VAC_36_2026 - HEAD OF PEOPLE AND CULTURE

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 People and Culture. The mission of this position is to lead the definition and implementation of the Institute’s People & Culture strategy, including recruitment, occupational risk prevention, employee development and training, labor relations, Equality Plan, and HRS4R accreditation, ensuring talent development and employee well-being in alignment with the Institute’s strategic plan and applicable labor regulations.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

HR STRATEGY

• Design and implement the annual HR strategy and action plan, aligned with the Institute’s strategic objectives and HRS4R standards to ensure compliance with European Charter & Code standards to maintain certification.

• Oversee end-to-end recruitment processes for structural and research staff, ensuring global talent attraction and retention strategies.

• Promote a good and healthy work environment and well-being initiatives.

HR MANAGEMENT

• Lead and coordinate the HR team.

• Oversee payroll validation in coordination with external labor advisors.

• Supervise labor compliance and related processes.

• Lead internal and external occupational risk prevention services to ensure compliance with health & safety regulations.

• Design of career development plans and training programs.

• Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of the Equality Plan in collaboration with the Equality Committee.

REPORTING

• Report to the Managing Director and provide HR data and reports to support strategic decision-making.

• Participate in Works’ Council or management meetings when required.

• Prepare economic and budgetary reports related to personnel cost (including

project justification).

WHAT WE NEED

• Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, Law, Psychology or related field.

• Master’s degree in Human Resources Management will be a plus.

• Minimum 5–years experience in a similar role.

• Will be a plus to have experience in the research public sector.

• Strong knowledge of Spanish labor and science law and HR policies.

• Advanced knowledge of HRIS systems (e.g., A3 Innuva, SAP or similar).

• Advanced MS Office skills.

• High level of English, Catalan and Spanish.

• Required soft skills: team management and motivation; strategic thinking and organizational planning; decision-making and problem-solving; negotiation and conflict resolution; discretion and confidentiality and continuous improvement mindset.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Permanent contract. (Taxa de Reposició 2025)

• 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 20/05/2026.

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.