IC20_26 – RESEARCH ASSISTANT IN NUTRITION EPIDEMIOLOGY
The Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IRBCatSud) is an institution that integrates research in the field of biomedicine in the "Camp de Tarragona" and the "Terres de l'Ebre".
The IRBCatSud is the instrument that the university hospitals of both health regions have been endowed with (Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, Verge de la Cinta Hospital of Tortosa, Sant Joan de Reus University Hospital, Institut Pere Mata University Hospital of Reus) and Rovira and Virgili University, in order to bring together and manage biomedical research and innovation in the territory.
One of the research groups affiliated to IRBCatSud is the Human Nutrition Unit (HNU) is an interdisciplinary and dynamic team with extensive experience and sufficient autonomy in developing epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and basic research.
The scope of this research group is to evaluate using classical approaches and novel multiomics technologies the effect of dietary patterns or dietary compounds on obesity (including childhood obesity), type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and male fertility.
A full-time position lasting 3 or 4 months is available as part of a new research project titled CORALS.
Number of available positions: 1
The selected candidate will perform the following tasks:
Study the relationship lipidomic signatures and different health outcomes
Analyze metabolomic profiles associated with lifestyle determinants and their relationship with cardiometabolic risk
Contribute to the implementation of a clinical trial focused on the relationship between dietary intake and health outcomes.
CANDIDATE PROFILE & REQUIREMENTS
MSc degree (or equivalent) in Nutrition, Biomedicine,



Public Health, Epidemiology, Pharmacy, Biology, Biostatistics, or a related field.
Interest in pediatric nutrition, cardiometabolic health, epidemiology, and omics sciences.
Basic knowledge of statistical analysis and data management in observational or longitudinal studies.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
Good oral and written communication skills in English.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to scientific rigor and reproducibility.
Motivation to develop research skills in nutritional epidemiology, biostatistics, and lipidomics/metabolomics.
IT WILL BE VALUED
Previous training or experience in the analysis of prospective cohorts or longitudinal studies.
Experience with dietary assessment methods, including food frequency questionnaires, Mediterranean diet indices, or NOVA classification of ultra-processed foods.
Knowledge of cardiometabolic risk indicators, including adiposity, lipid profile, blood pressure, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, or composite cardiometabolic risk scores.
Basic knowledge of omics methodologies, particularly metabolomics or targeted lipidomics.
Experience in data quality control, database harmonization, missing data treatment, and preparation of datasets for statistical analyses.
Familiarity with multivariable statistical methods,



including linear/logistic regression, penalized models (e.g., elastic net), cross-validation, or predictive analyses.
Knowledge of scientific reporting guidelines, particularly STROBE for observational studies.
Demonstrated capacity for critical thinking, interpretation of scientific results, and identification of study limitations and sensitivity analyses.
Interest in scientific dissemination, communication of results, and public health impact.
Previous participation in research projects, scientific communications, or publications will be considered an asset.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Selection of CV's.
Suitable and unsuitable CV's will be identified according to the requirements.
Applicants who do not meet the requirements indicated in the candidate profile and requirements will not pass to the next phase.
Evaluation of the CV.
Evaluation of the CVs up to a maximum score of 40 points.
Cover Letter.
Attach to the resume a cover letter with a maximum length of **** characters with spaces.
With a maximum score of 20 points.
To access the interview phase it is necessary to have obtained a minimum score of 40 points in the sum of scores of the evaluation of the curriculum and cover letter
Personal interview.
With a maximum score of 40 points.
Items 40
Attitude 5
Fit in the work place 10
Experience, developed functions/skills 20
Teamwork 5
The selected person must have obtained a minimum score of 70 points in the sum of scores from the assessment of all phases of the selection procedure.
SELECTION COMMITTEE
President: Jordi Salas Salvadó (Professor; PI of the project)
Chair 1: Nancy Babio (Professor; PI of the project)
CANDID

📌 Ic20_26 - Research Assistant In Nutrition Epidemiology (Tarragona)
🏢 Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Catalunya Sud (IRB CatSud)
📍 Tarragona