Pre-Award International Grants Specialist

Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) is a public sector institution, located in Barcelona (Spain) that promotes and develops innovative biomedical research at the University Hospital Vall d'Hebron. VHIR is oriented towards finding solutions to the health problems of the citizens and has the will to contribute to the scientific, educational, social and economic development within its area of competence.

The Competitive Research Directorate assists the scientific community at Vall d'Hebron throughout the full lifecycle of competitive projects. This Directorate encourages and supports researchers in the pursuit of competitive funding for research, detecting opportunities and contributing to the development of quality proposals, and the successful implementation of granted projects. Linked to the Pre-Award Unit, the Project Coordination team manages and coordinates ongoing collaborative projects, and provides guidance and expertise in the setting up of new international consortia.

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate to join the team as Pre-Award Grants Specialist with focus on international grants.

Education and qualifications:
Required:

• University degree in biomedical sciences or related disciplines.
• Fluency in English (business level).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Catalan and/or Spanish.

Desired:

• Additional training in competitive research projects.
• Doctoral degree in biomedical sciences or related disciplines.

Experience and knowledge:
Required:

• Experience in research management, including proposal preparation and/or management of competitive research projects, particularly Horizon Europe projects.
• Strong organizational skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Self-motivated, proactive, creative, and results-oriented profile.
• Excellent teamwork skills, with strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication abilities.

Desired:

• A thorough knowledge of European funding programmes, especially Horizon Europe.
• Knowledge of other EU, national, and international funding programmes (e.g. EU4Health, DIGITAL, NIH, etc).
• Previous experience in a health or biomedical research environment.
• Experience addressing RRI and/or other transversal aspects relevant to Horizon Europe projects.
• Proven track record of successful grant applications (as a researcher or grant writer).
• Experience coordinating Horizon Europe collaborative proposals.
• International work experience.

Main responsibilities and duties:

The Pre-Award Grants Specialist will be responsible for:

• Identifying, analysing, and disseminating Horizon Europe calls (Cluster Health, ERC, etc.) and other international funding opportunities.
• Contributing to the strategic evaluation of funding opportunities and project concepts.
• Supporting researchers throughout the proposal preparation process, including project planning.
• Contributing to consortium building by identifying and selecting strategic partners.
• Participating in the writing and review of international competitive research proposals.
• Maintaining and updating internal databases with call and proposal information, providing high-quality indicators when required.
• Attending infodays and networking events to establish new collaborations and contacts.
• Performing any other duties required to support the effective functioning of the Pre-Award Unit.

Labour conditions:

• Full-time position: 37,5h/week.
• Starting date: immediate.
• Gross annual salary: Remuneration will depend on experience and skills. Salary ranges are consistent with our Collective Agreement pay scale.
• Contract: Open-ended contract linked to the project.

What can we offer?

• Incorporation to Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), a public sector institution that promotes and develops the biomedical research, innovation and teaching at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (HUVH), the biggest hospital of Barcelona and the largest of Catalan Institute of Health (ICS).
• A scientific environment of excellence, highly dynamic, where high-end biomedical projects are continuously developed.
• Continuous learning and a wide range of responsibilities within a stimulating work environment.
• Individual training opportunities.
• Flexible working hours.
• 23 days of holidays + 9 personal days.
• Flexible Remuneration Program (including dining checks, health insurance, transportation and more)
• Corporate Benefits: platform through which you can obtain significant discounts on travel, culture, technology, gastronomy, sports... among many others.
• Healthy Offering: choose from a variety of wellbeing focused activities to be the healthiest you.
• 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 recommendations, and support in finding accommodation

Deadline to apply:

How We Hire:

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.

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