Postdoctoral Researcher in Exposome Research

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 the following main areas: Climate, Air Pollution, Nature and Urban Health; Environment and Health over the Lifecourse; Global Viral and Bacterial Infections; Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases; Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health. ISGlobal is accredited with the Severo Ochoa distinction (received the first accreditation in 2019 and renewed it in 2024), a seal of excellence of the Spanish Science Ministry.

What We Are Looking for:
In the framework of our Centre for Excellence Severo Ochoa Programme (CEX2023-001290-S), ISGlobal is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to reinforce exposome research at ISGlobal, in particular focused on the integration of (multi-)omics approaches in exposome studies across the life course. Using the exposome as an overarching framework, the postdoctoral researcher will carry out epidemiological studies to investigate the biomarkers and molecular mechanisms characterising the effects of a range of environmental risk factors (lifestyle, air pollution, chemical toxins, microplastics, urban factors, climate and climate change induced hazards) on health trajectories in childhood and adulthood. Prospective cohort studies, set up as part of our international projects, will be used as the basis for in-depth molecular studies (e.g. metabolome, proteome, microbiome, epigenome, immunome). Unique data resources in European birth, child and adult cohorts are available for this work.
The researcher will be based in the research group of Professor Martine Vrijheid, with co-supervision from other ISGlobal investigators with expertise in exposome research.
This position will be supported by funding from the “Centro de Excelencia Severo Ochoa 2024-2028” Program (CEX 2023-0001290-S) from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, and the Spanish Research State Agency (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033).

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE /QUALIFICATIONS
Educated to doctoral level in epidemiology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, or related topics.
Experience in managing and analysing epidemiological data, with experience in environmental epidemiology an asset
Experience in molecular epidemiology an asset, specifically related to immunology, microbiome, metabolome data.
Experience in complex statistical analyses, with proficiency in R software.
Excellent command of the English language and good writing skills

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop research projects using the exposome datasets from several exposome-related cohorts spanning the life course, specifically with focus on biomarkers and molecular mechanisms characterising the effects of a range of environmental risk factors on health.
Analyses linking exposome and omics data with health outcomes
Writing scientific papers documenting the results
Assist in coordination of the ISGlobal Exposome Hub (https://www.isglobal.org/en/exposome-hub).
Work with the Severo Ochoa exposome WG to identify opportunities for exposome research in LMICs.

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 (serve as a reference)
Responsible, flexible and with problem solving skills.
Eager to learn and proactive.
Excellent writing skills.
Strong organization and team-working skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Team player, yet capable of working autonomously, rational and critical thinker

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 .
CONDITIONS

Duration: 3/3.5 years
Starting date: as soon as possible
Contract: full time
Salary Range: According to experience and profile