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 Laboratory Technician for project PID2025-170457OB-I00, ‘Dissecting GPI Anchor and N-Glycan Functions Across Asexual and Sexual Development in Plasmodium falciparum (BackToTheBasics)’, funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation, under the 2025 call for Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento (as part of the Programa Estatal para la Investigación y el Desarrollo Experimental, del Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica, Técnica y de Innovación 2024-2027), to manage and conduct research aimed at characterizing the biosynthesis and function of essential Plasmodium falciparum glycoconjugates, namely GPI anchors and N-glycans, to clarify its roles in parasite growth, development, and transmission. This knowledge is revealing new vulnerabilities and will inform future therapeutic or preventive interventions. Specifically, the candidate will investigate the functional roles of GPI anchor biosynthesis and N-glycosylation during P. falciparum sexual development. This includes determining whether these glycoconjugate pathways are required for gametocytogenesis, maturation, gamete formation, and fertilization, and characterizing the glycosylated proteins involved in these processes. Using genetic, biochemical, and phenotypic approaches, the candidate will explore how glycoconjugate biosynthesis contributes to sexual-stage biology and transmission, to identify novel vulnerabilities potentially exploitable for transmission-blocking interventions.

The candidate will actively contribute to the analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of research findings, including the preparation and submission of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for generating comprehensive research reports documenting experimental procedures, results, and conclusions, ensuring scientific rigor and traceability. This position offers the possibility of subsequently pursuing a PhD within the group; candidates interested in developing this research further into a doctoral project are particularly encouraged to apply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analysis of gametocyte development following conditional gene disruption, under tightly controlled induction and synchronization regimens

• Biochemical and molecular analyses of sexual stages from knockout/control parasite lines, to describe the molecular basis of the phenotypes observed

• Design and manage experiments to functionally characterize glycoconjugate pathways in sexual development, focusing on gamete activation, exflagellation, and fertilization competence following conditional gene disruption.

• Assess and validate bioactive compounds, leveraging them as experimental probes to dissect gametocyte biochemistry

• Carry out supervised & independent research on parasite biochemistry and molecular biology

• Draft formal reports and prepare presentations/figures describing main results

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Tasks required by the research carried out at the laboratory (P. falciparum in vitro culture, molecular and biochemistry techniques, manipulation of Plasmodium parasites, etc)

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

• Degree in Biology/Biochemistry or similar. Master’s degree in parasitology, biochemistry, biotechnology or related.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Degree & MSc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology or similar

• Self-motivation and perseverance

• Advanced training in parasitology/P. falciparum laboratory techniques (parasite biochemistry, immunofluorescence techniques, Flow cytometry-assisted parasite analysis and growth inhibition assays, microscopy…)

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

• Computer skills (Windows, Microsoft Office, Statistics and Bioinformatics)

CONDITIONS

• Contract: full time, 2.5 years (with possible extension)

• Salary: 21.224€ gross annual

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

• Start date: November 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 September.

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.