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

The Social Science & Economic Studies work package comprises three sub-studies rooted in implementation and social sciences. Its primary objectives are to understand community responses to the deployment of malaria vaccines and to evaluate the operational feasibility and cost-effectiveness of seasonal malaria vaccination delivery systems implemented in Guinea and Mali. ISGlobal is seeking a highly motivated Part-Time Qualitative Research Assistant to support the coordination and implementation of research activities across these sub-studies. The role will involve contributions to research design, data collection, and data analysis. The successful candidate will join the current work package team at ISGlobal and will work closely with the Work Package Lead and the Social Science Research Assistant.

This position is ideally suited for an early-career researcher or professional with a strong interest in applied social science research and global health, looking to gain further experience within a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The SMV Delivery project is a 42-month initiative funded by EDCTP3, aiming to identify the most effective strategy for administering annual booster doses of the recently approved R21/Matrix malaria vaccine in areas with seasonal malaria transmission. Malaria vaccines RTS,S/AS01E and R21/Matrix offer high initial protection, but their efficacy wanes over time. In seasonal transmission areas, there is ongoing debate on the best approach to delivering booster doses to maximize coverage and reduce malaria incidence. The SMV Delivery project is a pragmatic implementation study designed to contribute to optimizing malaria vaccine booster delivery in Mali and Guinea. The study compares different strategies: Season-based vs. age-based approaches; and mass community campaigns vs. health facility-based distribution. The goal is to determine which delivery method ensures better coverage and higher impact on malaria incidence.
The project is led by Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (Netherlands), in collaboration with the Université des Sciences des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (Mali), Centre National de Formation et de Recherche en Santé Rurale de Maferinyah (Guinea), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (United Kingdom) and ISGlobal. Within this project, the Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health program in ISGlobal leads and coordinates the work package dedicated to social research, health economics and implementation science.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the overall coordination of the Social Science & Economic Studies work package, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across all sub-studies.
• Collaborate closely with both the Work Package Lead and the Social Science Research Assistant to coordinate research implementation and ensure alignment between qualitative, quantitative, and economic sub-studies.
• Provide technical and methodological input during the implementation of sub-studies, focusing primarily on qualitative research activities while also contributing to the oversight of mixed-method components.
• Assist with planning and coordination of field data collection activities in collaboration with local teams, providing guidance and support either remotely or through occasional in-country visits.
• Contribute to data analysis and interpretation in coordination with the work package research team.
• Prepare and review technical deliverables, reports, and other documentation submitted by country teams, offering constructive feedback
• Actively participate in consortium meetings and other research-related events (online or in person), contributing to agenda preparation, documentation, and follow-up activities as needed
• Contribute to dissemination activities, including drafting or co-authoring scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and other knowledge-sharing materials.
• Fulfill additional duties as required depending on the project’s evolving needs

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Work on a part-time schedule.
• Collaborate closely with the WP lead.
• Interact effectively with the local country teams and other consortium members.
• Travel to project countries as needed to support local teams during fieldwork periods.
• Participate in consortium meetings and relevant project events, when needed

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

• Advanced proficiency in English (spoken and written); knowledge of Catalan and Spanish; working knowledge of French is an asset.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to produce clear, high-quality technical reports.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proven capacity to work independently and collaboratively within diverse, multidisciplinary research teams.
• Solid methodological expertise in qualitative research, including experience in reviewing and revising research tools and transcripts, and the ability to integrate quantitative data when relevant
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a flexible and open-minded approach to teamwork and new ways of working.

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

Essential

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Anthropology, Sociology, Public Health, Development Studies, or a related social science field.
• Proven experience in conducting qualitative research, including data collection (e.g., interviews, focus groups, observations) and data analysis.
• Experience in developing research instruments, such as interview guides or survey questionnaires.
• Experience in preparing research documentation, technical or project reports, or other written outputs.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multicultural and interdisciplinary research teams.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a remote or hybrid working environment.
• A genuine interest in social sciences.

• Experience in applied research within global health, public health, or development-related contexts
• Familiarity with mixed-methods research approaches
• Previous experience collaborating with research teams in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), preferably in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Background in large, multi-country or multi-partner research projects, including protocol development.
• Experience contributing to scientific publications, policy briefs, or dissemination activities.
• Working knowledge of French would be an advantage.
• At least two years of experience, in research, with exposure to international or cross-cultural collaboration considered an asset.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in Catalan, English, and Spanish.

CONDITIONS

• Duration: until 31/03/2028
• Starting date: December 2025
• Contract Type: Part 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 20th 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.