Lab Technician for The Malaria Genomics Group

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**:
GenMoz project aims to advance in the goal of malaria eradication through the identification of key drivers of malaria transmission using innovative genomic and analytical tools. The project is being implemented by the Malaria Physiopathology group at ISGlobal, in collaboration with the Manhiça Health Research Center (Mozambique) and the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF). We target 3 use cases: a) antimalarial and diagnostic resistance; b) parasite importation & characterization of local transmission in near-elimination settings; and c) stratification, monitoring and impact evaluation. The final aim is to integrate main genetic data into surveillance activities in Mozambique through periodic interactions with the National Malaria Control Program and other stakeholders in the country working on the surveillance space.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Registration of results in lab databases and management of lab files.
- Provide support to molecular activities of the team in other research projects, sample management and general lab activities

**SPECIFIC DUTIES**:

- Purify parasite genetic material from dried blood spots and rapid diagnostic tests using plate-based protocols.
- Perform quantitative analysis of malaria parasites using qPCR.
- Perform transcriptional analysis of malaria parasites using qRT-PCR and other platforms.
- Data entry into databases.
- Organize and manage the project sample biobank.
- Execute targeted NGS sequencing of malaria parasites (optional).
- Contribute to management of NGS files and storage of the data.
- Participate in regular lab management activities (rotating cleaning and maintenance, contribute to orders of materials,)
- Participate in weekly team meetings and present results if required.
- Interact with research teams in Mozambique, USA or elsewhere for troubleshooting, training and harmonization purposes.
- Participate in wet-lab training / guidance of students.
- Additional technical duties as assigned.
- Support the team in relocation to new facilities

**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.

**SKILLS**:

- Strong problem-solving competence and effective communication skills.
- Drive and determination.
- Desire to learn.
- Focus and discipline.
- Respects and embraces diversity of perspective.
- Enjoy solving problems; inquisitive and analytical; engaged and motivated.
- Able to work both independently and as part of a larger team.
- Ability to see the big picture and work towards that goal.
- Ability to build and manage relationships with various collaborators across and outside the institution.

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.

**SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS**:

- **Required**:

- FP2 or Graduate in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology or similar areas.
- Experience in nucleic acid purification and amplification techniques (PCR, qPCR)
- Demonstrated knowledge of experimental design
- **Desired**:

- 3-5 years of experience in the assays to be used in the project
- Experience in next generation sequencing (targeted resequencing, whole-genome sequencing, multiplex amplicon sequencing, RNAseq or similar)
- Experience in mid-to-high throughput sample management
- Experience in RNA work
- Demonstrated success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought.

**LANGUAGE LEVEL**:

- Fluent in Catalan and/or Spanish and knowledge of English. All three languages are commonly used in team’s activities.
- Advanced knowledge of English and/or knowledge of Portuguese will be considered a plus.

**CONDITIONS**:

- Duration: The post is fixed-term for 6 months (maternity cover).
- Starting date: targeted starting date is September 2025
- Contract Type: Full time (part-time availability will be considered).
- Salary: According to