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.


Venue
Barcelona
What We Are Looking for
ISGlobal is seeking a potential PhD candidate who is interested in applying for a PFIS 2024 call together with the team. The PhD position will be associated to a FIS 2023 project “Gene expression profiles of the three subtypes of vulvar cancer”. The overall goal of this project is to explore the genomic and transcriptomic background of this type of cancer, which remains poorly characterized at the molecular level, as well as to correlate the molecular data with clinical/prognostic features, looking for relevant associations.


Field research
Biological sciences
Computer science
Medical sciences
Technology
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE /QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in writing high-quality scientific grants and papers (at least one publication with participation of a candidate).




SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:
Intermediate to advanced skills in R software and statistics- capacity to manage complex data using adequate packages (essential).
Basic bioinformatic skills-capacity to filter and analyze large datasets of genomic and transcriptomic data and to interpret integrated results (essential!)
Previous research expertise in analyzing exome sequencing and gene expression data (desirable but not essential)
High level of enthusiasm and motivation; passion for research! (essential!)
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The main tasks will be to provide support in data analysis and interpretation and manuscripts from the completed and currently active projects. The candidate will be responsible in analyzing and interpreting the collected data and to write the resulting manuscripts, in collaboration with other members of the team. Strong motivation and passion in exploring this particular field of the research are essential.




SPECIFIC DUTIES
Conducting high-quality bioinformatic and statistical analyses using R software, especially integrative ones (exonic and transcriptomic data).
Creating high-quality tables and graphs.
Drafting original articles for publication in high-quality journals.
Disseminating findings at conferences and seminars.
Contributions to scientific report preparation.
Collaboration with the study teams and external specialists.
Responsible for maintaining the online study databases.

AUXILIAR TASK
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.


SKILLS
Excellent communication skills, as part of the team composed of professionals working in different locations (Pathology Department of Hospital Clinic and ISGlobal).
Strong capacity to manage/analyze large and complex data and to sum up/present long and complex information in a simple and highly organized way.
Strong capacity to deliver high-quality reports for the proposed tasks.
Strong capacity to work both independently and as part of a team.
Problem resolution-creativity.
Learning capacity (exploring new ways to analyze and present the data).
Strong capacity to work under short deadlines.
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
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential.

CONDITIONS:
Duration: 4 years
Candidates must be able to be admitted or enrolled in a doctoral program at a Spanish university in the 2023-2024 academic year, which can be accredited after the application and until the date of finalization of allegations. No academic certificate is required.
Candidates cannot have enjoyed, prior to submitting the application, a predoctoral contract for a period of more than twelve months.
Starting date: subject to the call of the PFIS
Contract: full time
Salary Range: Predoctoral researcher