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 a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher to take a leading role in the implementation and coordination of activities within the EU-funded project PREPARE-TID (Pipeline for Rapid Diagnostics of Emergency Transboundary Infectious Diseases).
The overall project goal is to develop and deploy advanced molecular diagnostic and metagenomic tools for rapid detection and surveillance of emerging infectious diseases within a One Health framework.
The candidate will contribute to the design, execution, and coordination of research activities focused on environmental microbiology, with particular emphasis on airborne microbial communities and their role in pathogen surveillance.
Lead and coordinate research activities related to airborne microbiome analysis within the project
Contribute to the strategic planning and execution of project objectives
Oversee development and optimization of protocols for low biomass environmental samples
Coordinate integration of molecular diagnostics and sequencing approaches
Collaborate with international partners across the consortium
Contribute to reporting deliverables and project milestones
Design and implement experimental workflows for air microbiome analysis
Conduct field sampling campaigns and ensure quality control
Perform laboratory work including nucleic acid extraction and sequencing library preparation
Conduct downstream bioinformatics and statistical analyses
Supervise junior researchers and support training activities
Prepare scientific publications and present results at conferences
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.
Teamwork.
Problem resolution.
Learning capacity.
High organizational capacity.
Strong communication skills.
Adaptability.
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.
PhD in microbiology, environmental science, molecular biology, or a related discipline
Minimum 3–5 years of postdoctoral experience in environmental or molecular microbiology
Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications
Strong expertise in low biomass sample processing, including air samples
Experience in metagenomic sequencing (Illumina and/or long-read platforms)
Demonstrated experience in project coordination or leadership roles
Experience in European collaborative projects is highly desirable
Advanced laboratory skills in DNA/RNA extraction and library preparation
Experience with bioaerosol sampling methodologies (e.g., high-volume samplers, liquid samplers)
Strong analytical skills in bioinformatics and statistical analysis (R/Python)
Ability to work independently and coordinate multidisciplinary teams
Experience in grant writing and scientific reporting is an asset
Excellent English (written and spoken)
Spanish/Catalan is an asset
Duration: 7-8 months
Starting date: As soon as possible
Contract Type: Full time
Salary: According to ISGlobal internal scales (Senior Postdoctoral level)
Applicants must fill in the request form and 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 15th of May 2026.
The interviews could be placed during the reception of candidatures period.
Diverse candidatures are encouraged, that includes: gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and political views.
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.
