Head of People

Location: Barcelona Office[Spain].

Date of publication: 27/02/2026

The

Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico

(CNAG) is one of the largest Genome Sequencing Centers in Europe

.

The CNAG is a scientific-technical infrastructure created in 2010 by the Spanish General State Governance and the

Generalitat de

Catalunya

, with a unique capacity and experience in Spain in the field of genomics. At the end of 2014, it was incorporated into the map of Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS), as a node of the Integrated Infrastructure of Omics Technologies (OmicsTech).

We are a team of 120 highly qualified people, organized into laboratory personnel, computer scientists, bioinformaticians and administration personnel, of whom more than 80% have PhD or Master studies.

CNAG has become one of the European centers of reference in the sequencing and analysis of genomic data. Thanks to its powerful infrastructure, the Center contributes to significantly improve people's health and quality of life.

The Role

We are looking for a talented “Head of People” who is willing to start the challenge of working in one of the most important Science Research Centres in Spain/Europe.

The area of People covers Personnel Administration & Labour Relations, Training & Development, Talent Attraction and Strategic HR Projects.

Reporting to the General Manager and within the Administration Unit, the newcomer will perform the role working across the board with research group leaders, teams, and researchers to create a work environment that allows people to develop their full potential in an international research context. Its mission is to promote people management policies and practices aligned with the institutional strategy, promoting one based on ethical, inclusive, motivating, and well-being-oriented work.

Main DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the implementation of the People strategy, developing initiatives that drive organizational value and staff well-being. Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of human resources policies and practices that ensure fairness, transparency, equal opportunities, and a supportive working environment for reseachers. Foster a culture of open communication and participation.

•

Personnel Administration Coordination & Labour Relations:

Supervise the area's daily operations (contracting, payroll, recruitment, occupational health and safety, onboarding). Act as an advisor/contact person regarding personnel issues, providing guidance and support to the team members and researchers, and direct support to reseach group leaders and Top Management. Monitor of the entire life cycle process from the hiring until the departure (including the exit offboarding process). Analyze HR data and metrics to inform management and support decision-making. Provide employees with guidance on the People Labour policies and procedures, regarding benefits, holidays, guidelines and other details of their interest. Act as a liaison with the Works Council. Ensure compliance with labor and data protection regulations. Ensure full compliance with the recruitment requirements of public grants and competitively funded projects, particularly regarding scientific personnel. Optimize internal processes and ensure compliance with public sector policies. Anticipate risks, resolve conflicts, and act as a point of contact for staff. Negotiate collective agreements. Draft HR policies and protocols.

• Talent Attraction & Acquisition:

Design and execute recruitment procedure and special projects in talent and development. Activate levers for attracting and retaining talent.

• Training & Development

Desing and development of the annual training plan. Drive key initiatives in research excellence, gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. Lead professional development and performance evaluation systems.

Whom would we like to hire?

Education and qualifications:

University degree preferably in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, Psychology, or a similar field Postgraduate Studies in Human Resoruces Management will be a plus.

Experience and knowledge:

Required

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in personnel administration or similar human resources management position Strong knowledge of Spanish labor law and related regulations. Wide knowledge of Human Resources concepts and systems. Experience in public, research, healthcare, academic, or related environments. Experience working with HRIS and HR & Payroll Software (ERP: SAP, A3, Workday, etc) Proficiency in written and verbal Spanish, Catalan and English. Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills at all levels and the ability to effectively work with a variety of people and personalities. Proactive and self-starter attitude. Flexible and adaptable to different dynamics and processes. Detail/results-oriented. Able to maintain a high level of confidentiality and accustomed to working under pressure.

Nice to have

Experience in a public research environment in health and life sciences Experience in implementing and supporting the HR Excellence in Research Award (HRS4R) Deep knowledge in labour law (and used to dealing with terminations, dismissals, grievances and labour complaints). Used to manage immigration procedures (knowledge of entry conditions, VISAS). Master in Labour Relations, HR Management.

The Offer

Contract duration:

Full-time position (37,5h/week). Permanent Contract. Estimated annual gross salary:

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and consistent with our pay scales. Target start date:

as soon as the appropriate candidate is identified.

We provide a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructures, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation.

We are committed to reconcile a work/family life balance for our employees and offer the opportunity to benefit from annual leave and flexible working hours.

Application Procedure

All applications must include:

A complete CV including contact details. Contact details of two referees. Motivation letter

All applications must be addressed to people@cnag.eu Please include in the subject line:

2026-01 Head of People application

Deadline:

The applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the process will be closed once a suitable candidate is found.

#sequencing for a better life