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 Research Assistant to join the Tuberculosis group under the supervision of Dr. Alberto García-Basteiro, within the framework of the TEST4TPT project.

TEST4TPT is an EDCTP3-supported research collaboration strengthening tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) in eastern and southern Africa. The project evaluates whether accessible tuberculosis infection testing—combined with digital tools and community health workers—helps more household contacts start and complete tuberculosis preventive treatment compared with usual care.

The project brings together clinical, implementation, social science, health economics, and modelling expertise across Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, and European partner institutions. Activities include validating AI-assisted reading of the SIILTIBCY skin test, a pragmatic cluster trial comparing delivery strategies, mixed-methods assessment of feasibility and acceptability, and evaluation of costs and population health impact. Communications and policy engagement aim to translate findings into national programmes and broader guidance.

The ideal candidate will have experience in tuberculosis research, global/public health, or epidemiology, with strong skills in study design, data analysis, scientific writing, and coordination with field sites.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and contribute to the development of research protocols

• Coordinate field activities and maintain close liaison with CISM and other African partner sites.

• Conduct and support data collection, management, and statistical analysis.

• Contribute to scientific outputs including manuscripts, reports, and presentations.

• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and institutional regulations.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Draft and finalize study protocols in collaboration with the principal investigator and project partners.

• Liaise regularly with the CISM team in Manhiça, Mozambique, to support study implementation.

• Perform data cleaning, analysis, and interpretation of TB-related datasets.

• Prepare scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.

• Contribute to project deliverables, reports, and policy briefs.

• Participate in international conferences and project meetings as required.

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

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to synthesise complex scientific information clearly.

• Written and spoken fluency in English; Portuguese is a strong asset.

• Knowledge of reference management tools (e.g., Zotero, EndNote).

• Good interpersonal and communication skills for multicultural team environments.

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

• Medical degree (MD), PhD, or Master of Public Health (MPH) or equivalent.

•  Experience in tuberculosis research is highly valued.

• Previous experience in study protocol development and implementation research.

• Familiarity with field research in low- and middle-income countries, particularly sub-Saharan Africa

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Proficiency in English (written and spoken) — essential.

• Portuguese language skills — highly desirable given coordination with CISM, Mozambique.

• Availability for travel to Mozambique and other project countries.

• Excellent scientific writing skills.

• Ability to work independently and within multicultural, international teams.

• Good organizational and time management skills.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• English: Proficiency (written and spoken) — required.

• Portuguese: Working knowledge — highly desirable.

CONDITIONS

• Contract: Part time (20% FTE)

• Salary: According to ISGLOBAL salaries for a research assistant

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

• Start date: As soon as possible

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 xxx.

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.