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 highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Democra-MITS project (Democratizing Mortality Surveillance through Simplified Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling), an international initiative supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The project aims to develop and validate simplified, cost-efficient postmortem diagnostic protocols to improve cause-of-death determination in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

We are looking for an independent and creative researcher with strong analytical skills and a background in pathology, microbiology, epidemiology, or biomedical science. The candidate will work at the intersection of laboratory science, data analytics, and public health, contributing to the scientific design, analysis/interpretation, and dissemination of research findings.

The successful candidate will be based at ISGlobal (Barcelona) and will collaborate closely with international partners in Mozambique and Nepal.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Scientific Leadership and Research

• Lead the scientific design, analysis, and interpretation of findings from the Democra-MITS project in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of simplified MITS (s-MITS) diagnostic protocols based on evidence generated from retrospective modeling and prospective validation.
• Integrate outputs from pathology, microbiology, and AI-assisted data modeling to produce robust, evidence-based recommendations.
• Conduct comparative analyses between simplified, conventional, and complete diagnostic autopsy procedures, assessing diagnostic performance and clinical relevance.
• Coordinate scientific activities related to methodology, data interpretation, and synthesis of results across study sites.

• Collaborate with the Data Scientist (Bioinformatics) to ensure alignment between analytical models and biological/clinical interpretation.
• Support data quality review and validation of model outputs, contributing to the interpretation of diagnostic accuracy metrics and epidemiological patterns.
• Participate in the development of evidence synthesis frameworks, translating analytical findings into actionable insights for mortality surveillance systems.

• Lead the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, conference abstracts, and technical reports.
• Contribute to presentations, workshops, and scientific meetings (CODA Consortium, CHAMPS, MITS Alliance).
• Support the development of policy-relevant outputs, translating research results into recommendations for global health stakeholders and ministries of health.

• Provide scientific mentorship and guidance to students, research assistants, and collaborating site teams.
• Facilitate effective scientific exchange between ISGlobal and partner institutions, promoting methodological consistency and collaborative learning.
• Participate actively in internal research meetings, contributing to cross-project integration and innovation.
• Participate actively in the development of future research lines derived from Democra-MITS and contribute to competitive grant applications, including postdoctoral fellowship proposals (Juan de la Cierva, Marie Skłodowska-Curie, La Caixa INPhINIT, or national programs) in coordination with the ISGlobal research team.

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

Required

• PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Pathology, Microbiology, Epidemiology, Global Health, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in biomedical research, including study design, data analysis, and interpretation of biomedical data.
• Strong understanding of diagnostic accuracy studies, epidemiological methods, or mortality surveillance systems.
• Track record of scientific writing and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary and international teams.

• Experience working with postmortem or pathology data, or familiarity with autopsy-related projects.
• Knowledge of AI-assisted analytical approaches or experience collaborating with data scientists on biomedical modeling.
• Familiarity with public health data systems in LMIC settings and their operational constraints.
• Experience mentoring junior researchers or coordinating scientific outputs across teams.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated scientific independence with the capacity to lead specific research components within a large, multidisciplinary project.
• Proven experience in interpreting complex biomedical or diagnostic data, ideally from pathology, microbiology, or epidemiology studies.
• Strong analytical mindset and ability to critically evaluate AI- or model-generated outputs and translate them into biologically and clinically meaningful conclusions.
• Familiarity with diagnostic accuracy evaluation frameworks, including sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and kappa statistics.
• Experience in preparing and publishing high-quality scientific manuscripts, technical reports, or conference abstracts.
• Ability to work effectively with field and laboratory teams to ensure data quality and consistency, while focusing on scientific integrity rather than operational management.
• High level of initiative, adaptability, and curiosity, with motivation to innovate within the project’s methodological and analytical frameworks.
• Willingness to engage in career development activities, including the preparation of postdoctoral fellowship applications and contributions to competitive grant proposals.

• Strong scientific curiosity and initiative to explore innovative approaches to cause-of-death determination.
• Attention to detail in research design, documentation, and reporting.
• Ability to translate analytical findings into public health implications and actionable insights.
• Motivation to contribute to capacity building and health policy translation in global health contexts.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency English
• Catalan/Spanish highly desirable

CONDITIONS

• Duration: 2 years, with possibility to continue working with the team
• Starting date: 25/11/2025
• 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 17th of November 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.