Postdoctoral Researcher for ELHNA Project

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.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

ISGlobal is seeking a postdoctoral researcher who is interested in taking over and managing activities of the “Exposures to light pollution and heat, and neurodevelopment in adolescents (ELHNA)” project. The overall goal of the ELHNA is to investigate the association between the exposure to both light pollution and heat, and the cognitive function and the mental health problems in adolescents of 14-16 years old.

The postdoctoral researcher will be integrated in the BrainChild Lab, which is carrying out pioneering research in the field of environmental epidemiology and child health, with a special focus on mental health and brain development. The work of the lab has provided unique insights relating air pollution exposure to impaired executive function and alterations in brain morphology and connectivity in children. Extending this line of research, we uncovered the role of climate-related exposures, namely ambient temperature, in shaping psychiatric symptoms, brain development, and sleep.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Management, processing, and analysis of existing research datasets.
• Application of appropriate statistical methods to address the research questions of the project.
• Interpretation and validation of analytical results.
• Contribution to the preparation of scientific manuscripts and dissemination of research findings.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Organize, clean, and document existing datasets.
• Perform statistical analyses according to the study objectives and research questions.
• Conduct data quality checks and identify potential inconsistencies or missing data.
• Generate tables, figures, and statistical summaries for scientific reporting.
• Interpret analytical results in collaboration with the research team.
• Contribute to the drafting, revision, and preparation of a scientific manuscript for publication.
• Maintain appropriate documentation of data processing and analytical procedures.

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.

SKILLS

• Teamwork.
• Problem resolution.
• Learning capacity.
• Strong organization skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

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.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in epidemiology, public health or related discipline
• Experience in processing and managing of complex and large datasets, as well as in statistical packages (preferably R and STATA)
• Previous experience in the research topic is an advantage

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in English.

CONDITIONS

• Contract: full time, 1 month
• Salary: According to ISGlobal internal salary scale
• Work-Life Balance: 36 days off per year (23 vacation days + 13 personal days)
• Start date: October 2026

HOW TO APPLY

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 7th of October.

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.

SELECTION PROCESS

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.