The Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) is seeking a Commercial and Academic Clinical Research Director to lead the strategic development, integration, and operational excellence of its clinical research activity within one of Europe’s most dynamic biomedical ecosystems.
Operating across a highly structures and multidisciplinary environment, the successful candidate will lead a Directorate embedded within VHIR’s Scientific Management Area. This Directorate brings together a comprehensive portfolio of specialised units dedicated to the delivery of clinical research, including Clinical Core Facilities Coordination, a Clinical Trials Operations Unit and a Clinical Trials Economic Budget Unit.
The role sits within a broader institutional structure composed of multiple complementary areas - Management (Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Digital Transformation), Scientific Strategy, Competitive Research, Innovation and Business Development, and Communication- ensuring strong cross-functional alignment and institutional impact.
The selected candidate will play a key role in strengthening Vall d’Hebron’s position as a leading clinical research centre, promoting collaborations with industry and academic partners, and ensuring excellence in the delivery of commercial and academic clinical trials.
Define, lead, and implement the overall strategy for both commercial and academic clinical research at VHIR, strengthening the institutional positioning of the Vall d’Hebron Campus as a national and international reference centre for clinical research.
Promote the development of strategic partnerships with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as other stakeholders in the healthcare sector, while fostering collaboration with academic institutions and public and private organisations, with the aim of enhancing activity acquisition, innovation, and the scientific, healthcare, and economic impact of the institution.
Ensure operational excellence, sustainability, and cross-functional coordination of all activities related to clinical trials conducted through VHIR, including the direct oversight of the units responsible for the economic and operational management of clinical trials (Clinical Trial Budgeting and Feasibility Assessment; Clinical Trial Operations Management), as well as the functional coordination of the associated support units (Clinical Research Support; Academic Research Organisation; Ethics Committee Support; and Biobank).
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Life Sciences or Healthcare
Master’s degree in Management or an MBA.
Fluency in Catalan and Spanish (C2)
Professional proficiency in English (C1)
Training in clinical trial monitoring or equivalent professional experience.
Training in the regulatory and quality requirements governing clinical trials and clinical research, including international regulations, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and related standards.
PhD, MD, or PharmD degree, or equivalent clinical training
Training or qualifications in Healthcare Management.
Proven and substantial experience in the field of clinical research, particularly in the end-to-end management of clinical trials, including study design and execution, as well as the applicable regulatory and quality frameworks (international regulations, Good Clinical Practice [GCP], etc.).
Demonstrated experience in team leadership and people management.
Experience in biomedical research within the healthcare sector.
Experience in project management and the leadership of complex, multidisciplinary environments.
Ability to provide strategic leadership.
Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
Strong business acumen and strategic decision-making capabilities
Communication and institutional relationship management.
Labour conditions:
Working hours: Full-time (37,5 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: Permanent contract
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.
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 organisation, 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 can be found here.
Data Protection Authority: APDCAT
