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.

The Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute is looking for a Head of the Research Grants Office (RGO). The RGO reports to the Managing Director, ensuring alignment with IJC’s institutional strategy and translating it into a coherent funding pipeline, procedures and goals.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

• Be responsible of leading and coordinating the activity and task distribution of the Research Grants Office, considering both the pre and post award phases of the competitive research grants and fellowship.

• Ensure effective communication and close collaboration with other departments to ensure alignment with the procedures of IJC.

• Contribute to institutional policy-making related to research funding and compliance and definition of internal procedures.

• Provide training and mentoring to strengthen grant-writing and project management capacity.

• Represent the institution in external networks, consortia, and professional associations.

Grant proposals development

• Coordinate the funding initiatives of the center at national (e.g., ISCIII, AEI, national foundations) and international level (e.g., EU Horizon Europe, NIH, private foundations).

• Improve the institution´s success in competitive funding through dissemination, training and targeted guidance for researchers.

• Coordinate and oversee the preparation and submission of proposals, ensuring scientific (content/fit-to-call quality), financial (budget accuracy and eligibility), and full administrative compliance. Contribute to consortium-building and liaise with external partners and funding agencies.

• Support the Project Managers in providing tailored advice to Principal Investigators throughout the proposal development, including eligibility and requirements, workplan and budget design, timelines, scope and expected outcomes. Coordinate mock interviews for shortlisted candidates.

• Support the Project Managers in critical proposal review and drafting of non-scientific sections such as Implementation and Impact, including Dissemination Exploitation and Communication plans, as well as cross-cutting issues such as Open Science and Data Management, sex/gender dimension, and ethics.

Grant management

• Coordinate and oversee Post-award follow-up during the project implementation (from grant setup to administrative close-out), working closely with the Project Managers and other internal units.

• Proactive support to Project Managers during project implementation, maintaining alignment with the approved work plan (calendar of deliverables and milestones), and budget.

• Ensure adherence to funder rules, including acknowledgements, Open Access and DMP-FAIR updates, ethics approvals, and procurement where applicable.

• Ensure timely scientific and financial reporting, coordinate partner inputs and supporting evidence (timesheets, travel, procurement, subcontracting/third parties, etc.).

• Provide support to Project Managers in the internal budgeting and financial tracking, including audits, to ensure compliance with institutional and funders requirements.

WHAT WE NEED

• Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in scientific, economic or management field. PhD degree in Life Sciences will be an asset.

• Five years minimum experience as Head of Research Grants Office, or similar position in grant management of biomedical research, especially managing large international research and/or strategy projects.

• In-depth knowledge of current national and international funding programmes, and hands-on experience in grant writing and proposal development.

• The professional must have proven experience in scouting, promoting and developing proposals for public and private calls at national and international level, as well as their effective management once granted, following the conditions of the funding bodies and internal policies.

• Strong leadership and organizational skills: we are looking for a collaborative leader with a service mindset to build a strong and efficient team

• Strong organizational, planning, and analytical skills.

• Ability to work cooperatively and inclusively with others to achieve shared goals.

• Experience with project management tools and digital platforms.

• Excellent communication skills in English, Catalan and Spanish (written and spoken).

WHAT WE OFFER

• Permanent contract.

• Immediate incorporation.

• Full-time position (39h per week).

• 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 (kindergarten and other measures).

• Training opportunities.

• 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 14/04/2026.

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.