Descripción

The Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) is a cutting-edge institute addressing global public health challenges through research, translation into policy and education. ISGlobal has a broad portfolio in communicable and non-communicable diseases including environmental and climate determinants, and applies a multidisciplinary scientific approach ranging from the molecular to the population level. Research is organized in five programs: Climate, Air Pollution, Nature and Urban Health; Environment and Health over the Lifecourse; Global Viral and Bacterial Infections; Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases and Maternal Child and Reproductive Health. ISGlobal is accredited with the Severo Ochoa distinction, a seal of excellence of the Spanish Science Ministry.

The overall goal of the Malaria Physiopathology and Genomics group at ISGlobal is to contribute to developing new tools for the control and eventual elimination of malaria through understanding key physio-pathological events of malaria in children and pregnant women. To this end, the team combines genomics, epidemiology, molecular biology, immunology, and clinical medicine to study parasite and host factors influencing malaria infections.

Lugar

Barcelona, Campus Clinic

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

ISGlobal is seeking a talented individual who is experienced in malaria genomics and capacity strengthening for the GenMoz2 project. The successful candidate will join the Malaria Physiopathology and Genomics group, taking on a leadership role in strengthening capacity for translational malaria genomic in laboratories in Spain and Mozambique. They will provide scientific leadership across genomics activities - laboratory processes, bioinformatics, and data analytics - conducted by multidisciplinary teams across institutions.

GenMoz2 project (https://www.isglobal.org/ca/-/genmoz2) aims to build and consolidate genomic capacities in Mozambique for malaria surveillance and public health response. The goal is to advance malaria control and eradication through the identification of key drivers of malaria transmission using innovative genomic and analytical tools. The project proposes a participatory approach engaging all parts of the health system to promote a culture of genetic data use and increase the public health impact, while leveraging ongoing activities and existing capacity in Mozambique. We aim to integrate genomic intelligence in the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) strategic and operational activities through a) embedding genetic surveillance on ongoing and future routine control and elimination strategies (e.g. use of routine samples) and b) the integration of genomic surveillance onto the Integrated Malaria Information Storage System (iMISS) for analysing, visualising and generating data for action (e.g. through surveillance dashboards) at the appropriate granularity level. The project is led by the Malaria Physiology & Genomics group at ISGlobal and Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM, Mozambique), in collaboration with the NMCP and the University of California-San Francisco (USA).
The candidate will be based at the Malaria Physiopathology & Genomics Group at ISGlobal, and will work in close collaboration with CISM, the EPPICenter at the UCSF, Mozambique’s NMCP, and other study partners, ).

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE /QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in biological sciences, genomics, infectious diseases, or a related field
  

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• Proven expertise in Plasmodium falciparum genomics, including laboratory procedures, bioinformatics, and data analytics
• Experience in training scientists and/or public health officials to apply genomics in evidence-based decision-making
• Experience in the implementation of research projects in low- and middle-income countries, preferably in Africa.
• Availability to travel to Mozambique and/or USA for research and/or teaching purposes.

Desired:

• 5+ years of experience in genomics, encompassing next generation sequencing laboratory techniques, bioinformatics (Python, R, and other relevant programming languages), and data analytics
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage interdisciplinary teams effectively
• Experience in mentoring Master and/or PhD level students
• Demonstrated knowledge of statistical principles, including experimental design
• A proven track record of technical proficiency, scientific innovation, and the ability to work collaboratively while maintaining independent thought.
• Strong skills in translating research into actionable solutions and products
• Ability to drive project execution and establish measurable success criteria
  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide scientific leadership and oversight for genomics activities - including laboratory processes, bioinformatics, and data analytics - conducted by multidisciplinary teams across institutions
• Lead and support capacity-strengthening efforts in translational malaria genomics within national malaria control programs to enhance the use of genomics in evidence-based decision-making
  

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Mentor and train scientists at ISGlobal and CISM in genomics to develop expertise in laboratory techniques, bioinformatics, and data analysis, including developing and executing epidemiological-genomic analytical plan
• Lead training activities such as workshops and bootcamps tailored for student cohorts at CISM and ISGlobal
• Oversee the development, implementation, and optimization of bioinformatics pipelines and tools, guiding bioinformaticians on prioritizing, planning, and executing data processing tasks
• Collaboratively mentor and assist trainees in manuscript preparation and scientific writing
• Support capacity building efforts within national malaria control programs by creating training materials and conducting workshops to strengthen translational genomics skills
• Participate actively in team meetings to discuss results, define work plans and/or coordinate ongoing activities effectively
• Lead and coordinate the development of innovative genomic tools in collaboration with key partners
• Interact with partners (CISM-Mozambique, UCSF-USA, INS-Mozambique, NMCP-Mozambique, Africa CDC) for training and harmonization purposes.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities to sustain and expand group initiatives
• Additional duties as assigned

SKILLS

• Strong problem-solving competence.
• Drive and determination.
• Inquisitive and analytical; engaged and motivated.
• Ability to see the big picture and work towards that goal.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a larger team.
• Ability to share technical information in a clear and concise manner to non-technical personnel and stakeholders at various levels and from different disciplines.
• Ability to build and manage relationships with various collaborators from different countries and cultural backgrounds.
• Respects and embraces diversity of perspective.
• Teamwork.
• Desire to learn.
• Focus and discipline.

The post holder will adhere to ISGlobal principles contained in People management policy, including Equity, diversity and health safety. The post holder will respect, and accountable to ensure ISGlobal policies and procedures .

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Fluent in English.
• Knowledge of Portuguese, Catalan and/or Spanish will be an asset
  

CONDITIONS

• Duration: fixed-term subject to funded-project duration
• Starting date: The position is available from 1 February 2025
• Contract: Full-time
• Salary Range: adapted to candidate’s profile and qualifications, based on ISGlobal institutional salary scale

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must fill in the request form and include the following code reference position: Postdoc_Genmoz2_Dec24, attach the CV and a Cover Letter. Each attached document must be named with the candidate name and surname.

The receipt of applications will be open until the position is filled

Only the applications submitted through the request form will be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The interviews could be placed during the reception candidatures period.
Diverse candidatures are encouraged, that includes: gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and political views.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process is designed in two phases:
1- Interview phase of a technical nature, with the team that requires the incorporation. To assess the person's skills and CV.
2 - Meeting with HR with the finalist(s) to finish assessing the profile and discuss contractual and institutional issues.

If needed any technical test could be pass. A Psychological Competency Evaluation Test will be required for the structural or transversal positions.

In accordance with the OTM-R principles, a gender-balanced recruitment panel is formed for every vacancy at the beginning of the process. After reviewing the content of the applications, the panel will start the interviews, with at least one technical and one administrative interview. A profile questionnaire as well as a technical exercise may be required during the process.

In ISGlobal we are committed to maintaining and developing a work environment in which the values and principles of our organization are respected and equal opportunities between women and men be promoted in each of the areas in which we operate, not tolerating discrimination based on criteria such as age, gender, marital status, race, ethnicity, functional diversity, political leanings, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
ISGlobal supports the initiative #ScienceforUkraine. Therefore, to sustain Ukraine’s presence in the European Research Area and international scholarly community, candidates from Ukraine on all levels of scholarly career are welcome: students, PhD candidates, early career researchers and senior scholars.
We confirm our commitment towards the value of the diversity of our staff and student population and seek to promote peace, equity, diversity and inclusion as essential elements in contribution to improving health worldwide.