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 full-time postdoctoral researcher to join the project PERGOLA (Estudio del transcriptoma de placenta y su impacto en el neurodesarrollo prenatal y posnatal: comprensión de los mecanismos y desarrollo de biomarcadores tempranos) financiado por el Instituto de Salud Carlos III y cofinanciado con fondos FEDER (PI24/01460) .

The primary goal is to assess the association between placental RNA profiles and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring (up to 4 years of age).

The successful candidate will design and execute advanced bioinformatic and statistical analyses to identify predictive RNA markers related to child neurodevelopment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Data management and curation

• Collect, version control, and clean neuropsychological variables (including the curation of any new scales).

• Preprocessing of transcriptomics data (RNA-sequencing data).

• Ensure the integrity, quality, and traceability of all project data.

Data Integration and Cohort Preparation

• Merge RNA sequencing data with clinical, sociodemographic factors, and test results.

• Prepare clean and structured datasets, paying special attention to stratification by sex and ancestry.

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Statistical Analysis, Association and Prediction

• Develop new analysis pipelines to: – Assess the association between placental RNA profiles and neurodevelopmental outcomes (e.g., using linear models, GLMs). – Identify the most predictive RNAs using methods like Stability Selection combined with LASSO regression. – Integrate other omics data (e.g., DNA Methylation) to potentially improve predictive models.

• Construct and evaluate statistical models (e.g., Generalized Additive Models – GAMs), using performance metrics such as R² and MAD (Median Absolute Deviation).

• Execute both internal validation and external cohort validation to ensure result robustness.

Dissemination and Documentation

• Create professional-quality figures and tables for scientific manuscripts.

• Draft methods sections for publications.

• Prepare and document data packages for public repositories.

Coordination and Ethics:

• Provide technical and bioinformatic support to the multidisciplinary team.

• Actively participate in weekly coordination meetings.

• Ensure full compliance with ethical and data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR).

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

• Phd in Computational biology/bioinformatics

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in Catalan, English, and Spanish.

CONDITIONS

• Duration: 17 months

• Starting date: January 2026

• Contract Type: Full time

• Salary: 30.000 - 33.000 gross annual.

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 23th 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.