Job opportunities
Research Officer at the Innovation and Development Office of the Area for the Promotion of the Catalan Space Sector (APEC) at the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia
The IEEC (Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia) was established in February 1996 as a private non-profit foundation (NPO) to promote R&D in the space field in Catalonia. The IEEC is a research institute that studies all areas of knowledge and technologies 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 frontiers of space research from the scientific and technological fields for the maximum benefit of society. It should also be noted that the Foundation is attached to the Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalan Government) and forms part of its institutional public sector due to the fact that the Generalitat has a majority participation in the Board of Trustees of the IEEC.
Introduction
The purpose of this call is the selection process of a candidate for a Research Officer position within the Area for the Promotion of the Space Sector of Catalonia at the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC).
The IEEC was established in February 1996 as a private non-profit organization (NPO) to foster space R&D in Catalonia. Currently, the Foundation is attached to the Government of Catalonia (Generalitat de Catalunya) and forms part of its institutional public sector, as the Government holds a majority stake in the entity.
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.
Description of position
- Positions to be filled: 1.Research Officer at the Innovation and Development Office of the Area for the Promotion of the Catalan Space Sector (APEC) at the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia
- Professional group: Group II. Engineering Staff
- Professional category: Research Officer
- Working hours: 37,5 hours/week
- Workplace location: IEEC Headquarters - Esteve Terradas 1, RDIT Building, Mediterranean Technology Park (PMT), 08860 Castelldefels (Barcelona).
Functions
The Development and Innovation Office is responsible, within the framework of the activities promoted by the IEEC under the Catalonia Space Strategy 2030, for identifying, promoting and monitoring R&D&I activities with high innovation potential in key areas of knowledge, with the aim of establishing Catalonia in a strong and sustainable position over the medium and long term.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:
- Monitoring funding opportunities, including public calls, industrial contracts and collaboration agreements for the implementation of R&D&I activities aimed at developing the space sector in Catalonia.
- Contributing to the preparation of new competitive research and innovation proposals.
- Promoting complementary and interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers and industry within the space sector.
- Analysing R&D&I activities at national and international level to identify potential collaborations, and promoting and developing R&D&I programmes within the Catalan space ecosystem and through international cooperation.
- Raising awareness among members of research institutions within the Catalan ecosystem of existing opportunities through events, visits and meetings with other research institutions, government departments and companies.
- Managing projects while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and project call deadlines. Ensuring that reports, deliverables and milestones are completed on time, and establishing quality procedures. Organising project meetings, regular meetings, workshops and other related activities.
- Maintaining and promoting quality standards for the management of technical projects.
- Working closely with Programme Managers and with other offices across the IEEC.
Participation requirements and selection criteria
The following criteria will be assessed during the selection process:
- Minimum qualifications: A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Telecommunications, Electronic, Computer or Industrial Engineering), Physics or Mathematics, or an equivalent qualification. Bachelor's degrees in fields such as Business Administration and Management or Innovation Management will also be considered, provided the candidate has experience in technological projects, ideally within the space sector or in projects funded by or carried out in collaboration with ESA or EUSPA.
- Experience: A minimum of 3 years' experience in project management and monitoring.
The following aspects will be considered desirable merits (maximum 20 points):
- Previous experience in the management and coordination of projects (e.g. ESA, Horizon Europe, EUSPA or national projects) in scientific or technological fields, ideally within the space sector or in industrial sectors with equivalent quality standards. Demonstrated ability to monitor and lead the timely implementation of projects while ensuring compliance with contractual obligations. (Up to 5 points)
- Experience in identifying funding opportunities, securing funding and coordinating research and innovation (R&I) proposals. (Up to 5 points)
- Experience in one or more areas of space technologies, such as satellite data applications, space missions and space instrumentation. (Up to 3 points)
- Knowledge of trends in space technology research, as well as the strengths of the research and industrial sectors in Catalonia and across Europe. (Up to 2 points)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. (Up to 1 point)
- Ability to work independently, with strong attention to detail and a well-organised, structured approach to work. (Up to 1 point)
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and to manage multiple tasks across several projects simultaneously. (Up to 1 point)
- Good written and spoken command of Catalan and Spanish. (Up to 1 point)
- Written and spoken English at a level equivalent to the First Certificate (B2). (Up to 1 point)
Selection procedure
Initially, a verification of the requirements of participation will be carried out and a first selection of candidates will be made based on the documents contributed. Next, if necessary, the shortlisted candidates may be called to a personal interview to expand the detailed information in the curriculum and assess aspects related to professional competences.
The evaluation committee for this procedure will consist of:
- Director of the IEEC’s APEC or their delegate.
- Head of the APEC Development and Innovation Office or their delegate.
- Head of the IEEC's RRHH or their delegate.
Interested parties must have the original certificates accrediting the education and work experience mentioned in the CV and must present them if requested.
In accordance with Article 59 of the Spanish Basic Statute of Public Employees (TREBEP), which provides for the reservation of at least 7% of vacancies in public recruitment processes for persons with disabilities, the IEEC will apply this reservation to candidates who can demonstrate a recognised disability of 33% or more, provided they are suitable to perform the duties of the post.
Contact and deadline
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_252_2026" in the subject line of the email.
The reception of applications ends on