The Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) is a cutting-edge institute addressing integral 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.

La información a continuación detalla los requisitos del puesto, la experiencia esperada del candidato y las cualificaciones correspondientes.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

ISGlobal is seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Technician for project PID2 OB-I00, ‘Dissecting GPI Anchor and N-Glycan Functions Across Asexual and Sexual Development in Plasmodium falciparum (BackToTheBasics)’, funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation, under the 2025 call for Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento (as part of the Programa Estatal para la Investigación y el Desarrollo Experimental, del Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica, Técnica y de Innovación ), to manage and conduct research aimed at characterizing the biosynthesis and function of essential Plasmodium falciparum glycoconjugates, namely GPI anchors and N-glycans, to clarify its roles in parasite growth, development, and transmission. This knowledge is revealing new vulnerabilities and will inform future therapeutic or preventive interventions. Specifically, the candidate will investigate the functional roles of GPI anchor biosynthesis and N-glycosylation during P. falciparum sexual development. This includes determining whether these glycoconjugate pathways are required for gametocytogenesis, maturation, gamete formation, and fertilization, and characterizing the glycosylated proteins involved in these processes. Using genetic, biochemical, and phenotypic approaches, the candidate will explore how glycoconjugate biosynthesis contributes to sexual-stage biology and transmission,



to identify novel vulnerabilities potentially exploitable for transmission-blocking interventions.

The candidate will actively contribute to the analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of research findings, including the preparation and submission of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for generating comprehensive research reports documenting experimental procedures, results, and conclusions, ensuring scientific rigor and traceability. This position offers the possibility of subsequently pursuing a PhD within the group; candidates interested in developing this research further into a doctoral project are particularly encouraged to apply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

-

- Analysis of gametocyte development following conditional gene disruption, under tightly controlled induction and synchronization regimens

- Biochemical and molecular analyses of sexual stages from knockout/control parasite lines, to describe the molecular basis of the phenotypes observed

- Design and manage experiments to functionally characterize glycoconjugate pathways in sexual development, focusing on gamete activation, exflagellation, and fertilization competence following conditional gene disruption.

- Assess and validate bioactive compounds, leveraging them as experimental probes to dissect gametocyte biochemistry

- Carry out supervised & independent research on parasite biochemistry and molecular biology

- Draft formal reports and prepare presentations/figures describing main results

SPECIFIC DUTIES

-

- Tasks required by the research carried out at the laboratory (P. falciparum in vitro culture, molecular and biochemistry techniques, manipulation of Plasmodium parasites, etc)

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.

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.

SKILLS

-

- Teamwork.

- Problem resolution.

- Learning capacity.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

-

- Degree in Biology/Biochemistry or similar. Master’s degree in parasitology, biochemistry, biotechnology or related.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

-

- Degree & MSc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology or similar

- Self-motivation and perseverance

- Advanced training in parasitology/P. falciparum laboratory techniques (parasite biochemistry, immunofluorescence techniques, Flow cytometry-assisted parasite analysis and growth inhibition assays, microscopy…)

- Excellent communication and teamwork skills

- Computer skills (Windows, Microsoft Office, Statistics and Bioinformatics)

CONDITIONS

-

- Contract: full time, 2.5 years (with possible extension)

- Salary: 21.224€ gross annual

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

- Start date: November 2026

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Laboratory technician for Glycobiology and Malaria Parasite Biology lab (Barcelona)
🏢 Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)
📍 Barcelona