International Research Projects Officer (Infectious Diseases / International Health Research Group)

The Tropical Medicine Unit at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital conducts clinical and research activities focused on tropical and neglected tropical diseases, with a strong commitment to global health and international collaboration.

Research activities include the development and implementation of international projects addressing tropical and neglected diseases and broader global health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The group works through multidisciplinary and international partnerships with healthcare institutions, research centres, public health authorities, universities and community-based organisations.

The position combines scientific research with the coordination and management of international research projects. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of global health research, with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health, while supporting international partnerships, capacity building, scientific dissemination and the development of new competitive research proposals.

Main responsibilities and duties:

- Coordinate international research and cooperation projects, ensuring the implementation of scientific, technical and operational activities in accordance with project objectives, timelines and funding requirements.
- Design and contribute to research protocols and studies in global health, with particular emphasis on sexual and reproductive health, adolescent health and health inequalities.
- Coordinate field research activities and collaborate with local research institutions, health authorities, healthcare professionals, community organisations and international partners.
- Provide scientific and technical support for the development, implementation and evaluation of research interventions and capacity-building activities.
- Prepare and organise project meetings, training activities, workshops and scientific or technical events with national and international partners.
- Analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative research data and contribute to the preparation of scientific publications, technical reports, policy-oriented outputs and conference communications.
- Collaborate in postgraduate teaching, training and supervision activities related to global health and international cooperation.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

- University degree relevant to global health, public health, research methodology, international cooperation or project management.
- Fluency in Catalan, Spanish and English (professional proficiency).

Desirable:

- PhD in Health Sciences, Global Health, Public Health, Social Sciences or a related field.
- Specialised training or research experience in sexual and reproductive health.
- Experience in quantitative and/or qualitative research methodologies.
- Knowledge of Portuguese or other additional languages.

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

- Experience in international research and/or global health projects.
- Experience in the design and implementation of research projects in international settings.
- Experience in scientific writing, including protocols, publications, reports and proposals.
- Experience working with international and multidisciplinary teams.
- Knowledge of global health, public health and international cooperation.
- Experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis.
- Knowledge of project management, including activities, deliverables, timelines and budgets.

Desirable:

- Experience in sexual and reproductive health, particularly adolescent and youth health.
- Experience in tropical and neglected tropical diseases.
- Experience working in low- and middle-income countries, particularly sub-Saharan Africa.
- Experience with European or other internationally funded research programmes and calls.
- Experience in capacity building, training and/or university teaching.
- Knowledge of implementation and health systems research.

Labour conditions:

- Working hours : Part-time (15 hours per week).
- Starting date : As soon as possible.
- Gross annual salary : Remuneration will be determined by experience, skills and responsibilities and aligned with the Collective Agreement pay scale.
- Contract type : Technical and scientific activities contract linked to project activities

What can we offer?

- Incorporation into the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) , a public sector institution that promotes and develops biomedical research, innovation and teaching at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital (HUVH), the largest hospital in Barcelona and the largest within the Catalan Institute of Health (ICS) .
- A dynamic scientific environment of excellence , where cutting-edge biomedical projects are continuously developed.
- Continuous learning and career development pathways .
- Flexible working hours .
- 23 days of annual leave plus 9 personal days .
- Flexible remuneration programme , including meal vouchers, health insurance, transport and more.
- Corporate benefits platform , offering significant discounts on travel, culture, technology, gastronomy, sports and more.
- Healthy offering– “Feel Good, Feel VHIR” : VHIR’s wellbeing programme offers a variety of activities to help staff thrive—physically, mentally, and socially. Through four pillars—Feel Well, Feel Connected, Feel Empowered, Feel Welcomed—it fosters health, growth, and community.
- 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 support and assistance with finding accommodation.

Deadline to apply: 07-10-2026

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.

Information on Personal Data Protection:
Data Controller: Fundació Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca -VHIR-. Purpose: Personnel selection. Legal Basis: Your consent. Data retention period: One year. If you are selected, as long as the employment relationship is in force and legal responsibilities may arise. Data sharing: Does not occur, except for communications necessary to fulfill the purpose and those required by law to public and private bodies. Rights: You can access, rectify, delete, object to, and limit the processing of data, as well as request data portability where applicable, by contacting [email protected] . DPO: [email protected] . More information: www.vhir.org
Data Protection Authority: APDCAT