Postdoc in Data Science, Machine Learning applied to Epidemiology and Immunology At Barcelona Institute for Global Health

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 the following main areas, Malaria and other Infectious Diseases, Maternal, Child and reproductive Health, Urban Health and environmental health, Climate & Non-Communicable Diseases. ISGlobal is accredited with the Severo Ochoa distinction, a seal of excellence of the Spanish Science Ministry.

Lugar

Barcelona

What We Are Looking for

ISGlobal is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Biomedical Data Science Research Group of Dr. Paula Petrone, created in the framework of the Severo Ochoa Program, with the vision of leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence to improve health care outcomes. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated data scientist to contribute to carry out research that has social impact and responds to unmet medical needs.

The postdoctoral researcher will develop data analyses studies applied to patient data in the context of COVID within the framework of the European project ENDVOC. The objective of the project is to characterize the new SARS-CoV-2 variants, identify the population at risk for the evolution of these new variants and evaluate the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against them.

Interest is expressed for candidates with demonstrated experience in the biomedical field, and in particular, previous work in immunology, epidemiology and molecular biology is highly desirable.

As part of the Biomedical Data Science Team, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to work in a highly multidisciplinary environment, working closely with computational, experimental and clinical collaborators in a creative, challenging and entrepreneurial environment. ISGlobal offers training workshops where the postdoctoral fellow will be able to develop technical and interpersonal skills which are important for a successful career. The Biomedical Data Science Team fosters team diversity and encourages the application of candidates from different backgrounds and genders.

This position will be funded by European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 101046314, ENDVOC

Field research

• Computer science
• Bioengineering
• Immunology
• Epidemiology
• Bioinformatics
• Mathematics
• Medical sciences
• Biology

Training and experience /Qualifications

Candidates are expected to:

• Have a completed, or close to completion, PhD with strong analytics expertise in any of the following areas: Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Mathematics, Biostatistics, or related fields. Additional profiles will be considered if highly motivated researchers in other related disciplines decide to apply
• Experience developing algorithms or building data solutions, and integrating and managing datasets from multiple sources
• Solid programming experience in one or more general purpose programming language: Python, R, Scala
• Hands-on experience in machine learning and visualization techniques is desirable
• Having first-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Be willing to work in an interdisciplinary team within a highly collaborative research institute
• Be fluent in spoken and written English
• Be willing to apply to individual fellowships to become and independent researcher and define new own lines of research

Key Responsibilities

• Data processing and integration for novel and multicentric datasets
• Develop data science analyses in collaboration with experimental partners
• Carry out high-quality research independently and within project teams.
• Publish research results in scientific journals and in national and international conferences.

Auxiliar task

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.
• Problem resolution.
• Learning capacity.

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.

Conditions

• Duration: 2 years
• Starting date:Immediately
• Contract: Full Time
• Salary Range: Postdoc A the salary will be according to ISGlobal salaries scale and candidate’s experience

During the crisis caused by COVID19, standard working conditions will be adapted to sanitary requirements.

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.