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).
IRB Barcelona seeks to recruit a Section Head of Talent & Development to lead and shape the institute’s talent strategy within the People & Academic Affairs team.
In this strategic role, you will coordinate a dynamic team and oversee recruitment, onboarding, talent development, and institutional HR initiatives. You’ll work closely with scientific leadership, core facilities, and partners to attract, develop, and retain world-class professionals. Your leadership will help shape how we grow and support the people behind our science.
Key responsabilities:
- Lead and continuously improve recruitment and onboarding processes across scientific, technical, and administrative roles.
- Partner with hiring managers to identify talent needs, develop job profiles, and deliver inclusive, high-quality selection processes.
- Oversee relocation and visa processes for international hires.
- Co-design and implement talent development initiatives (e.g., onboarding, training, career development).
- Monitor and report on HR metrics and KPIs related to recruitment, onboarding, and learning.
- Ensure alignment with institutional policies (OTM-R, HRS4R), labour law, and equality & diversity standards.
- Manage strategic HR projects including system implementations, external audits, or institutional accreditations.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior HR staff and act as a point of contact for internal stakeholders.
You have:
Experience
- 5+ years in HR or talent development roles, with experience managing or coordinating small teams.
- Strong track record in recruitment and/or learning & development, ideally in research, higher education, or the public sector.
Knowledge
- Degree in Psychology, Labour Relations, Humanities or a related field, ideally with a specialisation in HR.
- Solid knowledge of Spanish labour law, HR policies, and EU standards related to research careers (e.g., HRS4R, OTM-R).
- Experience in international hiring and mobility.
Skills
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
- High level of autonomy, decision-making, and strategic thinking.
- Project management skills and ability to handle multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in Catalan, Spanish, and English.
- Advanced user of Excel and HR software (SAP, TeamTailor, etc.).
You might also have
- A Master's degree in Human Resources Management.
- Experience coordinating HR projects in a research institute or academic environment.
- Knowledge of immigration.
- Involvement in equality, diversity, or institutional transformation initiatives.
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: Permanent Contract. 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: we are home to nearly 500 researchers, technical and support staff from 45 countries.
Multidisciplinary Research: Research of excellence at the unique interface between biology, chemistry, and structural and computational biology.
Continuous Training: Transversal and general training is offered to our community (examples include research seminars, conferences, training in time management, scientific integrity, gender equality, health and safety, languages courses and emotional wellbeing).
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 compete on the same terms. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.
HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:
- Deadline for applications: 22/08/2025 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended)
- Number of positions available: 1
- Selection process:
- Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter & experience,
- Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.
- Job offer: Will be sent to the successful candidate after the interview.
Note: The strengths and weaknesses of the applications will be provided upon request.