Air and human microbiome studies

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 skilled, organized and motivated laboratory technician to join the project entitled: "TwinAIR: Digital Twins Enabled Indoor Air Quality Management for Healthy Living ". This project, coordinated by University of Patras (Greece), is funded by the Horizon Europe programme. TwinAIR consortium includes 19 partners from 10 different EU countries. The overall project goal is to improve urban life by tackling the challenge of indoor air quality (IAQ) improvement by understating its complex interrelationship with external factors. The candidate will develop the laboratory tasks and fieldwork of the project. In particular, the candidate will be involved in the monitoring and analysis of chemical and biological contaminants in the air, and in human microbiome and antimicrobial susceptibility studies to assess the impacts of IAQ on human health.

This project, coordinated by University of Patras (Greece), is funded by the Horizon Europe programme. TwinAIR consortium includes 19 partners from 10 different EU countries.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Microbial cultivation, isolation and identification

• DNA extraction of airborne and human microorganisms for their downstream analysis by next-generation sequencing techniques

• Characterization of the microorganisms by molecular biology techniques (MALDI-TOF, PCR) etc.)

• Characterization of resistance profiles at both phenotypic and genotypic level

• Presentation of results in internal and external meetings

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• To perform the laboratory tasks associated with this project

• Write reports

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

• Outstanding organizational and team-working skills (yet capable of working independently)

• Responsible, flexible and with problem solving skills

• Eager to learn, proactive and with great initiative

• Capability of setting and meeting deadlines

• Demonstrable adaptability and flexibility to adapt positively to changes

• Availability to travel as required by project activities

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

• Bachelor and Master degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental sciences, Biomedical or related disciplines.

• Previous working experience in a microbiology and/or molecular biology laboratory.

• Experience in both microbial culture and molecular techniques (DNA and RNA extraction and PCR).

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• At least, 2-years of laboratory experience

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in Catalan, English, and Spanish.

CONDITIONS

• Duration: 6 months

• Starting date: February 2026

• Contract Type: Full time

• Salary: According to ISGlobal internal salary scale

HOW TO APPLY

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 6th of February 2025.

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.

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.

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