The Barcelona Institute for Integral 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 candidate to apply for a Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship within the TAGUA Genomic and Computational Epidemiology Research Group, under the supervision of Dr Shazia Ruybal‑Pesántez, in close collaboration with leading experts in the P. vivax and exosome research group (PvREX group).

The candidate should have significant accomplishments in population genetics, genomic epidemiology, epidemiological modelling, bioinformatics, biostatistics, or related quantitative approaches to malaria research. The candidate must be committed to excellent, collaborative research in a multidisciplinary environment, with strong communication and interpersonal skills and dedication to open science. Candidates must fulfil the eligibility requirements for the current Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship call.

Plasmodium vivax is the most geographically widespread human malaria parasite and remains a major challenge for malaria elimination. Unlike other malaria parasites, P. vivax can persist in hidden parasite reservoirs within the host,



including dormant liver‑stage hypnozoites that reactivate weeks or months after an initial infection, as well as possible extra‑circulating parasite biomass in tissues such as the spleen or bone marrow. These reservoirs complicate diagnosis, surveillance, and interpretation of recurrent infections, making it difficult to distinguish relapse, recrudescence, reinfection, and onward transmission.

The research will focus on developing genomic‑epidemiological computational models to understand P. vivax infection and transmission dynamics. The project will integrate parasite genetic data and epidemiological data (including recurrence timing and spatial or prior exposure information) to distinguish biological and epidemiological drivers of asymptomatic malaria infections. This work will contribute to improved interpretation of P. vivax surveillance data in elimination and resurgence settings. Researchers are expected to be experts in quantitative modelling, computational biology, population genetics, genomic epidemiology, statistical inference, bioinformatics, or infectious disease epidemiology.

Experience with malaria, P. vivax biology, pathogen genomics, or open‑source analytical workflows would be highly desirable.

ISGlobal offers a dynamic, multidisciplinary scientific environment to undertake this exciting research with opportunities to also engage with international partners at Menzies School of Health Research (Australia).

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (Guide of Applicants)





Researchers in possession of a doctoral degree (EU‑PhD title or adapted to the Spanish system is required) by the date 10th September 2026.

Researchers may be of any nationality.

For European Fellowships: Researchers must not have resided or carried out the main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to 10th September 2026.

For Global Fellowships: the researcher must not have resided or carried out the main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Third Country (not a EU member state or associated) where the initial outgoing phase takes place for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to 10th September 2025.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Researchers are expected to be experts in quantitative modelling, computational biology, population genetics, genomic epidemiology, statistical inference, bioinformatics, or infectious disease epidemiology.

The candidate has to have a good English level.

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.

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.

📌 Invitation to apply to a Post Doctoral Position (Madrid)
🏢 Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)
📍 Madrid