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 motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on the IHEN (International Human Exposome Network) project (https://humanexposome.net/). IHEN project has received funding from Horizon Europe (grant agreement 101137317) and was launched in December 2023. IHEN aims to build an international network, a toolbox of resources, and a long-term research roadmap, with the overall goal to improve global research and cooperation on the exposome.

The postdoctal researcer will be involved in the evaluation of tools and resources gathered in the IHEN toolbox, via demonstrator projects, particularly in the context of international cohorts and the urban and social exposome. This will provide an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-impact international project at the forefront of exposome science.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project Coordination and Scientific Leadership
  • Coordinate the implementation of a multi-cohort demonstrator project focused on urban and social exposome exposures.
  • Coordinate contacts with exposome-related cohorts and data sources globally and contribute to building a catalogue of these resources (together with WP3).
  • Liaise with international partners to ensure harmonized approaches to data processing, exposure modelling, and statistical analyses.
  • Organize meetings and contribute to strategic planning across Work Packages 3 and 4.
• Data Analysis and Methodological Work
  • Develop and implement analytical pipelines in R or Python for the analysis of longitudinal exposome data with repeated measures.
  • Conduct meta-analyses across cohorts to assess the associations between exposome variables and health outcomes (e.g., blood pressure).
  • Document and interpret results in a structured and reproducible manner.
• Tool Evaluation and Reporting
  • Evaluate the usability, accessibility, and interoperability of the FAIR exposome tools and catalogues developed in WP3.
  • Identify mismatches between available resources and analytical needs, and provide structured feedback to improve the exposome toolbox.
  • Draft technical reports and summaries describing findings, tool performance, and recommendations for future improvements.
  • Cross-WP Collaboration and Communication
  • Collaborate closely with WP3 to contribute to the refinement of the exposome catalogues (e.g., Molgenis interface).
  • Represent WP4 in internal project meetings and international stakeholder workshops as needed.
  • Support dissemination activities related to the demonstrator project outcomes.

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

• Excellent writing skills and experience preparing scientific or technical reports.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and as part of a distributed team.
• Responsible, flexible and with problem solving skills.
• Eager to learn and proactive.
• Excellent organization 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

• PhD in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, data science, environmental health, or a related field.
• Proven experience in coordinating scientific or research projects, preferably involving international and/or multi-cohort collaborations.
• Proficiency in R and/or Python for data processing, statistical analysis, and visualization.
• Strong understanding of exposome concepts, longitudinal data structures, and meta-analysis methodologies will be an asset.
• Familiarity with exposome-related tools and platforms (e.g., Molgenis, FAIR principles) will be an asset.
• Experience working with urban or social determinants of health will be an asset.
• Knowledge of data governance and data sharing practices in international health research will be an asset

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in English (written and spoken).

CONDITIONS

• Duration: 16 months ( until the end of the project Nov 2026)
• Starting date: 01/08/2025
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: depending on candidate experience

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 05th 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.