Research Manager to support APEC’s management activities

The purpose of this call is the selection process of a candidate for a Research Manager position within the Area for the Promotion of the Space Sector of Catalonia at the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC).

The IEEC is a research institute that studies all areas of knowledge and technology applied to the space sector and space sciences, including astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, Earth observation, navigation, and space engineering. Its mission is to push the boundaries of space research from both scientific and technological perspectives for the maximum benefit of society. Likewise, the IEEC also carries out activities to promote Catalonia's space sector, acting as the entity that drives and represents the sector nationally and internationally. This activity is developed within the framework of the Catalonia Space 2030 Strategy, promoted by the Government of Catalonia.

The Catalonia Space 2030 Strategy strengthens the space ecosystem through the launch of satellite missions, the development of ground infrastructures, research and innovation programs, talent promotion, industrial boost programs, and high-value-added services based on space technologies. The IEEC participates in the deployment of this Strategy in collaboration with the i2cat Foundation and the Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia (ICGC).

The space sector promotion functions carried out by the IEEC are developed within the Area for the Promotion of the Space Sector of Catalonia (APEC). APEC contributes to the various pillars of the Government of Catalonia's space strategy and executes activities for the promotion of R&D&I, talent promotion and retention, the construction of key space and ground infrastructures, and the development of services and applications for the administration and industrial sectors. Its goal is to grow the ecosystem by strengthening national capabilities in the medium and long term and promoting international collaboration, while maintaining the entity's commitment to social responsibility criteria.

APEC encompasses activities carried out through three offices dedicated to: the promotion of infrastructures; the promotion of industry and services linked to the space sector; the promotion of research and innovation. At the same time, it develops functions for talent promotion, the positioning of space technology and data, and the dissemination of the benefits they provide in solving societal challenges. APEC also works closely with other IEEC teams to achieve its objectives and maintains active coordination with the Secretariat for Digital Policy of the Government of Catalonia for the deployment of various programs and activities within the Catalonia Space 2030 strategy, as well as with other stakeholders linked to the strategy. Beyond the programs themselves, APEC also meets its objectives by participating in international congresses, collaborating on projects with the Spanish Space Agency and other space entities worldwide, and contributing to working groups and consortia.

• Positions to be filled: 1.Manager to support the management activities of APEC
• Professional group: Group II. Engineering Staff
• Professional category: Engineer - Research Manager
• Working hours: 37.5 hours/week
• Workplace location: IEEC Headquarters - Esteve Terradas 1, RDIT Building, Mediterranean Technology Park (PMT), 08860 Castelldefels (Barcelona).

The specific tasks assigned to the person selected for this position may be adapted to any of the ongoing projects or work streams, depending on their profile and the team's priorities.

These tasks will include the following functions and responsibilities:

• Project management, ensuring compliance with budget, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Cross-functional collaboration for the monitoring of legal and budgetary obligations, in coordination with the Legal Area and the Management Area of the IEEC.
• Collaboration in the coordination of APEC activities at both internal and external levels.
• Participation in the definition of programs and activities for the different APEC offices.
• Creation and maintenance of documentation, including technical reports and studies.
• Relationship management with key stakeholders: ranging from national, state, and international public bodies, companies, and entities, to research centers, infrastructure and facility operators, or users of space technologies and data.
• Collaboration in the design of support materials and proposals to position APEC's activities.
• Representation of the IEEC in forums, conferences, and events.

• Minimum qualifications: Master’s degree equivalent, Bachelor’s degree, or Higher Engineering degree in technical fields (aerospace, telecommunications, industrial, mechanical, electronic, etc.), sciences (physics, mathematics, environmental, geology, topography, etc.), or similar.
• Experience and skills: Knowledge and expertise in managing technical projects related to the space sector or similar. More than 3 years of professional experience.
• Languages: Professional level of English (equivalent to B2 level or higher).
• Travel/Mobility: Valid driver's license.

The following merits will be evaluated during the selection process: each merit will be scored (maximum 20 points for the sum of all merits).

• Experience in similar tasks in project management, preferably in the space sector (up to 3 points).
• Professional experience related to ground and space infrastructures, services and applications based on space technologies, and space technological research and innovation (up to 3 points).
• Knowledge of the space sector at national and international levels (up to 3 points).
• Knowledge of public procurement procedures and financial project management (up to 3 points).
• Organization and attention to detail: ability to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks with precision and rigor (up to 2 points).
• Global vision and foresight: ability to coordinate multiple technical activities simultaneously and identify risks or opportunities (up to 2 points).
• Proactivity and innovation: ability to provide ideas and proposals to improve processes, technical solutions, and operational efficiency (up to 1 point).
• Learning and adaptability: dynamism, curiosity, and willingness to acquire new skills and adapt to emerging technologies and processes (up to 1 point).
• Communication skills: fluent, effective, collaborative, and constructive (oral and written), contributing to team spirit within an international context (up to 1 point).
• Languages: Native level or full professional proficiency in Catalan and Spanish, both oral and written (equivalent to C1 level or equivalent) (up to 1 point).

Interested persons who meet the established requirements can send cover letter and the personal curriculum in PDF format, signed as certification, with a brief description of the tasks carried out in the positions previously occupied, to the email address: RecursosHumans@ieec.cat indicating the reference "Surnames and Name – OF_IEEC_244_2026" in the subject line of the email.