Research Technician (Microbiology)

The Virology Section of the Microbiology Group at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital conducts diagnostic, translational and clinical research in viral infections, with particular expertise in vulnerable patient populations, molecular diagnostics, genomic surveillance and viral genomics.

We are seeking Research Technician to provide scientific and technical support to ongoing microbiology and virology research projects. The successful candidate will participate in laboratory activities, molecular and sequencing-based methodologies, data analysis and interpretation, research collaborations and dissemination of scientific results.

Main responsibilities and duties:

- Perform scientific and technical activities within the Virology Section of the Microbiology Department.
- Participate in microbiology and virology research projects, including experimental work, data analysis and interpretation of results.
- Perform and support molecular, serological and sequencing-based laboratory procedures.
- Support the management, analysis and documentation of research data and laboratory results.
- Support the coordination and management of research collaborations with academic, industry or other external research partners.
- Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, reports and other scientific outputs.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology or a related Life Sciences discipline.
- Master’s degree in Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
- Good communication skills and professional working proficiency in Catalan, Spanish and English.

Desirable:

- Additional specialised training in virology, molecular microbiology or infectious diseases.
- Training or research experience involving immunocompromised patients.

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

- At least three years of relevant research experience in microbiology or virology, including experience acquired during postgraduate training.
- Hands-on experience with molecular microbiology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/RT-PCR and other molecular diagnostic or research methods, as well as interpretation of laboratory results.
- Ability to work as part of a team in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Experience contributing to scientific publications, reports, abstracts or conference communications.

Desirable:

- Experience with next-generation sequencing workflows and basic analysis and interpretation of sequencing data.
- Experience with serological techniques.
- Previous experience in microbiological or virological research involving immunocompromised patients.
- Previous experience in collaborations with academic, industry or other external research partners.
- Participation in national and/or international scientific conferences.

Labour conditions:

- Working hours : Full-time (37.5 hours per week).
- Starting date : October, 2026.
- 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: 08-10-2026

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