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 highly motivated Research Assistant to join the Maternal, Child, and Reproductive Health Programme. The successful candidate will manage the activities of the project “Evidence-based decisions for pneumonia prevention in Sierra Leone: a study on viral clinical severe pneumonia in African children” (BREEZE), playing a key role in coordinating scientific and operational activities, ensuring the timely and high-quality implementation of the objectives and deliverables.

The BREEZE project aims to contribute to 21st-century global pneumonia control efforts by characterizing the viral causes of severe pneumonia requiring hospital admission among children in high-burden, low-resource settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, the project evaluates the clinical impact of these infections on child health outcomes.

The project will be carried out in Northern Sierra Leone, targeting vulnerable populations, including children under 5 years old.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide overall coordination of the BREEZE study, ensuring timely implementation and achievement of study objectives, deliverables, and milestones.

• Coordinate closely with the Principal Investigator, onsite Study Coordinator, Scientific Advisor and site team to oversee study progress and address operational challenges.

• Lead communication, reporting, and compliance requirements with the funder (Fundació La Marató TV3).

• Support key site activities, including staff training, study initiation, enrolment start-up, monitoring visits, data review and cleaning, sample shipment, and study close-out.

• Contribute to data analysis, interpretation, reporting, and dissemination of study findings.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Development of study documents, plans, and procedures

• Assure appropriate and timely allocation of resources necessary to achieve objectives

• Training study personnel

• Agenda and minutes writing

• Oversee budget management and procurement

• Agenda and minutes writing

• Regular follow up of budget with the financial manager at ISGlobal

• Evaluate and interpret clinical data and 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

• Proactive

• Excellent management, project planning, and organization skills

• Teamwork.

• Problem resolution.

• Ability to effectively work both as a team member and independently

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.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Current ICH/GCP certification

• Excellent computer skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint or equivalent

• Experience working in international and multi-cultural environment.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Written and spoken English is required, knowledge of Spanish and Catalan a strong plus.

CONDITIONS

• Contract: full time, 2 years

• Salary: According to ISGlobal internal salary scale

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

• Start date: July 2026

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must complete the application form and upload a CV and a Cover Letter. Each document must be clearly named with the candidate’s name and surname.

Applications will remain open until 20th of July.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted and interviewed as applications are received. Interviews may take place during the application period.

We encourage diverse applications, including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and political beliefs.

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.