Not every big career move happens in a big city.

Sometimes it happens somewhere smaller. Somewhere you can get closer to the decisions, closer to the science, and maybe even closer to the life you actually want. At IRBLleida, this is a chance to become the Director's right hand in a role with real influence across research and innovation.

This is not a background support role. You will be a trusted partner to the Director, involved in the day-to-day thinking, discussion and decision-making that shape how the institute grows. You will help lead projects and innovation, work closely with research groups, and contribute ideas, judgement and momentum, not just execution.

IRBLleida is a relatively small institute, and that is part of the attraction. In a bigger structure, it is easy to own a slice of the system. Here, you will see the whole board. You will work directly with senior stakeholders across the institute, the hospital, the university and the wider biomedical ecosystem in Catalonia. You will have visibility, proximity and a genuine voice in the room.

The role also comes with leadership responsibility. You will oversee the Projects and Innovation teams, plus key strategic support functions. Day to day, the mix is broad: internal team leadership, regular interaction with research leaders, contribution at Direction Committee level, and collaboration with external partners and institutions.

What do you need to bring?

A PhD is essential. So is prior experience in both research and management, ideally in a biomedical research environment or a similar health research ecosystem. You will need the credibility to work with senior scientists and clinical leaders, and the judgement to operate in a setting where influence matters more than hierarchy.

Solid language skills are also crucial. You will need an excellent command of Spanish and English, both spoken and written, given the institute’s international context and the need to interact with a wide range of stakeholders. Catalan will be highly desirable, as it will make it easier to work with local institutions and integrate into the day-to-day life of IRBLleida and its surroundings.

The style fit matters too. You are unlikely to thrive here if you are overly rigid, overly political or too quick to see everything in black and white. IRBLleida is looking for someone collaborative, credible and thoughtful, but also capable of getting things moving once decisions are made.

And yes, let's be open about Lleida. It is not Barcelona or Madrid. If you need a huge city on your doorstep, this may not be your role. But if you value quality of life, space, easier access to a rural environment, and a place where your money goes further, Lleida has real advantages. It is also well connected by AVE, with Barcelona about an hour away and Madrid around two hours, which makes the location more accessible than many people assume.

This could suit someone ready to step closer to institutional leadership, broaden their scope, and build a more complete view of how a biomedical research institute really works. For the right person, it is a serious career move in a place where the impact can be felt quickly and clearly.