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 looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher with strong statistical modelling skills to develop and apply statistical methods for transmission network inference in malaria for the project: CONTRA-MAL: Connecting the dots in malaria transmission dynamics: inferring transmission networks by integrating genetics and epidemiology, funded by Fundación “la Caixa”. The project sits at the interface of pathogen genomic epidemiology, statistical inference, and open-source software development and would be an excellent fit for someone excited about developing new methods with real public health impact.

About the group:

The postholder will work closely with Dr Shazia Ruybal-Pesántez, Junior Research Leader in Genomic and Computational Epidemiology and TAGUA Research Group Lead, based within the Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases Program. TAGUA is a recently established interdisciplinary research group working at the intersection of infectious disease surveillance, pathogen genomics, computational epidemiology and applied public health research, with a particular focus on malaria and other vector-borne pathogens. We actively support career development of team members through conference travel, consortia participation, training workshops, mentorship, engagement with senior researchers and international collaborators, and opportunities to develop independent research ideas within the scope of the research programme.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

The postdoctoral researcher will develop a network-based inferential framework for reconstructing malaria transmission networks from epidemiological and genetic data, including:

• model development and extension to accommodate the complexity of malaria genetic data;

• model testing through simulation and fitting to datasets from international partner studies;

• open-source R package development and reproducible workflows.

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

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary teamm.

• Strong programming skills in R or Python, with reproducible coding practices.

• Team-work

• Problem resolution.

• Learning capacity.

• Previous experience in project management.

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

• A PhD (awarded or near completion) in statistics, epidemiology, mathematics, or a related quantitative field.

• Demonstrable experience developing, fitting and validating likelihood-based or Bayesian models.

• Depth in at least one of: Bayesian inference and computation (e.g. MCMC), diffusion-based modelling, network science, or infectious disease outbreak analytics.

• Peer-reviewed modelling papers as lead author or equivalent major research output (as appropriate for career stage)

• Experience in infectious diseases dynamic modelling, pathogen genomic epidemiology (e.g., phylogenetics), simulation-based model validation, and/or track record of open science (e.g. open-source code, R packages) will be highly valued.

• Prior epidemiology or pathogen genetics experience is not required, but genuine interest in these areas is important.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in English (C1).

CONDITIONS

• Contract: 18 months full-time (with possibility to extend)

• Salary: 30.656 € gross annual.

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

• Start date: January 2027 (negotiable)

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.

Please add 2 references and your GitHub profile in your Cover Letter.

Applications will remain open until October 30th.

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.