Academic Officer (Maternity Leave) (ref. AD/25/12)

Created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, IRB Barcelona is a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence—a seal that was awarded in 2011.

The institute is devoted to conducting research of excellence in biomedicine and to transferring results to clinical practice, thus improving people’s quality of life, while simultaneously promoting the training of outstanding researchers, technology transfer, and public communication of science. Its 29 laboratories and seven core facilities address basic questions in biology and are orientated to diseases such as cancer, metastasis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and rare conditions.

IRB Barcelona is an international centre that hosts 500 members and 45 nationalities. It is located in the Barcelona Science Park. IRB Barcelona forms part of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) and the “Xarxa de Centres de Recerca de Catalunya” (CERCA).

Your role & our team

IRB Barcelona seeks to recruit a highly motivated Academic Officer to join our People and Academic Affairs Department, to cover a maternity leave. This position directly reports 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.

Key responsabilities: 

• 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-related field or Humanities (such as, Psychology).
  • Knowledge of the academic research environment.
• 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.
    
• Languages: Good command (spoken and written) of Catalan, Spanish and English.

• A PhD might also be considered

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

• Proficiency in managing databases and online platforms.

• General understanding of HR policies and processes.

• Working conditions: Temporary contract to cover maternity leave. 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 leaves and injuries at work. 
• International Environment: The opportunity to join a prestigious international research institution and become a member of our administration team.
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Continuous t