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 Research Assistant who is interested in taking over and managing Coordination activities of the project “Description of HIV drug resistance patterns and its association with the risk of HIV mother to child transmission among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan African countries” (MAIDEN).

In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV drug resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as efavirenz and nevirapine has been estimated to be over 10%. Since 2019, the World Health Organization recommends the antiretroviral drug dolutegravir (DTG), an integrase inhibitor with a high barrier to resistance. Although resistance to DTG remains rare, continued monitoring is crucial. Despite major advances in preventing mother-to-child transmission, it remains a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, where drug-resistant strains threaten both prevention and treatment success. The overall goal of the MAIDEN project is to describe the prevalence and the characteristics of HIVDR mutations before and after DTG scale-up among pregnant women from southern Mozambique and Gabon.
The project is funded by the Carlos III Health Institute (PI22/01028), co-funded by the European Union and coordinated by ISGlobal.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support general project coordination activities.
• Contribute to the development of scientific and regulatory project documents (including research protocols, standard operating procedures, project reports, etc.).
• Participate in scientific discussions during the study implementation and results discussions.
• Coordinate sample selection and shipment for analysis.
• Lead data management and analysis.
• Contribute to the writing of manuscripts and the gathering of relevant information.
• Working under direct supervision and reporting to ISGlobal’s Principal Investigator (Raquel González).

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• xSupport the project team in the daily functioning of the project and developing of tasks.
• Facilitate regular contacts of partners through setting up meetings and teleconferences.
• Preparation of project presentations and/or present them at different audiences.
• Support the development of other research proposals for competitive grants.
• Willingness to travel to project countries (Gabon and Mozambique) and to conferences, as required by project activities.

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.

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

• Advanced University degree (preferably in biomedical or related sciences).
• Master in Public/Global Health/ Epidemiology or equivalent.
• Trained and experienced in quantitative methods.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• A very good command (advanced level) of English and Spanish.
• At least three years of experience in research and project management.
• Excellent writing ability to elaborate high-quality and concise technical reports. Excellent presentation skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, STATA (or other statistical package), communication applications and web technologies
• Flexibility. Open to new ideas and new working methods, adapt positively to change, exchange views and opinions with colleagues. Able to work independently while understanding own limits.
• Interest to work in low and middle income countries.
• To have a genuine interest in biomedical research of infectious diseases, capacity building and global development.

CONDITIONS

• Duration: 9 months
• Starting date: November 2025
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: According to ISGlobal internal salary scale

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 24th of October 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.