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: Global Viral and Bacterial Infections; Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases; Maternal Child and Reproductive Health; Environment and Health over the Lifecourse; Climate, Air Pollution, Nature and Urban 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 Postdoctoral researcher in Data Science to work on the research projects performed by the Malaria Immunology Group. The overall goals are to identify biomarkers of disease and immunity and understand the mechanisms and mediators of protective immunity induced by infection and vaccines using multidimensional clinical, epidemiological, immunological and molecular data.


TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE /QUALIFICATIONS
PhD in data science, biostatistics, bioinformatics, mathematics, physics, or related topics with expertise in analysis of immunology, epidemiology or biological datasets, or on biomedical sciences with data analysis and programming expertise.
Knowledge of predictive analysis, modeling and machine learning is required to analyze complex immunological data sets.


SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
The purpose of the position is to ensure that complex datasets with clinical, demographic, immunological and molecular data collected in immunology studies are organized in a standard format and available for statistical analysis at ISGlobal and international collaboration centers, to facilitate completion of the Analytical Plans and perform Data Analysis. This position will also provide support in statistical analysis to other studies ongoing in the group under the supervision of the PIs. The position will require experience in data management and statistics. The position is based at ISGlobal in Barcelona.
General knowledge of the principles of biology and basic clinical science or immunology, and able to turn analytical methodology / processes into clear terms for presenting data in an understandable way.
Experience with database management software including R
Experience in programming for statistical analysis, preferably with R
Experience/knowledge in analysing complex longitudinal and multidimensional data using machine learning methods
Experience in analysis of immunological and infectious diseases data would be an asset
Motivated researcher capable of setting and meeting deadlines and delivering research outputs to the required standard
Strong organization and team-working and multi-tasking skills
Professional attitude with attention to details
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
Team player, yet capable of working autonomously, rational and critical thinker
Interest in public health in developing countries

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Management and analysis of data generated in studies of biomarkers and immune correlates of protection against malaria and COVID-19 after infection or vaccination, as well as in other studies by the Malaria Immunology group. The studies are carried out in collaboration with multiple international research centers (Africa, Europe, USA, Australia).
Specific examples of studies that would fall under the responsibility of the new postdoc include an Horizon Europe project (WORMVACS2.0) that aims to develop new vaccines for helminths (neglected tropical diseases), in which it is required to manipulate and analyze high-dimensional data sets to down-select vaccine antigen targets and understand the host immune response to those infections.


SPECIFIC DUTIES
Design, implement, manage relational databases (clinical, demographic and immunological data)
Participate in study design and sample selection
Preparation of statistical analysis plans
Data analysis and visualization in R and/or Python
Carry out data cleaning and quality control, including contact with international partners to solve queries
Document and archive all data for easy use in future research
Prepare data reports and manuscripts
Prepare presentation for consortium meetings
Disseminate results in international conferences
Participation in regular lab meetings and institutional seminars

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 assessment process.


SKILLS
Excellent organizational skills and able to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams, adapt to changing job requirements and prioritize in multiple concurrent projects.
Problem resolution.
Learning capacity.
Multitasking
Teamwork
English writing and verbal communication

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
Catalan/Spanish, English essential.
CONDITIONS
Duration:3 years
Starting date:1 January 2024 or asap
Contract: Full time
Salary Range: 30-33K (gross) depending on qualifications and experience

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must fill in the request form and include the following code reference position: Postdoc _DataScienceImmuno_Nov23 , attach the CV and a Cover Letter. Each attached document must be named with the candidate name and surname.
The receipt of applications will be open until the position is filled.


Only the applications submitted through the request form will be considered.


Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.


The interviews could be placed during the reception candidatures period.


Diverse candidatures are encouraged, that includes: gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and political views.