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.




TipESM Horizon Europe Grant Agreement Number 101137673.

Venue
Barcelona
What We Are Looking for
The Climate and Health Group (led by ICREA Professor Xavier Rodó) is looking for a post-doctoral researcher interested in working on dynamic vegetation models and land surface modelling coupled to simulations of the Earth's climate obtained by climate change models. The position is available for a fixed-term period of 24 months with the possibility of extensions pending on the evaluation of results.


About the postdoctoral position
A better understanding of how tropical ecosystems and complex vegetation responds to rapid and drastic changes in the climate system is urgently required in order to meet climate, biodiversity conservation and sustainability goals, in particular the Paris Agreement of Climate Convention. Similarly, the functioning of such ecosystem models coupled to climate forcing requires a harmonised approach to integrate such data into computational models, the outcomes of which can then be used for critical decision making.
This recruitment targets the following specific directions:
The effects of Earth's tipping points on the fate and collapse of tropical forests.
Plant ecophysiological responses and feedback to droughts and temperature extremes.
Vegetation demographic shifts in tropical regions under climate change (e.g. the Amazon and the African rainforests).
Ecosystem's resilience and recovery.
Vegetation model coupling to Earth system models simulations of different climate regime shifts.


Field research:
Biological sciences
Computer science
Environmental science
Geosciences
Mathematics


TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE /QUALIFICATIONS
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a degree (PhD) in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, meteorology, theoretical ecology or vegetation science. A broad interest in natural sciences and more specifically in quantitative terrestrial ecology is essential. We are looking for candidates motivated by science with the ability to run simulations and eventually help develop code and to integrate scientific knowledge into numerical schemes.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The post-doctoral researcher will primarily work with the global land surface model LPJ-GUESS, with GFDL-ESM4.1 and other CMIP6 models to study the response of the Amazon and central Africa rainforests to different climate conditions, particularly tipping points in the Earth system. The work will also feed other work being developed with models aimed at studying pathogen spillover dynamics.
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
In general, the candidate we are seeking is expected to have the following skills and qualifications:

Basic knowledge in climatology and ecology
Very good programming skills (e.g., Python, R, Matlab, C/C++, Fortran in the Linux environment) and experience in big data analytics are required.
Cutting-edge expertise in modeling and statistical analyses;
Proven abilities to publish at a high international level;
Good oral and written communication skills in spoken and written English;
Rigor, autonomy and abilities to work in a team environment.


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
Proficient in English, at least C1 level

CONDITIONS
Duration:2 years
Starting date: March 1, 2024
Contract:Full-time
Salary Range: Salary is commensurate with spanish standards and offered at the ISGlobal Postdoctoral level A or B depending on the qualifications. You will have up to 30 days of annual leave + 15 days « Reduction of Working Time». You can benefit of Hybrid System of telecommuting (weekly presence requested).

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must fill in the request form and include the following code reference position: Postdoctoral_TipESM_Mar24. The application should include:


+A personal letter (max 3 pages) where the applicant describes her/himself in relation to the above-described requirements, a motivation to why the applicant is interested in the position and a short description of the candidate’s research interests.
+CV with academic qualifications and publication list.
+Copy of doctoral degree certificate and other relevant degree certificates.
+Contact information to three reference persons.
+Other relevant documents.

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.

SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process is designed in two phases for shortlisted candidates:
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 pass. 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.