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 Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to the EU-funded AURORA project, which investigates the health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics during early-life, with a particular focus on the in utero exposome.

The project integrates analytical chemistry, exposomics, and epidemiological cohort research to identify and quantify emerging exposures and evaluate their potential impacts on maternal and child health. The successful candidate will support the integration of chemical exposure measurements with cohort-based exposome data, contribute to the interpretation of analytical chemistry results, and coordinate activities linking laboratory analyses and epidemiological studies.

This position provides an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on emerging environmental contaminants and the early-life exposome, within a highly collaborative European research project.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Scientific Coordination and Project Support

  Support coordination of research activities linking analytical chemistry outputs with epidemiological analyses within the AURORA project.

  Facilitate collaboration between analytical chemistry teams and cohort researchers to ensure appropriate integration of exposure data.

  Participate in internal project meetings and contribute to planning and monitoring of relevant project tasks.

  Assist with communication between partners and support documentation of scientific progress.

• Exposome and Analytical Data Integration
  Support interpretation and integration of chemical exposure measurements generated through analytical chemistry platforms.
  Contribute to the harmonization and integration of exposure biomarkers within cohort datasets.
  Help translate laboratory-based measurements into variables suitable for epidemiological analyses of the exposome.
  Contribute to methodological discussions related to emerging exposure assessment approaches.

• Cohort-Based Exposome Research

  Support the analysis and interpretation of environmental exposure data within mother–child cohort studies.

  Contribute to the integration of biomonitoring data with health and molecular outcomes.

  Assist in developing analytical approaches to evaluate early-life exposures to micro- and nanoplastics.

• Reporting and Dissemination

  Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, presentations, and manuscripts.

  Support documentation of project outputs and methodological approaches.

  Participate in dissemination activities within the project consortium.

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.

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 environmental health, analytical chemistry, environmental epidemiology, exposure science, or a related discipline.

• Demonstrated expertise in exposome research and environmental exposure assessment.

• Knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques used for the detection and characterization of environmental contaminants (e.g., mass spectrometry-based methods, chemical biomonitoring approaches).

• Experience working with population-based cohorts or epidemiological datasets relevant to exposome research.

• Understanding of biomonitoring data integration and interpretation within cohort studies.

• Experience coordinating scientific tasks or contributing to collaborative research projects.

• Experience with data processing and statistical analyses in R or Python is an asset.

• Experience with emerging contaminants such as micro- and nanoplastics or other environmental chemicals is desirable.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Skills (HR proposes for PhD student, serve as a reference)

• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.

• Strong organizational and coordination abilities.

• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.

• Problem-solving mindset and proactive approach.

• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research linking analytical chemistry, exposomics, and epidemiology.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in English (written and spoken).

CONDITIONS

• Duration: 23 March 2026 - 31 May 2026

• Starting date: 23/03/2026

• Contract Type: Full time

• Salary Range: Postdoc B

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 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.