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 candidate to apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship within the group Nanomalaria, under the supervision of Dr. Xavier Fernàndez-Busquets. The candidate has to have significant accomplishments in the area of molecular biology of malaria and/or leishmaniasis and must be committed to excellence in research in a multidisciplinary environment, with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Candidate must fulfill the eligibility requirements to apply for current Marie Curie IF open call. The research will be focused on the development of the new antiplasmodial compound YAT2150 and its derivatives. The contract will be within the framework of one of the research lines of the Nanomalaria Group, whose objective is the characterization of the inhibition of protein aggregation as a novel mode of action of future antimalarial and antileishmanial drugs. The main tasks and responsibilities of the hired person will be: (1) to perform growth inhibition assays using Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania infantum in vitro cultures; (2) to conduct computational analysis of genomes and of disordered protein regions; (3) to analyze molecular condensates formed through liquid-liquid phase separation; and (4) to generate knock-out P. falciparum and L. infantum lines using molecular biology approaches.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (Guide of Applicants)

Mandatory requirements:

• Researchers in possession of a doctoral degree (EU-PhD title or adapted to the Spanish system is required) by the date 10th September 2026.

• Researchers may be of any nationality.

• (For European Fellowships) Researchers must not have resided or carried out the main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to 10th September 2026.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Researchers are expected to be experts in (1) the culture of parasites like Plasmodium and Leishmania, (2) computational analysis of genomes and of disordered protein regions, (3) cellular and molecular biology techniques, and (4) microscopy-based analysis of molecular condensates formed through liquid-liquid phase separation.

• The candidate has to have a good English level.

• Please take into account that these fellowships are for “Excellent researchers”, which implies a record and an exceptional résumé.

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

• Researchers in possession of a doctoral degree (EU-PhD title or adapted to the Spanish system is required) by the date 10th September 2026.

• Researchers may be of any nationality.

• (For European Fellowships) Researchers must not have resided or carried out the main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to 10th September 2026.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Researchers are expected to be experts in Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Genomics with knowledge in Bioinformatics. The candidate has to have a good English level.

• Please take into account that these fellowships are for “Excellent researchers”, which implies a record and an exceptional résumé.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in English.

HOW TO APPLY

Potential candidates must fill in the request form and include the following code reference position: PD_MSCA-IF-LLPS PLASMODIUM LEISHMANIA_May25.

Candidates must also send a CV (standard academic and research record including, if applicable):

1. Publications in major, peer-reviewed conference proceedings and/or monographs of their respective research fields, indicating also the number of citations (excluding self-citations) they have attracted.

2. Granted patent(s).

3. Research monographs chapters in collective volumes and any translations thereof.

4. Invited presentations to peer-reviewed, internationally established conferences and/or international advanced schools.

5. Research expeditions that the Experienced Researcher has led.

6. Organisation of International conferences in the field of the applicant (membership in the steering and/or programme committee).

7. Examples of participation in industrial innovation.

8. Prizes and Awards.

9. Funding received so far.

10. Supervising, mentoring activities.

11. Contact details (address, email etc.)

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.