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 for a motivated postdoctoral candidate to apply for a Marie Curie Individual fellowship or equivalent competitive calls, within the Malaria Immunology Group. The overall goals are to investigate the molecular and functional basis of the B-cell response to malaria and vaccines, to understand the role of antibodies in preventing and controlling infection.

Project outline: Malaria is a major global health concern, jeopardizing the future of childhood, equity and economic development of endemic countries. Hence, the progress towards an effective vaccine is a global priority to protect vulnerable populations and achieve elimination goals. Although RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) is the first malaria vaccine approved for use in African children, its efficacy during phase 3 clinical trials was partial and its duration modest. Understanding the factors behind limited vaccine efficacy and identifying the determinants of protective immunity is required to support improved next-generation vaccines aiming to provide maximum coverage. High-affinity antibodies arising naturally upon infection or induced by vaccination are key elements of the immune response against infectious agents, and is driven by the extraordinary diversity of antibody molecules. In this regard, antigen-specific human monoclonal antibodies (humAbs) represent unique snapshots of the immune system in action that, when characterized at the molecular and functional level, provide crucial information of the humoral immune response. The project aims to develop an in-depth humoral immunoprofiling of African children participants from the multicenter RTS,S phase 3 clinical trial. By combining single B-cell isolation and humAb molecular cloning; immunophenotyping of lymphocyte populations; and immunoglobulin functional and biophysical characterization, the candidate will elucidate hallmarks of protective and long-lasting antibody responses, and identify mobilized B-cell subsets. The discoveries will provide a new layer of knowledge on the B-cell antibody response to malaria in a previously unexplored population, that could be extended to other pediatric infections, and will inform new vaccines maximizing the induction of protective responses to increase efficacy.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD on biomedical sciences with strong background on human B-cell biology, molecular immunology and antibody research.

• The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, ready to take intellectual and technical challenges in a competitive research environment.

• Strong organization and team-working and multi-tasking skills.

• Fluency in English is required.

• Candidate must fulfill the eligibility requirements to apply for current Marie Curie individual fellowship open call (Please check eligibility criteria). Application to other postdoctoral competitive calls will be also considered.

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 accountable to ensure ISGlobal policies and procedures.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must fill in the request form and include the following code reference position: Postdoc-MSCA-IF_Bcell_MalariaImmuno_April26’, attach the CV (including 2 references) and a motivation letter. Each attached document must be named with the candidate´s name and surname.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Only the applications submitted through the request form will be considered.

For informal enquiries please contact Luis Molinos-Albert, luis.molinos@isglobal.org

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.