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.
The overall goal of the Malaria Physiopathology and Genomics group at ISGlobal is to contribute to developing new tools for the control and eventual elimination of malaria through understanding key physiopathological events of malaria in children and pregnant women. To this end, the team combines genomics, epidemiology, molecular biology, immunology, and clinical medicine to study parasite and host factors influencing malaria infections.


Venue
Barcelona
What We Are Looking for
ISGlobal is seeking a talented Epidemiologist to work in studies on surveillance of malaria in Mozambique. The successful candidate will join the Malaria Physiopathology and Genomics group as responsible for planning, implementing and supervising epidemiological studies in the context of GenMoz project and in the analysis of data. The candidate will participate in the design of epidemiological studies, development of data monitoring and quality control systems, and epidemiological data analysis. The position is based at ISGlobal in Barcelona, with possibility of periodic travel to Mozambique to work with the GenMoz team at Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM, Mozambique).

GenMoz project (https://www.isglobal.org/en/-/genmoz) aims to build and consolidate genomic capacities in Mozambique for malaria surveillance and public health response. The goal is to advance malaria control and eradication through the identification of key drivers of malaria transmission using innovative genomic and analytical tools. The project proposes a participatory approach engaging all parts of the health system to promote a culture of genetic data use and increase the public health impact, while leveraging ongoing activities and existing capacity in Mozambique. We aim to integrate genomic intelligence in the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) strategic and operational activities through a) embedding genetic surveillance on ongoing and future routine control and elimination strategies (e.g. use of routine samples) and b) the integration of genomic surveillance onto the Integrated Malaria Information Storage System (iMISS) for analysing, visualising and generating data for action (e.g. through surveillance dashboards) at the appropriate granularity level. The project is led by the Malaria Physiology & Genomics group at ISGlobal and CISM, in collaboration with the NMCP, the University of California-San Francisco and the Institute of Disease Modelling (USA).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Support and/or lead the design, implementation, and analysis of malaria surveys in Mozambique, as required.
Together with CISM, develop and/or supervise QA/QC system for field data collection in adherence to protocols and standard operating procedures.
Analyse data from routine information systems, national-level surveys and clinical trials to contribute to genomic surveillance activities in Mozambique and quantify impact of public health interventions.
Provide technical guidance to malaria team at CISM in study design, QA/QC and statistical analysis.

SPECIFIC DUTIES
Design of malaria surveys including sampling schemes, identification of target populations, sample size and power calculations
Manage databases from field studies
Monitor data quality of field surveys by establishing QA/QC system and the production of regular reports.
Conduct analysis on malaria incidence and other indicators as required.
Contribute to the design and development of dashboards for epidemiological and genetic data visualization.
Travel to Mozambique to work with researchers at CISM/NMCP
Interact with partners (CISM-Mozambique, UCSF-US, IDM-US, Sanger-UK, NMCP-Mozambique) and participate in project meetings as required.
Development of standard operating protocols.
Writing and presentation of results reports to PI, team and project stakeholders.
Writing of scientific manuscripts and other documents
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 asessment process .


Field research
Biological sciences
Computer science
Medical sciences

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE /QUALIFICATIONS
Degree in Epidemiology, Statistics, Biostatistics, Health Sciences, Biological Sciences or other related areas with a strong focus on data analysis.
Master's degree. PhD in related areas is an added value.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Required:

At least 3 years of proven experience in public health / biomedical research, including accredited experience in analysis, information management, monitoring and evaluation.
Experience in designing, monitoring and analysing epidemiological surveys.
Experience in R and strong skills in statistical packages (STATA, EpiData, SPSS etc)
Proficiency in writing reports and other concise written communications;
Availability to travel to Mozambique
Desired:

Experience working on infectious diseases
Experience working with health information systems surveillance platforms (e.g. DHIS2), data collection tools (e.g. ODK)
Experience with REDCap software
Experience with data visualization applications.
Skills in geospatial analysis (e.g. ArcGIS or other)
Experience in designing, implementing and monitoring epidemiological studies;
Experience with epidemiological/clinical studies in resource-limited settings

SKILLS
Excellent organizational skills
Strong problem-solving competence and effective communication skills.
Able to collaborate and operate as part of a multi-cultural team.
Respects and embraces diversity of perspective.
Able to balance multiple priorities and manage and meet deadlines.
Drive and determination.
Desire to learn.
Focus and discipline.
Enjoy solving problems; inquisitive and analytical; engaged and motivated.
Able to work both independently and as part of a larger team.
Ability to build and manage relationships with various collaborators across and outside the company.
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 accountable to ensure ISGlobal policies and procedures .


LANGUAGE LEVEL
Fluent in oral and written English.
Knowledge of Portuguese, Catalan and/or Spanish will be an asset

CONDITIONS
Duration: up to 3 years (depending on starting date)
Starting date: The position is available from 1 April 2024
Contract: Full-time
Salary Range: adapted to candidate’s profile and qualifications, based on ISGlobal institutional salary scale