent.

This position is financed by the project THRIVE within the framework of the CoARA Boost Project under grant agreement No. 101131826.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee and execute the organization of the Undergraduate Programme.

• Provide comprehensive support for the Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowship Programmes, including call announcements, dissemination, eligibility review, interview logistics at IRB Barcelona, notification of results, and onboarding processes.

• Ensure the effective implementation of the Complementary Training Programme.

• Offer career development support for predoctoral researchers through one-on-one advising sessions, helping them explore academic and non-academic career paths and develop essential skills.

• Provide personalized support to students, students committees and scientists on academic affairs.

• Assist with activities for young researchers organized by the Institute.

• Facilitate collaborations with other research institutes to exchange expertise on academic affairs.

• Perform administrative tasks, including maintaining and updating Academic Office databases, managing information on the website and intranet, and serving as the Key User for the recruitment portal.

• Support the organization and preparation of visits for international students to the Institute

You have

Experience:

• Proven experience in career advising, academic programmes, or similar roles in a research or academic setting

Knowledge:

• Degree in a life sciences/chemistry-related field. PhD will be a plus.

• Good command (spoken and written) of Catalan, Spanish and English.

• Strong IT skills.

Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, and external partners. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong resolution and proactivity.

• Strong organisational, time management and project management skills.

• Flexible and people oriented.

You might also have

• Familiarity with fellowship and training programme processes is a plus.

• Proficiency in managing databases and online platforms.

• General understanding of HR policies and processes.

What we offer:

To be a part a part of something meaningful: We are a biomedical research centre that tirelessly works to achieve a society free of diseases. Our mission is to carry out research of excellence to cure cancer and other diseases linked to ageing.

Good Working conditions: Permenent Contract linked to the project THRIVE within the framework of the CoARA Boost Project under grant agreement No. 101131826. Employed in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations under a full-time contract. Employees receive the benefits of the Spanish Social Security system covering sickness, maternity/paternity leave and injuries at work.

Competitive salary: commensurate with experience and qualifications.

International Environment: Nearly 90 Postdoctoral researchers (more than a half non-Spanish nationals) are currently working at IRB Barcelona.

Multidisciplinary Research: Research of excellence at the unique interface between biology, chemistry, and structural and computational biology.

Training and Career: Postdoctoral researchers joining IRB Barcelona gain access to the Institute’s advanced research training and career development opportunities, all within in a competitive international environment. Courses and workshops on themes of particular interest to postdocs are offered regularly by the Institute.

Relocation & Visa Assistance: Trained staff provides support on visa paperwork, administrative requirements, and practical information on living and working in Barcelona, etc.

Social Life: We like to have fun. We promote several activities, like a Football League, an annual skiing trip, a Mountaineering Club, a Running Club and "Cool-off sessions", where members meet informally for drinks, snacks and scientific discussions.

Fairness: Our recruitment is open, transparent and merit-based, and all applicants c