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

IISGlobal is seeking a postdoc researcher who is interested in taking over and managing activities of the project CODA-Democra-MITS. The overall project goal is create low-cost, field-adapted s-MITS protocols tailored for neonatal, pediatric, adult, and maternal deaths, maintaining high diagnostic accuracy while reducing cost, time, and complexity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interpret and integrate microbiological, molecular and sequencing results to contribute to

  the identification of the most probable cause of death.

• Present and discuss results within a multidisciplinary team.

• Ensure the quality and traceability of the results.

• Contribute to data analysis and scientific interpretation of project findings.

To adapt the post to a Hybrid model: Outcome-focused descriptions. These articulate the outcomes expected from a role—not the specific tasks or duties the employee would be required to perform. This approach gives employees flexibility to determine the best way to achieve those results.

• Participate in the preparation of scientific publications and communications arising from

  the project.

• Collaborate in the scientific management of the project, including experimental planning

  and optimization.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Reception, registration and identification of samples from autopsies.

• Processing of biological samples for microbiological and molecular analysis.

• Extraction of nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) from various sample types.

• Performance of molecular diagnostic assays (PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR) for pathogen detection.

• Bacterial culture, isolation and identification using standard microbiological techniques.

• Sequencing and analysis of results.

• Recording and interpretation of experimental results.

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.

• Sequencing and molecular diagnostics.

• Data analysis and scientific interpretation.

• Scientific writing and communication.

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 Microbiology or a related field.

• Knowledge of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases.

• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques applied to pathogen detection.

• Ability to manage and document samples and experimental data.

• Experience in basic bioinformatics or sequencing data analysis.

• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team (microbiologists, pathologists, clinicians, etc.).

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience in the handling and processing of biological samples, particularly

  clinical or post-mortem samples.

• Experience in the extraction of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from different types of

  biological samples.

• Experience in molecular diagnostic techniques, particularly PCR, RT-PCR and/or qPCR for

  the detection of pathogens.

• Experience in bacterial culture, isolation and identification.

• Experience in preparing samples for sequencing and basic sequencing data analysis.

• Experience in handling potentially infectious samples.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in English(B2), and Spanish.

CONDITIONS

• Duration: 17 months

• Starting date: 01/05/2026

• Contract Type: Full time

• Salary: Postdoc C

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 31st 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.