VAC_86_2026 - ACADEMIC PROJECT MANAGER

The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is a comprehensive cancer research center dedicated to conduct research and drive innovation in the epidemiological, preventive, clinical, translational, and basic aspects of leukaemia and other hematologic malignancies, with the final aim of finding a cure for these diseases. It was created in 2010, and since then has experienced an exponential growth.

The IJC is also part of the network of Excellence Research Centers of Catalonia (CERCA) and was accredited as a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities in 2024. Since 2018, the Institute has also been accredited by the Scientific Foundation of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (FCAECC) Additionally, IJC is one of the centers integrated into the Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP) accreditation as Accredited Health Research Institute (IIS) by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII).

The IJC's main headquarters is located within the Can Ruti Biomedical Campus, alongside other leading biomedical institutions, providing direct access to cutting-edge scientific and technological facilities, as well as complementary community services. The IJC has six locations integrated into reference hospitals: Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Clínic, Hospital Sant Pau, Hospital Josep Trueta, Hospital del Mar and Hospital San Joan de Déu. This facilitates close collaboration between basic and clinical researchers, fostering translational research that integrates basic science with clinical practice in clinical settings.

Our academic goal is to develop the researchers who can lead the transformation required to fulfil the Institutes mission to cure blood cancers. We aim to provide researchers with the scientific environment, developmental opportunities and support they need to progress towards increasing scientific independence and contribute to the IJC research community.

We are looking for an Academic Project Manager who will drive the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the IJC Academic Program across the major research career stages. This role will translate the Institute’s academic strategy into structured researcher development frameworks, programs and initiatives, connecting training, supervision, mentoring, career development and academic community.

The Academic Project Manager will report the Mission and Academic Leader and he/she will work closely with the Academic Committee. The role will work transversally with scientific structures and relevant management units to ensure that the Academic Program remains connected to the Institute’s scientific strategy and the training plan.

We are looking for someone who will help us making the IJC to be recognised as a place where talented researchers come not only because of the science they can perform here, but because of the researchers they can become here.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

• Coordinate and develop the IJC Academic Framework for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, including pathways for physicians moving into clinical/translational research.

• Prepare and co-lead the Academic Committee, ensuring follow-up on its priorities and recommendations.

• Foster the academic community through dialogue and collaboration across researcher committees, career stages and campuses.

• Build partnerships with universities and research institutes, including the launch of an official master’s program.

• Strengthen internal training capacity by engaging staff as trainers and mentors

• Develop and coordinate the IJC Alumni Network and cascading mentoring programme.

• Monitor and evaluate the Academic Program, reporting progress to the Academic Committee and Scientific Director.

WHAT WE NEED

• An academic background relevant to researcher development, such as life sciences, psychology, education or related fields. A PhD or direct experience of the doctoral research environment would be an asset.

• Good knowledge of research career pathways and the academic research environment in Spain and Europe, including the needs and challenges associated with different research career stages.

• At least 4 years of experience in researcher development, academic programme coordination, training and development, or a related function within a research or higher education environment.

• Fluency in English and Spanish. Knowledge of Catalan is an asset.

• Skills in Project Management, Analytical Thinking, Stakeholder Management, and Communication & Facilitation, with strong training and engagement abilities.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The unique opportunity to build and shape an entire academic program and thereby to contribute to the development of generations of IJC researchers.

• Full-time position contract (39 hours/week)

• Temporary work contract linked to the implementation of the strategic plan supported by the Severo Ochoa funds associated to the accreditation of excellence. Este contrato es parte de la ayuda #CEX2023-001258-S, financiado por MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.

• Annual gross salary to be negotiated according to the candidate’s experience.

• Immediate start.

• Measures to reconcile work and family life (flexible work schedule, teleworking, 23 working days of vacation and 12 days for personal matters in 2026).

• Flexible remuneration program.

• Training opportunities.

• Spanish/Catalan/English language courses, if required.

• Join a highly collaborative team and engage in exciting projects.

• Work within a dynamic environment blending basic and clinical research.

• Enjoy the vibrant surroundings of the Barcelona metropolitan area, IJC headquarters located in nature.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by 16/10/2026.

WHO WE ARE?

What makes us different?

The mission of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute is to conduct research and drive innovation in the epidemiological, preventive, clinical, translational, and basic aspects of cancer, with a special emphasis on Leukaemia and other malignant blood diseases, with the aim of finding a cure for these diseases.
The IJC’s vision is to be a world-class reference and excellent research center that contributes to the improvement of results, and the cure of patients affected by leukaemia and other malignant haemopathies, through innovation, sustainability, social responsibility, talent, and professional experience.

HR Excellence

In 2019, IJC was honored with the “Human Resources Excellence in Research Award” by the European Commission, recognizing the alignment of our human resources policies with the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) guides research centers of excellence in implementing and upholding these standards within their policies, emphasizing training, professional development, and mobility opportunities.
The IJC’s commitment to these values and principles strengthens our internal policies and ensures that our members have the optimal conditions and environment for their professional development.
The Board of Trustees is composed of representatives of the Generalitat de Catalunya (regional government), University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona, the City of Badalona and the Jose Carreras International Leukaemia Foundation
The Catalan government provides hard money on an annual basis. The Jose Carreras International Leukaemia Foundation provides start-up funds, project funds as well as financial support for investments.
The JCI has an international scientific advisory board served by prominent researchers from US and Europe.
The IJC has been awarded ERC and other EU grants.

The IJC is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.