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.
The overall goal of the Malaria Physiopathology and Genomics group at ISGlobal is to contribute to developing new tools for the control and eventual elimination of malaria through understanding key physio-pathological events of malaria in children and pregnant women. To this end, the team combines genomics, epidemiology, molecular biology, immunology, and clinical medicine to study parasite and host factors influencing malaria infections.

Lugar
Barcelona
What We Are Looking for
ISGlobal is seeking a talented individual who is experienced in bioinformatics analysis of next generation sequencing (NGS) data for Genmoz project.
GenMoz project (https://www.isglobal.org/en/-/genmoz) aims to build and consolidate genomic capacities in Mozambique for malaria surveillance and public health response. The goal is to advance malaria control and eradication through the identification of key drivers of malaria transmission using innovative genomic and analytical tools. The project proposes a participatory approach engaging all parts of the health system to promote a culture of genetic data use and increase the public health impact, while leveraging ongoing activities and existing capacity in Mozambique. We aim to integrate genomic intelligence in the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) strategic and operational activities through a) embedding genetic surveillance on ongoing and future routine control and elimination strategies (e.g. use of routine samples) and b) the integration of genomic surveillance onto the Integrated Malaria Information Storage System (iMISS) for analysing, visualising and generating data for action (e.g. through surveillance dashboards) at the appropriate granularity level. The project is led by the Malaria Physiology & Genomics group at ISGlobal and Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM, Mozambique), in collaboration with the NMCP, the University of California-San Francisco and the Institute of Disease Modelling (USA).

The candidate will be based at the Malaria Physiopathology & Genomics Group at ISGlobal, and will work in close collaboration with CISM (Mozambique), the EPPICenter at the University of California-San Francisco (USA) and the Institute of Disease Modelling (USA).

Field research

Biological sciences
Computer science
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and apply bioinformatics approaches to interrogate parasite populations from Mozambique to derive epidemiologically actionable information for malaria molecular surveillance.
Explore genetic metrics as proxy indicators of changes in malaria transmission intensity in both low and moderate-to-high transmission settings.
Provide bioinformatics support to the team at ISG and CISM.

SPECIFIC DUTIES
Analysis of malaria parasites targeted amplicon sequencing data to get insights into best approaches for the control and elimination of the disease.
Develop, optimize and/or troubleshoot scripts, analysis pipelines and reports for routine NGS data processing at ISG and CISM.
Extend the analytics and visualization of capabilities of in-house developed or existing dashboards.
Publication curation and data entry into to public repositories.
Contribute to build bioinformatics capacity at CISM (Mozambique) by remote and/or in person interaction with team.
Interact with key partners (CISM, EppiCenter-UCSF, Wellcome Sanger Institute) on data analysis approaches, exchange of sequencing data, design of training content and harmonization purposes.
Additional duties as assigned.
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.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE /QUALIFICATIONS
MSc in bioinformatics, computer science, mathematical modeling, data analysis or related areas.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Required:

Knowledge and demonstrated experience in management and analysis of genomic data.
Availability to travel to Mozambique and/or USA for research and/or teaching purposes.
Desired:

PhD level experience.
3-5 years of experience in bioinformatics software use and/or development (Python, R, and other relevant programming languages).
Background in molecular biology.
Experience working in the field of infectious diseases.
Demonstrated success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought.
Demonstrated knowledge of statistical principles, including experimental design and machine learning.
- Strong data visualization skills.
- Ability to collaborate with the team and translate existing research into practical solutions and products.
- Drive project execution and implement a robust plan for measuring success.

SKILLS
Strong problem-solving competence.
Drive and determination.
Inquisitive and analytical; engaged and motivated.
Ability to see the big picture and work towards that goal.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a larger team.
Ability to share technical information in a clear and concise manner to non-technical personnel and stakeholders at various levels and from different disciplines.
Ability to build and manage relationships with various collaborators from different countries and cultural backgrounds.
Respects and embraces diversity of perspective.
Teamwork.
Desire to learn.
Focus and discipline.
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
Fluent in English.
Knowledge of Portuguese, Catalan and/or Spanish will be an asset

CONDITIONS
Duration : up to 3 years (depending on starting date)
Starting date: The position is available from 1 April 2024
Contract Full-time
Salary Range: adapted to candidate’s profile and qualifications, based on ISGlobal institutional salary scale

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must fill in the request form and include the following code reference position: BioinformaticianPos2_Genmoz2_Feb24, 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 filled
Applications will be accepted until 17.00 CET of the closing date.
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.