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

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated PhD candidate for the Health Impact Assessment and Evaluation (HIAE) research group, to develop epidemiological, statistical and mathematical analyses in two ambitious and complementary projects, (Horizon-EU EChiLiBRiST and EDCTP3-ACROBAT-Newborns), developed in 4 African countries (Mozambique, Ethiopia, Gabon and Uganda). The PhD candidate will develop spatial microsimulation models and user-friendly platforms to evaluate the impact of nationwide interventions in these countries and in all Sub Saharan Africa. In particular, these platforms will be used to assess the impact of the incorporation - at the national level – of a recently developed rapid prognostic device (Point of Care (PoC) test) that assesses sTREM-1 levels, as excellent predictor of adverse outcomes and mortality in children and newborns. Such PoC incorporation could improve risk stratification and greatly enhance child and newborn survival, especially in the most vulnerable populations in Low and Middle-Income Countries, as well as decompress high burden emergency departments and save healthcare costs.

The successful candidate will join the HIAE research team of the ICREA Prof. Davide Rasella (https://www.isglobal.org/en/researchers/-/profiles/25401; https://www.icrea.cat/community/icreas/3792/davide-rasella/) at ISGlobal.
The overarching goal of the HIAE group is to assess the impact of public interventions on health, identifying the most effective strategies to reduce the health burden in the most vulnerable population worldwide, reducing health inequalities, and advancing towards the Sustainable Development Goals. HIAE also seeks to maximize the impact of its research through advocacy efforts and active engagement with policymakers and programme managers.

Additionally, the PhD candidate will participate to meetings and – wherever interesting and possible - collaborate with other HIAE projects, and gain the benefit from the expertise of a wide network of multidisciplinary researchers and modellers in Spain, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa, where the HIAE team is developing similar models and studies.
For more insights into the collaborative network of the HIAE group and its projects, including Echilibrist, please visit:
https://www.isglobal.org/en/health-impact-assessment
https://gsenetwork.wordpress.com/
https://www.equilibrist.org

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducting epidemiological, statistical, and mathematical modelling studies in projects led by the HIAE group. Supporting the development of study proposals in the area of HIAE.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Design, conduct, and finalize epidemiological, statistical, and mathematical modelling studies;
• Prepare scientific manuscripts;
• Contribute to scientific discussion and participation in other activities in the HIAE group;
• Support the writing and organization of scientific proposals.

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

• Working with people from different cultures
• Teamwork.
• Problem resolution.
• Learning capacity.
• Responsability
• Felxibility
• Excellent organization and coordination skills
• Capacity to work independently
• Effective communication skills

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

• Have a completed University Degree and a Master’s Degree with expertise in Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, or related fields.
• Have prior experience in epidemiological or statistical/mathematical modelling related to public health.
• Have a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Have experience in common programming languages, with particular focus on R, or STATA, or Python
• Be willing to work in a multicultural, multi-country, and interdisciplinary team within a highly collaborative research institute.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in English

CONDITIONS

• Duration: 3 years, with the possibility of extension to 1 more year if neccesary
• Starting date: September or Octuber 2025
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: According to ISGlobal 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 1st of June 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.