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.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

ISGlobal is seeking a candidate to apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship within the group within the Maternal, Child and Reproductive programme, under the supervision of Dr Rakislova. The candidate has to have significant accomplishments in the area of Computational Cancer Research and who is committed to excellence in research in a multidisciplinary environment, with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Candidate must fulfill the eligibility requirements to apply for current Marie Curie IF open call. The research will be focused on the molecular characterization of a rare and neglected type of female cancer: vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and its precursor lesions, with a secondary focus on cervical and penile carcinomas. Briefly, our research involves study of the prognostic implications of HPV and p53 status, applying genomic and transcriptomic profiling to define tumor subtypes, identify biomarkers, and inform precision medicine. We are conducting multi-omics research integrating clinical, histological, and molecular data, aiming to uncover novel therapeutic targets and expand understanding of these rare but impactful cancers. We also use AI-powered tools to design digital pathology diagnostic and prognostic algorithms. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The candidate will be responsible for analyzing and interpreting the data from cancer-related projects and to write the resulting manuscripts and scientific reports, in collaboration with other members of the team. The successful candidates are also expected to contribute to the supervision of junior members and technician of the team and to participate in the scientific discussion of other projects of the team. Strong motivation and passion in exploring the main fields of the research are essential.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Conducting bioinformatic and statistical analyses and drafting original articles for publication in high-quality journals.
• Disseminating findings at conferences and seminars.
• Contributions to scientific report preparation.
• Collaboration with the study team members and external specialists.
• Support in supervision of PhD and Master’s students.

AUXILIAR TASKS

This job description reflects the present requirements of the post but may evolve at any time in the future as duties and responsibilities change and/or develop providing there is appropriate consultation with the post-holder.

This job description is not a definitive or exhaustive list of responsibilities but identifies the key responsibilities and tasks of the post holder. The specific objectives of the post holder will be subject to review as part of the individual professional assessment process.

SKILLS

• Teamwork.
• Problem resolution.
• Learning capacity.
• Previous experience in project management.

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 be accountable to ensure ISGlobal policies and procedures.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

• Researchers in possession of a doctoral degree (EU-PhD title or adapted to the Spanish system is required) by the date 10th September 2025.
• Researchers may be of any nationality.
• (For Global Fellowships) the researcher must not have resided or carried out the main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Third Country (not a EU member state or associated) where the initial outgoing phase takes place for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to 10th September 2025.
  Researchers are expected to be experts in biomedical informatics, machine learning, and cancer biology. A strong understanding of both computational methods and biological/clinical relevance is essential for developing robust and impactful diagnostic solutions.
  Please take into account that these fellowships are for “Excellent researchers”, which implies a record and an exceptional résumé.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in English.

CONDITIONS

• Duration: 36 months, with the possibility of being incorporated as a permanent team member afterward
• Starting date: Flexible, as soon as the grant is approved
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: According to internal salary scales

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must fill in the request form and 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 8th of July 2025. 

The interviews could be placed during the reception of 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 passed. 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.

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.