Building a scientific career involves more than conducting research. Understanding the different career paths available, learning from other people's experiences and connecting with professionals from different sectors are essential steps in shaping the future of early-career researchers.

With this in mind, ICMAB is organising its Career Day 2026, an event designed to help PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers explore new opportunities, gain insights into different professional trajectories and expand their career perspectives. Principal Investigators (PIs) are also very welcome to attend.

The event is part of ICMAB's ongoing commitment to supporting the professional development of its research community. Through initiatives such as the ICMAB Talent Officer programme and the institute's Alumni network, ICMAB promotes career guidance, transferable skills development and connections between researchers and the wider professional world.

A programme combining inspiration, experience and networking

The Career Day will take place from 9:00 to 14:00, in English, at the ICMAB-CSIC Sala d'Actes Carles Miravitlles. 

The morning will open with a welcome address by the ICMAB Director, David Amabilino, followed by an inspirational talk by Montserrat Casas, Scientific Director at CIC energiGUNE, who will share her perspective on scientific careers and professional development.

After a coffee break, the programme will continue with two Alumni Career Journey round tables, bringing together researchers with different professional experiences:

• Research Careers (11:20–12:15): exploring career opportunities within research, including different paths in academia and research institutions.

• Beyond Research (12:15–13:10): discovering professional opportunities outside traditional research careers and how scientific skills can be transferred to other sectors.

The morning will conclude with a session by Synapse Barcelona (13:10–13:40), an association for early-career researchers (ESRs) that provides a space to grow, share knowledge and connect with people interested in learning, exchanging experiences and exploring future career opportunities.

The full list of speakers and panellists will be announced soon.

Supporting the next generation of researchers

At ICMAB, fostering scientific excellence also means creating an environment where researchers can develop their skills, build professional networks and make informed decisions about their futures.

The Career Day reflects this commitment, offering an opportunity to learn from the experiences of ICMAB Alumni, discover career possibilities that may not always be visible during doctoral and postdoctoral training, and connect with the wider research community.

Whether you are considering a long-term career in research or exploring opportunities beyond academia, the Career Day is an opportunity to broaden your horizons.

Registration is open!

Register for the ICMAB Career Day 2026

For more information about career development opportunities and support at ICMAB, visit our Careers webpage or contact our Talent Officer Dolors Grillo (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 

Programme

9:00 – 9:30 Registration

9.30 – 9:40 Welcome by ICMAB Director, David Amabilino
9:40 – 10: 40 Inspirational talk by Montserrat Casas, scientific director at CICenergyGUNE

10:40 – 11:20 Coffee break

11:20 – 12:15 Research Careers 
12:15 – 13:10 Beyond Research

13:10 – 13:40 Synapse Barcelona, ESR association
13:40 – 14:00 Final remarks & Closing