Biomedical research laboratory
Open Position CERCA Network EURAXESS

Senior Innovation
Manager

Head of Innovation Unit

IRB-CatSud — Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Catalunya Sud  ·  Reus, Tarragona

Reus / Tarragona
Full-time · Long-term
~€35-39,000 gross / year
Degree required
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Why IRB-CatSud?

A career-defining opportunity

IRB-CatSud stands at a defining moment in its institutional evolution. Innovation is no longer peripheral — it is now a core strategic driver. This is your chance to shape it.

Build from the ground up

You won't inherit rigid structures — you'll design them. Define workflows, prioritization models, and the innovation culture that will define IRB-CatSud's next chapter.

Institutional impact at scale

Your work will directly influence how the institute generates research impact, engages with industry, and positions itself within the European biomedical innovation landscape.

Human-scale, end-to-end visibility

Collaborate closely with investigators, follow innovation journeys from discovery to application, and witness the tangible impact of your strategic decisions.

Strategic ecosystem positioning

Connected to Barcelona's leading innovation centers — CRG, IRB Barcelona, Vall d'Hebron — and the broader Catalan and European research network.

Grow as the unit grows

This role will evolve alongside the Innovation Unit, offering a trajectory toward senior innovation leadership, portfolio governance, and team development.

A role for builders

Ideal for professionals motivated by long-term impact, institutional trust, and the satisfaction of creating structure where structure is still emerging.

About the Institute

IRB-CatSud — Translating Science into Health Impact

IRB-CatSud is a biomedical research institute in transformation — evolving from a strong research foundation toward a translational, innovation-driven model that bridges discovery and real-world application.

The institute integrates research activity from Universitat Rovira i Virgili, associated university hospitals, clinical research groups, biomedical research platforms, and emerging interdisciplinary programs. This unique configuration creates a fertile environment where clinical insight meets scientific rigor and innovation potential.

As IRB-CatSud advances its strategic vision, innovation is no longer peripheral — it is central. The institute is building the infrastructure, culture, and partnerships needed to ensure that excellent research generates measurable impact on health, industry, and society.

CERCA Network Universitat Rovira i Virgili Translational Research Clinical Research Reus · Tarragona
Research team in biomedical laboratory

CERCA

Certified Network

URV

Partner University

The Opportunity

More than a technical role

This is a leadership position designed for a strategic thinker who can operate at the intersection of science, business, and institutional strategy.

Position

Senior Innovation Manager

Unit

Head of Innovation Unit

Reports to

Scientific / Innovation Director

Location

Reus, Tarragona

Role Mission: Consolidate and lead the Innovation Unit at IRB-CatSud, establishing the strategic frameworks, operational processes, and collaborative culture required to transform biomedical research into translational impact — through intellectual property development, innovation funding, technology transfer, industry partnerships, and entrepreneurial initiatives.

You will be responsible for consolidating and progressively leading the Innovation Unit, building the systems and culture that enable IRB-CatSud to maximize the translational potential of its research portfolio. You will work closely with research leaders, clinicians, technology transfer partners, industry collaborators, and funding agencies to transform promising science into protected intellectual property, funded projects, strategic partnerships, and ultimately, real-world applications.

This role demands scientific credibility, strategic vision, and the ability to influence without formal authority — guiding researchers through complex innovation pathways while building institutional capacity for sustained translational impact.

Scope of Work

Key Responsibilities

Six strategic domains that define the scope and impact of this role.

Innovation Strategy

  • Co-develop and implement the institute's innovation strategy
  • Define workflows, prioritization models, and decision frameworks
  • Establish innovation KPIs and reporting systems
  • Contribute to institutional strategic planning

Portfolio Management

  • Identify research results with high translational potential
  • Conduct technology readiness assessments
  • Structure proof-of-concept strategies and roadmaps
  • Monitor milestones and guide project progression

Technology Transfer

  • Manage invention disclosures and IP evaluations
  • Develop patent strategies with TTO partners
  • Identify and pursue licensing opportunities
  • Support spin-off exploration and entrepreneurial initiatives

Funding & Proposals

  • Lead proposals for Horizon Europe, ISCIII, CDTI, EIT Health
  • Identify funding opportunities aligned with research strengths
  • Coordinate multi-partner consortia and work packages
  • Maximize proposal success rates

Partnerships & Engagement

  • Develop strategic partnerships with industry and investors
  • Represent IRB-CatSud in European innovation forums
  • Build relationships with pharma, medtech, and VC
  • Facilitate collaborative R&D projects

Innovation Culture

  • Design and deliver innovation training programs
  • Organize seminars, workshops, and mentoring activities
  • Support researchers interested in entrepreneurship
  • Foster translational thinking across the institute

Who We're Looking For

Candidate Profile

We're seeking a senior professional who combines scientific depth with strategic vision and translational drive.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy, or related field
  • Or equivalent scientific background with demonstrated innovation leadership experience

Experience

  • Minimum 2 years in innovation management, TTO, or translational research
  • Biomedical institutes, universities, or technology transfer offices
  • Biotech/medtech companies or innovation consulting in life sciences

Core Competencies

  • IP fundamentals, patent processes, and licensing strategies
  • EU/national innovation funding landscape
  • Project coordination and portfolio management
  • Professional Catalan, Spanish and English required

Desirable Experience

  • Patent filing, prosecution, or licensing negotiations
  • Participation in FP7, H2020, or Horizon Europe projects
  • Industry co-development or partnership experience
  • Biomedical startup or spin-off creation experience

Desirable Knowledge

  • Medical device innovation (MDR, FDA pathways)
  • Digital health and AI in healthcare (SaMD)
  • Business model development for biomedical innovations
  • Venture funding and investor expectations in life sciences

Leadership Qualities

  • Strategic mindset beyond individual projects
  • Entrepreneurial initiative in evolving environments
  • Ability to connect disciplines and bridge perspectives
  • Diplomatic influence and stakeholder trust-building

What We Offer

A platform for impact, not just a position

Competitive, realistic, and aligned with a growing research institute's ambition.

Leadership with institutional impact

Shape how innovation operates at IRB-CatSud, influencing strategy, culture, and translational outcomes at a formative stage of the institute's evolution.

Professional growth trajectory

As the Innovation Unit expands, so will your responsibilities and leadership scope — offering a trajectory toward senior innovation leadership.

Mission-driven environment

Work alongside committed researchers and clinicians passionate about translating science into health solutions, in an institute that values impact as much as discovery.

Compensation

~€35-39,000

Gross annual salary

Commensurate with experience and aligned with institutional salary scales. Long-term, full-time position with stability and growth potential.

Mediterranean quality of life

Based in Reus and Tarragona — a vibrant Mediterranean region with excellent quality of life, while remaining connected to Barcelona's world-class biomedical ecosystem.

Flexibility & development

Continued learning, innovation network participation, international conferences, and potential flexibility in work arrangements depending on institutional policies.

Selection Process

Three transparent stages

Conducted with confidentiality and professionalism at every step.

1

CV Screening

Assessment of qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role requirements. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

2

Technical Interview

Discussion of innovation expertise, project examples, strategic thinking, and understanding of translational pathways in biomedical research.

3

Final Interview

Evaluation of institutional fit, leadership potential, motivation, and vision for innovation development at IRB-CatSud.

Starting date: To be mutually agreed based on candidate availability and institutional readiness.

How to Apply

Ready to lead innovation at IRB-CatSud?

Submit your application with the following materials. For informal inquiries, reach out directly before applying.

Application materials

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Motivation letter — your interest and alignment with IRB-CatSud's mission
  • Contact details of professional references (optional)
  • Short statement on your vision for biomedical innovation (optional but valued)

Send your application

Email subject line

"Application – Senior Innovation Manager"

Send to

[recruitment@irbcatsud.cat]

Application deadline

[23/04/2026]

Submit Application

Equal Opportunity Statement

IRB-CatSud is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and encourage individuals from underrepresented groups in science and innovation to apply. Selection will be based solely on merit, qualifications, and alignment with the role requirements.