This article presents a research study that focuses on how women manage research teams. More specifically, the study aims to ascertain the perception of female researchers who are leaders of research groups in social sciences with regard to the formation, operation and management of their research teams. Fifteen interviews were carried out, eight at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and seven at the Universidad de Barcelona, representing one quarter of women responsible for research teams in the field of social sciences. Findings suggest that female researchers seek to build highly cohesive teams that engender a good working atmosphere and good interpersonal relationships, with the capacity to generate high academic and scientific performance closely linked to other international groups.