Junior Legal Officer (Ref. 27/2026)
CRAG is an independent research institution engaged in leading-edge basic and applied plant and farm animal sciences. CRAG is established as a Consortium of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), and University of Barcelona (UB). The Center is located at the UAB Campus and currently hosts 200 members from across the world.
Research Programs at CRAG (from basic science to applied research using plant experimental model systems, crops, and farm animals) make extensive use of genomic technologies and large sets of genetic and genomic data ().
Role
We are looking for a Junior Legal Officer to provide primary legal support in public procurement and contracting within the institution.
In the initial stage, the position will focus on supporting tendering procedures, contract preparation and ensuring compliance with public sector regulations applicable to research organizations.
This role responds to the need to strengthen and formalize procurement-related legal processes currently handled by Economic Management department, improve efficiency and consistency, and ensure alignment with Spanish and EU public sector regulations.
Over time, and depending on the candidate’s development, the position is expected to progressively expand towards a broader legal advisory function, contributing to the structuring and consolidation of the institute’s Legal Function.
The organization will provide both internal and external legal support to help the candidate succeed in achieving their mid-term objectives.
Responsibilities
1. Support Purchaising (personel/staff) in public procurement and tendering procedures in compliance with applicable regulations.
2. Preparing the documentation associated with procurement processes, including the publication of tenders, contract awards, extensions, and any issues arising during their execution.
3. Maintain accurate and current information on the Public Sector Procurement Platform and comply with reporting obligations related to this area.
4. Ensure compliance with Spanish public sector regulations and EU legal frameworks applicable to procurement, as well as funding entities requirements.
5. Provide support in interactions with public authorities, auditors, and regulatory bodies in procurement-related matters.
6. Expand legal support to additional areas such as contract law, data protection (GDPR), and compliance.
7. Support governance and institutional legal matters as required.
Required qualifications
8. Bachelor’s degree in law.
9. A Master’s degree or specialized training in one or more of the following areas will be considered an asset: Public Law / Administrative Law, European Union Law or International Law, Innovation Law, Intellectual Property, or Technology Law, Research Management or Science & Innovation Policy, Data Protection or Compliance.
10. Candidates with ongoing postgraduate studies in these fields are also encouraged to apply.
11. Initial professional experience in legal environments (including internships or traineeships) Exposure to contract law, public law or compliance is a plus. (Equivalent to approximately 1–3 years of combined experience will be considered).
Interest in:
12. Public sector / research institutions.
13. Innovation and scientific environments.
14. Basic understanding of: Contract law, Public procurement (desirable) & Data protection (GDPR).
15. Languages: medium communication English (B2).
Skills:
16. Strong organizacional and structuring abilities.
17. Proactive mindset and high level of autonomy.
18. Problem-solving skills and adaptability.
19. Ability to work in an evolving and undefined environment.
20. Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Working conditions:
21. Permanent position.
22. Working day: Full 37.5 hours/week.
23. The salary for this position will be competitive and commensurate with experience.
24. Planned date of incorporation: asap.
25. Facilities for balance work and personal life through teleworking and flexible working hours, 22 days of holidays, 9 free days of personal matters; intensive working hours on summer and Fridays.
26. Good environment and good place to work.
27. Centre placed in UAB Campus.