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 looking for a Software Engineer with strong experience in DataSHIELD and federated data analysis to design and implement secure, distributed analytics solutions for large-scale health research networks for the project FLEX4HELATH. The project is a European initiative aimed at scaling federated health data analysis across Europe by integrating leading research infrastructures such as BBMRI, ELIXIR, and EIRENE, together with proven open science platforms like MOLGENIS and DataSHIELD.

The Barcelona Research Group in Environmental Epidemiology (BRGE) at ISGlobal is a multidisciplinary team advancing research on how environmental exposures across the life course impact human health, integrating epidemiology, exposome science, multi-omics, and advanced biostatistics. Closely aligned, the Hub Health Analytics serves as ISGlobal’s data science and digital innovation platform, enabling secure, federated, and FAIR-compliant analysis of sensitive health data. Together, BRGE and the Hub combine scientific excellence with cutting-edge computational infrastructures to drive collaborative, privacy-preserving, and policy-relevant global health research across Europe and beyond.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and maintain secure federated analysis infrastructures within FLEX4HEALTH.

• Develop and optimize DataSHIELD-based analytical workflows.

• Ensure interoperability between European research infrastructures (e.g., BBMRI, ELIXIR, EIRENE).

• Contribute to privacy-preserving analytics and compliance with regulatory standards.

• Collaborate with epidemiologists, data scientists, and IT teams to harmonize cross-cohort data.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Implement and test DataSHIELD servers and client-side functions.

• Develop R scripts and packages for federated statistical analyses.

• Support metadata harmonization and FAIR-compliant data cataloguing.

• Document technical developments and prepare user guidelines.

• Participate in technical meetings and contribute to project deliverables and reports.

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

• Strong experience with DataSHIELD and federated data architectures.

• Knowledge of distributed systems, secure remote analysis, and privacy-preserving computation.

• Experience with APIs, microservices, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).

• Familiarity with FAIR data principles and metadata standards.

• Understanding of GDPR and data governance frameworks in health research.

• Experience working with large-scale cohort, biobank, or exposome datasets.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and international teams.

• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken).

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’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Data Science, or related field.

• Proven experience with DataSHIELD development and deployment.

• Strong programming skills in R (essential) and familiarity with Python.

• Experience with distributed systems and federated architectures.

• Knowledge of GDPR and data governance in health research.

• Experience with APIs (REST), microservices, and containerization (Docker).

• Familiarity with Git-based workflows and CI/CD practices.

• Ability to work in international, multidisciplinary environments.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in Catalan and Spanish.

CONDITIONS

• Duration: 1 year

• Starting date: 10/03/2026

• Contract Type: Full time

• Salary: According to ISGlobal 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 9th of March 2026.

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.