Director of Training and Academic Affairs of the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center

About the employer

The Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC) is a research center dedicated to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and the study of cognitive functions affected in healthy and pathological aging. It was created in 2012 by the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, with the support of the Pompeu Fabra University.

The mission of the BBRC is to provide innovative solutions to decipher and prevent biological changes and cognitive dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Due to the aging of the world population, these diseases constitute a global challenge, since for example, dementia can reach epidemic levels in 2050, with a forecast of more than 150 million people affected, if is not found a way to prevent its appearance and development.

The BBRC received the HR Excellence in Research award (HRS4R) granted by the European Commission; a recognition that shows its adherence to the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Research Staff. The center offers a stimulating and favorable working environment in accordance with the Charter and Code, which describes the rights and responsibilities of researchers and their employers, and contributes to the creation of a transparent, attractive and open ecosystem at an international level.
Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Pompeu Fabra University and “la Caixa” Foundation are permanent members of the BBRC Board. The center is affiliated with and located in the Ciutadella Campus of the Pompeu Fabra University of Barcelona, in a building inaugurated in 2016. The BBRC headquarters has excellent technical facilities, including a 3TMR scanner dedicated to research, and spaces for conducting Clinical Trials and EEG. State-of-the-art scientific facilities, effective management and continuous high-standard peer-review evaluation are the BBRC core proceedings to ensure achieving world-class research results.

BBRC is also part of the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), a large research facility that hosts other seven different research institutions related to biomedical research, including the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), the Department of Experimental and Health Sciences of the Pompeu Fabra University (CEXS-UPF), the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE CSIC-UPF), the Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal) and the Barcelona site of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), among others, in a multidisciplinary, collaborative and stimulating international environment in close contact with a clinical setting, thus conducive to translational research.

More information about us: www.fpmaragall.org, www.barcelonabeta.org

About the job

The Barcelonaβeta Research Center (BBRC) is looking for a Director of Training and Academic Affairs to lead the Academic and Talent Office (ATO), a new strategic unit designed to professionalize and expand academic and training activities across the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC) and Fundació Pasqual Maragall (FPM). Acting as the strategic head, this role will shape the long-term vision for academic development, manage high-level institutional relations, and reinforce BBRC’s visibility within the academic ecosystem.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the strategic roadmap for the ATO, aligning with BBRC and FPM’s institutional goals.
• Lead the design and governance of the new BBRC PhD Program / Doctoral School in partnership with Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) and other universities.
• Build and strengthen academic partnerships at local, national, and international levels.
• Representing BBRC in academic and scientific forums, enhancing its visibility and reputation.
• Oversee quality assurance of training programs, career development frameworks, and academic affiliations for BBRC scientists.
• Collaborate closely with Human Resources, Scientific Coordination, and Communications to ensure integrated training services.

Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

• PhD in a relevant field (neuroscience, biomedicine, psychology, or related life sciences). Additional qualifications in education, management, or leadership will be valued.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in academia, research management, or higher education, with demonstrable experience in designing and managing training or doctoral programs.
• Proven track record in leadership roles, capable of setting a long-term vision and inspiring collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
• Proven leadership experience in academic program management (undergraduate, MSc, PhD) within higher education institutions.
• Experience building and managing academic partnerships with universities, research centers, and funding agencies.

Personal Skills

• Excellent communicator, diplomatic, and persuasive.
• Strategic thinker with strong organisational and negotiation skills.
• Committed to supporting researcher development and academic excellence.
• Fluency in English and Catalan/Spanish is essential; additional European languages will be an asset.

We offer

• Starting date: Immediate
• Part-time position.
• Salary will depend on experience and will be in accordance with the BBRC's reward Policy and Development Plan.
• Flexible Compensation plan (meal card, health insurance, kindergarten).
• Holidays: 23 working days proportional to the date of hiring. Furthermore, other extra calendar days such as long weekends and days in March-April and December.
• We offer a very stimulating environment with infrastructure and unique opportunities for professional development.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. We offer as well, the unique research opportunity in a highly innovative project in a multidisciplinary institution.
At BBRC we also care about developing your professional abilities and career. We evaluate the potential of our team to develop the skills necessary to achieve a high level of professional performance.

Application process
To apply, please submit a single PDF file containing the following
 

• Cover Letter: Highlighting your interests, experience, and motivation for joining the Foundation's mission.
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• References: the names and contact details of up to three references will be requested as the candidacy progresses. 
  All documentation must be submitted confidentially and electronically to talent@barcelonabeta.org (please specify the position you are applying for in the subject line).
   

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