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 in population data science to take a leading role in the implementation of the methodological components of the ERC-funded project “MentalSEP”, performed in collaboration between ISGlobal and Aarhus University (Denmark).

This position will concentrate on developing and validating novel methods to combine information from multiple large-scale data sources derived from the same underlying populations. Specifically, the postdoc will contribute to methodological innovations that enable the joint analysis of administrative registers, population health surveys, and genetic datasets.

The postdoctoral researcher will work on cutting-edge approaches involving synthetic data generation, machine learning, and related techniques (e.g., partial data synthesis, multiple imputation, and quantitative bias analysis). The role combines methodological development with applied work in psychiatric epidemiology, offering the opportunity to test new methods using uniquely rich population data. The position provides strong scope for methodological publications, software development (e.g., development of R packages), and collaboration with leading international experts in population data science.

The postdoctoral researcher will have substantial opportunity to develop independent research ideas within the scope of MentalSEP, publish in leading journals, and contribute to open-science outputs (e.g., shared code, reproducible workflows, and project-related dissemination activities).

This position is ideal for candidates with backgrounds in statistics, data science, machine learning, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related fields - and an interest in real-world applications. Please notice that we are also offering a position for a postdoctoral researcher in social psychiatric epidemiology as part of the same project.

The successful candidate will join the Population Mental Health Group (PopMental), with researchers based at ISGlobal and Aarhus University. PopMental is an interdisciplinary and international team working at the intersection of psychiatric epidemiology, social inequalities, genetics, and data science, with a strong emphasis on methodological innovation and real‑world public health impact. The group conducts large‑scale population‑based research using some of the richest data resources available worldwide and publishes regularly in leading international journals. Beyond the science, PopMental is a genuinely collaborative, supportive, and inclusive research environment. We place high value on mentorship, intellectual openness, and work–life balance, and we actively support the career development and independence of early‑career researchers. Team members are encouraged to develop their own ideas, lead publications, engage in international collaborations, and contribute to open science. Working with us means being part of a motivated group where high scientific standards go hand in hand with a friendly and respectful atmosphere. More information about the group and its work can be found at www.popmental.org.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and coordinate research activities related to population data science

• Contribute to the strategic planning and execution of the project objectives

• Some degree of contribution towards attracting external research funding

• Make applications as needed for access to data

• Collaborate within an active research group with national and international collaborators

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Design studies within population data science

• Develop analysis plans and conduct statistical analyses

• Supervise junior researchers and support training activities

• Prepare scientific publications and present results in conferences

• Communicate complex methods to non-specialist collaborators

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 communications and interpersonal 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 degree in data science, (bio)statistics, epidemiology, computer science, quantitative social science, or a closely related field. Candidates expected to finish their PhD within the next few months are also invited to apply.

• Having publications in international peer-reviewed journals as first author

• Strong background in statistical modelling and/or machine learning, with experience working on complex, high-dimensional datasets.

• Demonstrated experience with data integration, missing data methods, synthetic data methods or data fusion.

• Excellent programming skills (e.g., in R and/or Python), including writing efficient, well-structured, and reproducible codex

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Additional strengths (advantageous but not required) are (i) experience working with large-scale population or administrative data, (ii) experience developing or contributing to open-source software (e.g., R packages), (iii) prior collaboration with epidemiologists or health researchers, and (iv) interest in mental health, social inequalities, or population health research (even if coming from a primarily methodological background).

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in English.

CONDITIONS

• Contract: 3 years contract

• Salary: 30.656-38.911 € gross annual salary

• Work-Life Balance: 36 days off per year (23 vacation days + 13 personal days)

• Start date: 1st September 2026 (starting date is flexible)

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 19th of June 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.