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; Integral 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.

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WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

ISGlobal is seeking to hire a talented and highly motivated postdoctoral scientist interested on working in a research project investigating novel aspects of the regulation of gene expression in malaria parasites. More specifically, the selected candidate will study gene expression at the single-cell level in the context of sexual conversion, which is essential for disease transmission.

The ISGlobal Malaria Epigenetics lab directed by ICREA Research Professor Alfred Cortés investigates the regulation of gene expression in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. We use a combination of approaches that include genome editing with CRISPR-Cas9 technology, state-of-the-art phenotypic characterisation and multi-omic approaches. Our ultimate goal is to generate high-quality basic knowledge that is relevant for the fight against malaria.

Please visit our websites ( ) for an overview of our recent contributions to understanding the biology of malaria parasites. These include the identification and characterisation of the master regulators of sexual conversion and of the heat-shock response.

We offer an inclusive, vibrant and intellectually-stimulating environment, with state-of-the-art facilities and a broad critical mass for malaria research. We support the professional growth of each and every member of our team through the many excellent training activities offered by ISGlobal, in-depth scientific discussions within the team and regular individual meetings with the group leader.



We are seriously committed to promoting diversity and to favour work-family life balance. We love our social activities (including, among others, team building trips and ice-cream celebrations whenever we have something to celebrate). The selected candidate will be invited to participate in the ISGlobal Mentoring Program and in the activities of the ISGlobal Postdoctoral community, which include an annual symposium.

About the project:

Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the most severe forms of human malaria. Transcriptional regulation plays a key role in malaria parasite biology, as it controls fundamental processes such as life cycle progression, antigenic variation and adaptation to the conditions of the environment. Of note, transcriptional regulation also plays a prominent role in the regulation of the conversion of some asexual parasites into sexual forms that mediate transmission to mosquito vectors. In this project, we investigate the regulation of sexual conversion in malaria parasites.

Funding:

Title: Molecular dissection of AP2-HS-dependent regulatory pathways driving environmental stress responses in Plasmodium falciparum

Grant PID2 OB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI/ /5 and, by the European Union.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

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- The main tasks will be to design and perform experiments to study P. falciparum sexual conversion at the single-cell level and to analyse and interpret the data. The successful candidate is also expected to participate in the scientific discussion of other projects.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

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- Experiments with P. falciparum cultures

- Optimisation of parasite cultures preparation for single-cell RNA-seq

- Perform single-cell RNA-seq experiments

- Data analysis and writing reports

- Present results in scientific conferences

- Contribute to scientific discussion and to training of new members of the team

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

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- Capacity to work both independently and as part of a team

- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

- Excellent organisation and coordination skills

- Demonstrated track record of achievements

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

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- A PhD in a discipline related with molecular and cellular biology

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

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- Expertise in malaria research (P. falciparum cultures and manipulation)

- Expertise in the analysis of transcriptional regulation and epigenetic processes (RT-qPCR, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, etc)

- Expertise in single-cell RNA-seq

LANGUAGE LEVEL

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- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential

CONDITIONS

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- Contract: full time, 3 months

- Salary: According to ISGlobal internal salary scale

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

- Start date: September 2026

Applications will remain open until 26th of August.

We encourage diverse applications, including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and political beliefs.

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. xqbhyrx

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.

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📌 Postdoctoral Researcher for Malaria Epigenetics lab: single-cell analysis of sexual conversion. (Barcelona)
🏢 Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)
📍 Barcelona