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 Postdoctoral Fellowship within the TAGUA Genomic and Computational Epidemiology Research Group, under the supervision of Dr Shazia Ruybal-Pesántez, in close collaboration with leading experts in the P. vivax and exosome research group (PvREX group).

The candidate should have significant accomplishments in population genetics, genomic epidemiology, epidemiological modelling, bioinformatics, biostatistics, or related quantitative approaches to malaria research. The candidate must be committed to excellent, collaborative research in a multidisciplinary environment, with strong communication and interpersonal skills and dedication to open science. Candidates must fulfil the eligibility requirements for the current Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship call.

Plasmodium vivax is the most geographically widespread human malaria parasite and remains a major challenge for malaria elimination. Unlike other malaria parasites, P. vivax can persist in hidden parasite reservoirs within the host, including dormant liver-stage hypnozoites that reactivate weeks or months after an initial infection, as well as possible extra-circulating parasite biomass in tissues such as the spleen or bone marrow. These reservoirs complicate diagnosis, surveillance, and interpretation of recurrent infections, making it difficult to distinguish relapse, recrudescence, reinfection, and onward transmission.

The research will focus on developing genomic-epidemiological computational models to understand P. vivax infection and transmission dynamics. The project will integrate parasite genetic data and epidemiological data (including recurrence timing and spatial or prior exposure information) to distinguish biological and epidemiological drivers of asymptomatic malaria infections. This work will contribute to improved interpretation of P. vivax surveillance data in elimination and resurgence settings. Researchers are expected to be experts in quantitative modelling, computational biology, population genetics, genomic epidemiology, statistical inference, bioinformatics, or infectious disease epidemiology. Experience with malaria, P. vivax biology, pathogen genomics, or open-source analytical workflows would be highly desirable.

ISGlobal offers a dynamic, multidisciplinary scientific environment to undertake this exciting research with opportunities to also engage with international partners at Menzies School of Health Research (Australia).

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.

• (For Global Fellowships) the researcher must not have resided or carried out the main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Third Country (not a EU member state or associated) where the initial outgoing phase takes place for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to 10th September 2025.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Researchers are expected to be experts in quantitative modelling, computational biology, population genetics, genomic epidemiology, statistical inference, bioinformatics, or infectious disease epidemiology.

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

• The candidate has to have a good English level

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- ALARIA_GENOMIC_AND_COMPUTATIONAL_EPIDEMIOLOGY_July26.

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.