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.
ISGlobal is seeking to hire a talented and highly motivated postdoctoral scientist interested on working in a research project investigating novel aspects of the regulation of gene expression in malaria parasites. More specifically, the selected candidate will study gene expression at the single-cell level in the context of sexual conversion, which is essential for disease transmission.
The ISGlobal Malaria Epigenetics lab directed by ICREA Research Professor Alfred Cortés investigates the regulation of gene expression in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. We use a combination of approaches that include genome editing with CRISPR-Cas9 technology, state-of-the-art phenotypic characterisation and multi-omic approaches. Our ultimate goal is to generate high-quality basic knowledge that is relevant for the fight against malaria.
Please visit our websites ( https://www.icrea.cat/Web/ScientificStaff/alfred-cortes-closas-375; https://www.isglobal.org/en/malaria-epigenetics) for an overview of our recent contributions to understanding the biology of malaria parasites. These include the identification and characterisation of the master regulators of sexual conversion and of the heat-shock response.
We offer an inclusive, vibrant and intellectually-stimulating environment, with state-of-the-art facilities and a broad critical mass for malaria research. We support the professional growth of each and every member of our team through the many excellent training activities offered by ISGlobal, in-depth scientific discussions within the team and regular individual meetings with the group leader. We are seriously committed to promoting diversity and to favour work-family life balance. We love our social activities (including, among others, team building trips and ice-cream celebrations whenever we have something to celebrate). The selected candidate will be invited to participate in the ISGlobal Mentoring Program and in the activities of the ISGlobal Postdoctoral community, which include an annual symposium.
About the project:
Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the most severe forms of human malaria. Transcriptional regulation plays a key role in malaria parasite biology, as it controls fundamental processes such as life cycle progression, antigenic variation and adaptation to the conditions of the environment. Of note, transcriptional regulation also plays a prominent role in the regulation of the conversion of some asexual parasites into sexual forms that mediate transmission to mosquito vectors. In this project, we investigate the regulation of sexual conversion in malaria parasites.
Funding:
Title: Molecular dissection of AP2-HS-dependent regulatory pathways driving environmental stress responses in Plasmodium falciparum
Grant PID2025-174261OB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and, by the European Union.
The main tasks will be to design and perform experiments to study P. falciparum sexual conversion at the single-cell level and to analyse and interpret the data. The successful candidate is also expected to participate in the scientific discussion of other projects.
Experiments with P. falciparum cultures
Optimisation of parasite cultures preparation for single-cell RNA-seq
Perform single-cell RNA-seq experiments
Data analysis and writing reports
Present results in scientific conferences
Contribute to scientific discussion and to training of new members of the team
AUXILIAR TASKS
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.
Capacity to work both independently and as part of a team
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Excellent organisation and coordination skills
Demonstrated track record of achievements
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 be accountable to ensure ISGlobal policies and procedures.
A PhD in a discipline related with molecular and cellular biology
Expertise in malaria research (P. falciparum cultures and manipulation)
Expertise in the analysis of transcriptional regulation and epigenetic processes (RT-qPCR, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, etc)
Expertise in single-cell RNA-seq
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential
Contract: full time, 3 months
Salary: According to ISGlobal internal salary scale
Work-Life Balance: 36 days off per year (23 vacation days + 13 personal days)
Start date: September 2026
Applicants must complete the application form and upload a CV and a Cover Letter. Each document must be clearly named with the candidate’s name and surname.
Applications will remain open until 26th of August.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted and interviewed as applications are received. Interviews may take place during the application period.
We encourage diverse applications, including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and political beliefs.
The selection process is designed in two phases:
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 passed. 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.
In ISGlobal we are committed to maintaining and developing a work environment in which the values and principles of our organization are respected and equal opportunities between women and men be promoted in each of the areas in which we operate, not tolerating discrimination based on criteria such as age, gender, marital status, race, ethnicity, functional diversity, political leanings, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
We confirm our commitment towards the value of the diversity of our staff and student population and seek to promote peace, equity, diversity and inclusion as essential elements in contribution to improving health worldwide.
ISGlobal is a public-private partnership with a longstanding commitment to global health that builds on the existing research, training, and health activities of its founders and strives to contribute to the global effort to improve health worldwide.
It is the fruit of an innovative alliance between the ”la Caixa” Foundation and academic and government institutions to contribute to the efforts undertaken by the international community to address the challenges in global health. ISGlobal is a consolidated hub of excellence in research that has grown out of work first started in the world of health care by the Hospital Clínic and the Parc de Salut MAR and in the academic sphere by the University of Barcelona and Pompeu Fabra University.
Its working model is based on the generation of scientific knowledge through Research Programmes and Groups, and its translation through the areas of Training and Analysis and Global Development.
ISGlobal has been named a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence and is a member of the CERCA system of the Generalitat de Catalunya.
