The IBEC Director Selection Process
The IBEC is seeking applicants with a proven track experience in scientific excellence and leadership, innovation, people management, organizational management, and knowledge of international research systems. The Director must have full time dedication and a firm and deep belief in the IBEC’s mission and institutional values.
Job description
The Institute
The institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is an international biomedical research institute of excellence, based in Barcelona, Spain, with more than 400 scientists from 34 countries. IBEC is part of CERCA Network of Catalan research institutes and member of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST). IBEC has been recognized three consecutive times as Research Center of Excellence through the Severo Ochoa Program of Spanish Ministry of Science and Universities. Our research focuses on deeper understanding to biological systems, the organizing principles and try to Predict/Analyse/Modulate and Control living systems. The IBEC ’s mission to conduct interdisciplinary research at the cutting edge of knowledge in the bioengineering field which, through the talent it attracts, the creativity associated with scientific progress and the translation thereof, helps to improve health and quality of life for people and generate prosperity in society
IBEC holds since 2015 the ‘HR Excellence in Research’ Award from the European Commission. This is a recognition of the Institute’s commitment to developing an HR Strategy for Researchers, designed to bring the practices and procedures in line with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers.
IBEC is committed to Open, Transparent and Merit based Recruitment principles (OTM-R). Please, check out our Recruitment and Selection Policy.
The Role
The IBEC is seeking applicants with a proven track experience in scientific excellence and leadership, innovation, people management, organisational management, knowledge of international research systems. The Director must have full time dedication and a firm and deep belief in the IBEC’s mission and institutional values. The call is open to internal and external candidates. The IBEC is an equal opportunities employer and fosters a diverse, inclusive environment. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to send their applications.
Desired skills and expertise
Applicants´profile
- Distinguished record of international scientific excellence.
- Exceptional leadership skills, and a proven capacity for effective team management.
- Committed to knowledge transfer and innovation, motivated to work with industry and has the ability to think strategically to create and capitalise on opportunities benefitting the Institute
- Should be an exceptional leader who possesses an outstanding scientific vision, integrity, communication skills, administrative abilities, energy and motivation, consensus building capacity, and a style that engenders and nurtures trust and respect.
- Director should have excellent people management skills, with a commitment to developing staff to excel in their roles.
- Proven experience in leading dynamic research organisations (strategic planning, resources allocation, and establishing priorities).
- Should be adept at representing the institute across diverse settings, including academic, industrial, political, and social spheres. An in-depth knowledge of international research systems particularly European programs is highly desirable.
Job Description
The Director should create a stimulating environment for top research in bioengineering and define the overall scientific and technological vision for the institute. They should provide leadership for the strategic research lines of the IBEC and ensure the excellence of all IBEC activities. They should foster a scientific culture in which intellectual creativity thrives.
Essential duties and responsibilities
- Defining the IBEC Strategic Plan and the research activities program of the institute, submit them to the members of the Board of Trustees and coordinate their execution.
- Guarantee financial sustainability and provide for sources of income (competitive funds, private sponsors, etc.)
- Co-supervise the economic activities of the institute with the Administrative Director and supervise the scientific human resources management, with direct involvement in those issues related to selection or adscription of research positions.
- Represent the Institute at official and social events, in coordination with the President and other members of the Board of Trustees.
- Any other functions that might be approved by the Board of Trustees
Strategic development and leadership
- Create a stimulating environment for top research in bioengineering and coordinate the overall scientific and technological vision for the institute.
- Provide leadership for the research units of the IBEC and ensure the excellence of all IBEC activities.
- Directing, organizing, managing, executing the research, training and internal organization of the institute.
- Proposing programs of activities, new research lines and, when appropriate, potential sources of funding to the Board.
- Keep I-CERCA, Generalitat de Catalunya, Universities and other members of the board regularly informed of the Institute’s progress.
- Ensure that the IBEC, while being driven by scientific excellence, promotes and encourages the creation of value coming out of its research.
- Establish an internationally competitive research laboratory and lead strategic actions aimed at securing the resources necessary for the institute’s objectives.
- Explore and foster new partnerships nationally and internationally that will increase the impact of IBEC science and technology.
- Be an effective spokesperson and communicator to key stakeholders, including funders, politicians, journalists and others
People management
- Providing guidance to all members of the institute, specially to the strategic, technology transfer, academic and technical departments of the institute.
- Support effective training, career development and mentoring at all levels, consistent with the aims of the IBEC’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion program.
- Appointing an Administrative Director and, if appropriate, deputy-directors, unit, service, laboratory, department, academic and program managers, and scientific advisors, as appropriate.
- Approving the internal rules of operation of the institute jointly with the Administrative Director and in agreement with the Board of Trustees guidelines.
- Leading the evaluations of the center and participate in the periodic CERCA evaluation of the IBEC, as well as engaging with the community of research canters within the CERCA System
Contract duration and other benefits.
The Offer – Appointment Period and Working Conditions
The new Director will be appointed with an open-ended contract, and their Director status will be renewed after five years upon evaluation. The mandate can be extended by agreement of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation.
The position will come with an international competitive salary, attractive start-up package and structural long-term funding for the research group of the incoming Director.
We provide a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructures, and unique professional career development opportunities. Pleases, check out our Training and Development opportunities.
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.
The IBEC is committed to reconciling a work and family life of its employees and are offering extended vacation period and the possibility to benefit from flexible working hours.
The IBEC values innovative and interdisciplinary Research and is involved in attaining the sustainability principles of the United Nations.
Required information and contact.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants must send a presentation letter (2 pages max.), a complete CV by e-mail and in confidence to the Director of I-CERCA Dr. Laia Pellejà (candidatures@cerca.cat). Informal inquiries are welcome.
Preselected candidates will be asked to prepare and present a vision statement.
Details (e-mail and telephone) of three referees who may be consulted must be provided.
Selection Procedure
The Board of trustees of IBEC will appoint an “ad hoc” Selection Commission involving part of its members and the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) to provide a short list of the pre-selected candidates after the evaluation of the documents submitted. Candidates included in the short list may be invited to submit a “vision statement” of the centre and will have a final interview with the “ad hoc” Commission. The Commission final assessment will be presented to the Board of trustees, who will debate on the best candidate and decide on his/her appointment as the new Director.
Tentative Calendar
8th June Call for applications opens deadline.
20th July Application deadline ends.
July-August Short-list of candidates and invitation for interview.
September-October Appointment approved by the Board of Trustees.
