Bioinformatician for Study of the external exposome and its relation to body composition in adu[...]

Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal); Barcelona; Presencial; EUR 35.000 - 55.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The Barcelona Institute for Global Health seeks a bioinformatician for a 4-month project managing activities related to the EXOMAIR project. This role focuses on evaluating associations of exposome and lifestyle habits with cardiometabolic health. Ideal candidates have a Master’s in Bioinformatics, proven experience with clinical data, and strong programming skills. The position requires collaboration within multidisciplinary teams and adaptability to new techniques.

Formación

• Proven experience analyzing clinical and omics data.
• Strong foundation in statistical analysis techniques.
• Proficiency in data cleaning and handling complex datasets.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct exploratory data analysis for data harmonization.
• Perform Exposome-Wide Association Studies and multi-exposure modeling.
• Review results and perform sensitivity analyses.

Conocimientos

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Educación

Master's Degree in Bioinformatics

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences

Herramientas

R programming

Python programming

SPSS

Descripción del empleo

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 looking for a bioinformatician who is interested in taking over and managing activities of the EXOMAIR project during 4 months. The project aims to evaluate the longitudinal associations of exposome and life style habits with cardiometabolic health in prospective cohorts of children with obesity to get a deeper understanding of the underlying metabolics, genetics and epigenetics architecture of the obesity associated insulin resistance (IR) development during the pubertal maduration and to assert its impact on metabolic health at pubertal stage and adulthood. Generating a better classification of obese patients according to different multi-omics molecular backgrounds.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Data Preparation and Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA): Conduct an extensive EDA to ensure data harmonization, cleaning, and preparation for analysis.
• Exposome-Wide Association Studies (ExWAS) for Single-Exposure Models: Perform ExWAS to evaluate single-exposure associations while correcting for multiple testing.
• Development of Multi-Exposure Models: Develop models to evaluate the simultaneous effects of multiple exposures, addressing co-exposure issues.
• Multi-omics analyses: eQTMS, mQTLs, Mendelian Randomization Analysis.
• Results Reviewing and Sensitivity Analyses for Results Refinement: Perform sensitivity analyses to ensure robustness and revise results through re-analyses and subgroup testing.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Clean data (imputation, outliers, duplicates, error checking, etc.).
• Transform data (z-score normalization by sex).
• Adjust for confounders (identification and residualization).
• Perform correlation analysis.
• Conduct cross-sectional and prospective ExWAS analyses with correction for multiple testing.
• Apply DSA/sPLS for multi-exposure modeling.
• Apply multi-omics models based on RGCCA algorithm.
• Review results and perform sensitivity analyses (e.g., subgroups by sex).

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

• Strong teamwork skills with a proven ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams.
• Problem-solving abilities, particularly in handling complex datasets with multiple exposures.
• Eagerness to learn and a strong capacity for self-directed learning.
• Adaptability and a proactive learning mindset to refine techniques and adopt new methodologies.

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

• A Master's Degree in Bioinformatics and/or Biostatistics, with preference given to candidates holding both degrees.
• A Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences, with a strong emphasis on Biochemistry or Biomedicine. Other relevant science degrees may also be considered.
• Proven experience analysing clinical and omics data from population-based cohort studies, with expertise in bioinformatics tools and data analysis.
• Proven experience applying regression techniques, particularly in the context of clinical data and omics datasets, for predictive modelling and analysis.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Proven experience in managing complex datasets, including data cleaning, imputation, normalization, and handling of missing data.
• Strong foundation in statistical analysis techniques, including regression analysis. Proficiency in R and Python programming for data analysis, with additional experience in otherprogramming languages considered an asset.
• Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SPSS).
• Competent in report writing, with proficiency in LaTeX for structured documents.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• C1 level of proficiency in English

CONDITIONS

• Duration: 4 months
• Starting date: 16/06/2025
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: Predoc Technician II D

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 13th of June 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.