Staff Scientist for the Physical Activity and respiratory health group

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 Staff Scientist to join the Respiratory Health Over the Lifecourse Research Area. The area’s work focuses on the risk factors of development and progression of allergic and chronic respiratory diseases (primarily asthma and COPD) over the lifecourse, with a particular focus on physical inactivity and body composition, air pollution, occupational exposures, temperature, indoor environment, sleep, infections, and their interactions. The area also focuses on the definition and assessment of the concept of physical activity across ages and disease status, and in the development and validation of digital health tools and approaches to measure, predict and prevent adverse respiratory health outcomes.

The successful candidate will: (i) support the strategic and operational management of the research area, (ii) take on coordination responsibilities for ongoing and future research projects, and (iii) co-supervise students and technical staff. The position requires demonstrated expertise in a range of research methodologies (quantitative, qualitative and participatory), and proven research experience in the fields of physical activity and respiratory health.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Co-coordination of ongoing projects

Co-supervision of PhD and Master students

Performing analysis and writing manuscripts

Application to new projects acting as PI

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.

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.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

PhD in Biomedicine or similar, with emphasis on epidemiology.

Qualifications expected in clinical research and global health

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Postdoctoral experience in the field of physical activity and/or respiratory health

LANGUAGE LEVEL

Proficiency in Catalan, English, and Spanish.

CONDITIONS

Duration: 5 years

Starting date: 01/03/2026

Contract Type: Full time

Salary: Staff Scientist I 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 11th of February 2026.

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.