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 Senior Postdoctoral Researcher to take a leading role in the implementation and coordination of activities within the EU-funded project PREPARE-TID (Pipeline for Rapid Diagnostics of Emergency Transboundary Infectious Diseases).

The overall project goal is to develop and deploy advanced molecular diagnostic and metagenomic tools for rapid detection and surveillance of emerging infectious diseases within a One Health framework.

The candidate will contribute to the design, execution, and coordination of research activities focused on environmental microbiology, with particular emphasis on airborne microbial communities and their role in pathogen surveillance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and coordinate research activities related to airborne microbiome analysis within the project

• Contribute to the strategic planning and execution of project objectives

• Oversee development and optimization of protocols for low biomass environmental samples

• Coordinate integration of molecular diagnostics and sequencing approaches

• Collaborate with international partners across the consortium

• Contribute to reporting deliverables and project milestones

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Design and implement experimental workflows for air microbiome analysis

• Conduct field sampling campaigns and ensure quality control

• Perform laboratory work including nucleic acid extraction and sequencing library preparation

• Conduct downstream bioinformatics and statistical analyses

• Supervise junior researchers and support training activities

• Prepare scientific publications and present results at conferences

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.

• High organizational capacity.

• Strong communication skills.

• Adaptability.

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, environmental science, molecular biology, or a related discipline

• Minimum 3–5 years of postdoctoral experience in environmental or molecular microbiology

• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications

• Strong expertise in low biomass sample processing, including air samples

• Experience in metagenomic sequencing (Illumina and/or long-read platforms)

• Demonstrated experience in project coordination or leadership roles

• Experience in European collaborative projects is highly desirable

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced laboratory skills in DNA/RNA extraction and library preparation

• Experience with bioaerosol sampling methodologies (e.g., high-volume samplers, liquid samplers)

• Strong analytical skills in bioinformatics and statistical analysis (R/Python)

• Ability to work independently and coordinate multidisciplinary teams

• Experience in grant writing and scientific reporting is an asset

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Excellent English (written and spoken)

• Spanish/Catalan is an asset

CONDITIONS

• Duration: 7-8 months

• Starting date: As soon as possible

• Contract Type: Full time

• Salary: According to ISGlobal internal scales (Senior Postdoctoral level)

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 15th of May 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.