Severo Ochoa Postdoctoral Researcher in Exposome Research

Isglobal; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

ISGlobal seeks a postdoctoral researcher to advance exposome research, integrating multi-omics into longitudinal studies across international cohorts. You will lead analyses on environmental risk factors and health trajectories from childhood to adulthood, using cohort data and cutting-edge molecular data.

You will collaborate with the IHEN HEurope toolbox and international partners to harmonize data processing, exposure modelling and statistical analyses, contributing to a high-impact global

Qualifications

• PhD in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, data science, environmental health or related field.
• Proven experience coordinating scientific or research projects, preferably with international/multi-cohort collaborations.
• Proficiency in R and/or Python for data processing, statistical analysis and visualization.
• Strong understanding of exposome concepts, longitudinal data structures, and meta-analysis.
• Familiarity with exposome tools/platforms (Molgenis, FAIR) is an asset.
• Experience with urban or social determinants of health is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop research projects using exposome datasets from cohorts across the life course, focusing on biomarkers and molecular mechanisms.
• Provide scientific leadership across the project.
• Coordinate a multi-cohort exposome research network focused on urban and social exposome.
• Coordinate contacts with exposome cohorts and data sources globally and build a resources catalogue.
• Liaise with international partners for harmonized data processing, exposure modelling, and analyses.
• Develop and implement analytical pipelines in R or Python for longitudinal exposome data.
• Conduct meta-analyses across cohorts on exposome variables and health outcomes.
• Document results in a reproducible manner and identify opportunities for LMIC exposome research.

Skills

Responsible

Eager to learn

Excellent writing skills

Strong organization

Effective communication

Team player

Education

PhD in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, data science, environmental health, or a related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

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

In the framework of our Centre for Excellence Severo Ochoa Programme (CEX2023-001290-S), ISGlobal is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to work to reinforce exposome research at ISGlobal, in particular focused on the integration of (multi-)omics approaches in exposome studies across the life course. Using the exposome as an overarching framework, the postdoctoral researcher will carry out epidemiological studies to investigate the biomarkers and molecular mechanisms characterising the effects of a range of environmental risk factors (lifestyle, air pollution, chemical toxins, microplastics, urban factors, climate and climate change induced hazards) on health trajectories in childhood and adulthood. Prospective cohort studies, set up as part of our international projects, will be used as the basis for in-depth molecular studies (e.g. metabolome, proteome, microbiome, epigenome, immunome). Unique data resources in European birth, child and adult cohorts are available for this work.

The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in the evaluation of tools and resources gathered in the International Human Exposome Network (IHEN) HEurope project https://humanexposome.net/)toolbox, via demonstrator projects, particularly in the context of international cohorts and the urban and social exposome. This will provide an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-impact international network at the forefront of exposome science.

The researcher will be based in the research group of Augusto Anguita , with co-supervision from other ISGlobal investigators with expertise in exposome research.

This position will be supported by funding from the “Centro de Excelencia Severo Ochoa 2024-2028” Program (CEX 2023-0001290-S) from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, and the Spanish Research State Agency (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop research projects using the exposome datasets from several exposome-related cohorts spanning the life course, specifically with focus on biomarkers and molecular mechanisms characterising the effects of a range of environmental risk factors on health.

• Scientific Leadership

• Coordinate the implementation of a multi-cohort exposome research network focused on urban and social exposome.

• Coordinate contacts with exposome-related cohorts and data sources globally and contribute to building a catalogue of these resources.

• Liaise with international partners to ensure harmonized approaches to data processing, exposure modelling, and statistical analyses.

• Data Analysis and Methodological Work

• Develop and implement analytical pipelines in R or Python for the analysis of longitudinal exposome data with repeated measures.

• Conduct meta-analyses across cohorts to assess the associations between exposome variables and health outcomes (e.g., blood pressure).

• Document and interpret results in a structured and reproducible manner.

• Work with the Severo Ochoa exposome WG to identify opportunities for exposome research in LMICs.

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

• Responsible, flexible and with problem solving skills.

• Eager to learn and proactive.

• Excellent writing skills.

• Strong organization and team-working skills

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Team player, yet capable of working autonomously, rational and critical thinker

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, biostatistics, data science, environmental health, or a related field.

• Proven experience in coordinating scientific or research projects, preferably involving international and/or multi-cohort collaborations.

• Proficiency in R and/or Python for data processing, statistical analysis, and visualization.

• Strong understanding of exposome concepts, longitudinal data structures, and meta-analysis methodologies will be an asset.

• Familiarity with exposome-related tools and platforms (e.g., Molgenis, FAIR principles) will be an asset.

• Experience working with urban or social determinants of health will be an asset.

• Knowledge of data governance and data sharing practices in international health research will be an asset.

CONDITIONS

• Contract: full time, 16 months.

• Salary: According to ISGlobal internal salary scale.

• Work-Life Balance: 36 days off per year (23 vacation days + 13 personal days)

• Start date: as soon as possible

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.