Technician with Potential for PhD Sponsorship (3 years)

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 highly skilled and motivated technician with a strong interest in pursuing a PhD under the supervision of Dr. Eider Arenaza-Urquijo. The selected candidate will be responsible for conducting activities related to gathering data, performing statistical and neuroimaging data analyses in conjunction with clinical data and contributing to scientific writing and publications in the context of the EPAC: The urban environment as a promoter of active aging and brain resilience: Focus on physical activity and sleep quality, project funded by The Ministry of Science and Innovation.

The candidate will integrate neuroimaging, clinical data, and built environment measurements to support comprehensive research initiatives aimed at understanding the role of the built environment in promoting a healthy lifestyle and brain resilience in aging and dementia. The candidate will be responsible for collecting new measurements on sleep quality, physical activity and environmental noise, using actigraphy and noise monitors in order to inform on the mediating pathways in these associations in aging and dementia. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in impactful research and contribute to cutting-edge scientific advancements.

As a part of the Alzheimer’s Prevention and Healthy Aging group within the Environment and Health over the Lifecourse Programme at ISGlobal, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to work in a highly multidisciplinary environment, working closely with computational and clinical collaborators in a creative and challenging environment. ISGlobal offers training workshops to develop technical and interpersonal skills which are important for a successful career. The Alzheimer’s Prevention and Healthy Aging group fosters team diversity and encourages the application of candidates from different backgrounds and genders.

The candidate will work at ISGlobal Campus Mar. We are located at the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) in a highly innovative environment that fosters cutting-edge research and scientific advances.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project Development Support: Support project development, ensure that all components of the project are completed within established deadlines and in compliance with relevant guidelines and standards.
• Scientific results: Conduct analyses of collected data, generate initial findings to be presented in conferences, group and program meetings and generate scientific articles.
• Attend group meetings, deliver presentations, and actively engage in group activities.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Data collection: Conduct physical activity and sleep monitoring in older adults using advanced actigraphy devices, noise assessments and support imaging data collection. Ensure precise and reliable data collection in adherence to study protocols.
• Neuroimaging and statistical analyses: Conduct cross-sectional and longitudinal imaging (MRI and PET) and statistical data analyses.
• Scientific communication: Prepare internal project reports, presentations at scientific conferences and scientific articles.
• Contribute to the scientific work of the Alzheimer’s prevention and Healthy Aging group.

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

• Teamwork: As a member of the Alzheimer’s Prevention and Healthy Aging group, the selected candidate will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team. The role involves contributing to collaborative research efforts, engaging in interdisciplinary discussions, and integrating diverse perspectives to address complex challenges in aging and dementia prevention.
• Problem resolution: The selected candidate will be expected to tackle complex challenges related to Alzheimer’s prevention and healthy aging by leveraging problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.
• Learning capacity: The role requires a strong ability to quickly absorb and apply new information relevant to aging and dementia research.

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

• Applicants must hold an MSc in Neurosciences, Psychology, Biology, Biomedicine, Imaging Science, Environmental Health, Public health, Biomedical Engineering or related fields.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Comprehensive understanding of aging and Alzheimer’s disease, particularly from the perspectives of neuroscience, neurology, sociology, neurobiology or urban aging, will be highly valued.
• Familiarity and/or expertise with imaging software and imaging and cognitive data analysis will be an asset (not required).
• Familiarity with programming languages (R, Matlab, etc.) will be an advantage (not a requirement).
• Methodological skills such as knowledge in statistics will be an advantage.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English are necessary.
• Ability to think independently and work collaboratively.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in Catalan, English, and Spanish.

CONDITIONS

• Duration: until August 2027.
• Starting date: May 2025.
• Contract Type: Full time.
• Salary: According to ISGlobal internal salary scales.

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 30th of April 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.