Offer Description

The Respiratory Viruses Unit is seeking a highly motivated bioinformatician to study the genetic features, diversity, and evolution of respiratory viruses and other viral agents from a bioinformatics perspective.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions - Predoctoral Fellowships (MSCA)

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Predoctoral Fellowships (MSCA) are part of the Horizon Europe programme and support predoctoral researchers in developing an original research and innovation project through international mobility.

DETECTIVE (Data driven Excellence in Training of Epidemiological, Clinical, Technological and Innovative Virus Experts) is an EU-funded MSCA training programme aimed at developing new, data-driven methods to anticipate, detect and respond to emerging viral threats at an earlier stage than before. Coordinated by Prof. Dr. Heli Harvala, Professor of Virology at the University of Turku in Finland, the network brings together 8 academic institutions and 14 associated partners from across Europe.

Within DETECTIVE, researchers will develop innovative methods used to detect emerging pathogens earlier, understand who is most at risk, and translate the complex multi-source data into real-time, evidence-based decisions and clinical applications. The project's overall goal is to establish a unified, end-to-end epidemic-intelligence framework, enhancing Europe's capacity to respond to threats quickly and in a coordinated manner. This will be achieved by an integrated approach combining virology, evolutionary genomics, epidemiology, diagnostics and AI-based analytical methods.

Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases represent one of the greatest threats to general health and societal stability in the 21st century. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated with unprecedented clarity how quickly novel pathogens can spread, overwhelm healthcare systems, and disrupt economies.





This doctoral project will develop a genomic platform for securely, proactively and in real time-sharing data on a European scale, with the aim of facilitating the early detection of potential increases in the circulation of certain viruses. Furthermore, work will be undertaken to improve and harmonise the different bioinformatic analysis methods for genomic data at a European level.

Main responsibilities and duties:

At the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain), DETECTIVE is looking for a Doctoral Candidate (DC) to work on Work Package 3. As DC11, your research objectives are to:

- Harmonise genomic workflows and integrate AI for variant detection and outbreak forecasting
- Build secure, interoperable and FAIR cloud platforms for real-time genomic data exchange
- Create interactive dashboards showing genomic trends, variant emergence and geographical spread
- Translate genomic findings into public-health action through educational materials, policy briefs and reports

Where to apply Website

Requirements

Research Field Biological sciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Education and qualifications:

Required:

- Hold a master's degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, data science, epidemiology, virology or related fields.
- Have a strong interest in infectious disease research and emerging pathogens.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (minimum C1/C2 CEFR level).




- An interest in self-development and working in a multidisciplinary research group.
- Have not resided/carried out work or studies in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the March 1st, 2027.

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

- Experience with genomic analysis, bioinformatics workflow development, phylogenetics or phylodynamics, AI/ML and/or scientific data visualisation highly beneficial.
- Previous laboratory experience in infectious disease research.

Research Field Biological sciences

Additional Information

Selection process

Application deadline: 08-10-2026

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, applicants must complete BOTH application steps by 8 October 2026.

Step 1: Complete the DETECTIVE Webropol Application Form

Complete the DETECTIVE Application Form and provide the following documents:

- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
- Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page)
- Details for two referees

Access the application form .

Step 2: Apply via the VHIR Careers Website

Applicants must also submit their application through the VHIR Careers Website via this vacancy.

VHIR embraces Equality and Diversity. As reflected in our values we work toward ensuring inclusion and equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, training, and management for all staff within the organisation, regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age, functional diversity or ethnicity.

Website for additional job details

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Fundació Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron- Institut de recerca Country Spain Geofield

Contact State/Province

Catalonia City

Barcelona Website

Street

Passeig Vall d'Hebron, 119-129 Postal Code

08035 E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED

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