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 Senior Laboratory Technician to support and coordinate the laboratory activities of the project “Treu la llengua per la tuberculosis: Validació diagnòstica dels frotis lingual per a la realització de contactes” (MOVE-TB study). The overall project goal is to determine the contribution of tongue swabs as a novel, sputum-free diagnostic tool for tuberculosis (TB) among TB contacts. The findings will help define the role of tongue swab testing within active case-finding (ACF) diagnostic algorithms and support strategies to reduce the TB case detection gap.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform specialized mycobacteriology laboratory procedures in accordance with established protocols and biosafety requirements

• Support quality assurance and quality control activities to ensure the reliability of Laboratory results.

• Contribute to the implementation and optimization of new laboratory techniques supporting tuberculosis research.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Manage sample reception, storage and processing.

• Perform laboratory testing of tongue swab and sputum samples collected from TB contacts.

• Support the implementation and optimization of tongue swab diagnostic procedures.

• Report laboratory results to the clinical team.

• Maintain accurate study records and contribute to data collection, analysis and project reporting.

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 attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality laboratory data.

• Hands-on experience in mycobacteriology techniques, including culture, molecular testing, and quality control procedures.

• Good knowledge of biosafety practices, particularly when handling mycobacterial samples.

• Problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and resolve technical issues in the laboratory.

• Good organizational and teamwork skills, with the ability to manage priorities and support research activities effectively.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.

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 Laboratory Technology, Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biology, or a related life sciences field. Postgraduate training in microbiology or infectious diseases will be considered an asset.

• At least 5 years of experience working in a mycobacteriology laboratory, with demonstrated expertise in the handling and characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and related diagnostic and research methodologies.

• Experience with mycobacterial diagnostic and research techniques, such as culture-based methods, molecular diagnostics, drug susceptibility testing (DST), and quality control procedures.

• Knowledge of biosafety practices and regulations, particularly those applicable to mycobacteriology laboratories and BSL-3 environments.

• Experience participating in tuberculosis-related research projects and working collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams will be highly valued.

TASKS TO BE PERFORMED

• Process and analyse tongue swab and sputum samples for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis.

• Perform mycobacterial culture, molecular testing, and other laboratory procedures required for the project.

• Support the optimization and routine implementation of tongue swab diagnostic methods.

• Contribute to quality assurance activities, including quality control procedures and accurate record keeping.

• Apply biosafety procedures when handling clinical specimens and mycobacterial samples, including work in BSL-3 facilities when required.

• Contribute to the generation of high-quality data to support tuberculosis research and active case-finding (ACF) strategies.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Fluency in Catalan and Spanish.

• Basic to intermediate English skills, particularly for reading scientific protocols and documentation.

CONDITIONS

• Contract: full time, 22 months

• Salary: According to ISGlobal internal salary scale

• 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 20th of October 2026.

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.