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 skilled, organized and motivated research PhD student to join the project entitled: “TwinAIR: Digital Twins Enabled Indoor Air Quality Management for Healthy Living“. This project, coordinated by University of Patras (Greece), is funded by the Horizon Europe programme. The TwinAIR consortium includes 19 partners from 10 different EU countries. The overall project goal is to improve urban life by tackling the challenge of indoor air quality (IAQ), by measuring and understanding its chemical and biological compositions, associations with human health and well-being, and its complex interrelationships with external factors.
The PhD candidate will support the recruitment of a cohort of indoor facility users across different TwinAir study sites, and implement a questionnaire-based longitudinal study to assess associations between IAQ and health and well-being outcomes over time. Moreover, the PhD candidate will support a scientific evidence review of IAQ health impacts, and will contribute to the development and implementation of a health impact assessment (HIA) model to assess health impacts of current and counterfactual IAQ to provide insight into how much IAQ is a health risk factor for the European population.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Development of the cohort study protocol and handling of local ethics.
• Supporting the recruitment of a cohort of representative indoor facility users of the TwinAir study sites (UK, Sweden, Ireland, Greece, Germany and Spain).
• Development and implementation of a questionnaire-based, longitudinal study that assesses respiratory symptoms and disorders, physical and mental health, quality of life and well-being status of TwinAir study participants.
• Epidemiological and statistical analysis to link IAQ parameters with health and well-being outcomes.
• Evidence review of scientific literature on health impacts linked to IAQ.
• Development and implementation of a health impact assessment (HIA) model to assess the health impacts expected under current IAQ in representative indoor environments and counterfactual (intervention) scenarios.
• Writing of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Presentation of results at internal and external meetings and conferences.
• Supporting and carrying-out other activities within the scope and purpose of the TwinAir project.

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

• Outstanding organizational and team-working skills (yet capable of working independently).
• Responsible, flexible and with problem-solving skills.
• Eager to learn, proactive and with great initiative.
• Capability of setting and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrable adaptability and flexibility to adapt positively to changes.
• Availability to travel as required by project activities.
• Computer skills: MS Word, Excel and Power Point, statistical softwares (R, STATA, SPSS, etc.)
• Previous data management and statistical analysis skills are appreciated.

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

• Bachelor and Master degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, Public Health, Medicine, Statistics or related disciplines.
• Previous experience in fieldwork of recruiting study participants, working with and analysing cohort data, or HIA modelling is appreciated.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Excellent level in spoken and written English.
• Good level in Spanish and/or Catalan appreciated.

CONDITIONS

• Duration: 3 years
• Starting date: Nov 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 18th 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.