Predoctoral researcher in the Public Health Liver Group

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; 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 looking for a full-time predoctoral researcher to join the research group of Jeffrey Lazarus and to conduct research at the intersection of food systems, nutrition, non-communicable diseases and planetary health. The PhD project will investigate the potential health and environmental effects of adopting healthier and more sustainable dietary patterns, with a particular focus on the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet. The project will use modelling and simulation approaches to estimate potential changes in diet-related health outcomes, including steatotic liver disease and cardiometabolic outcomes, as well as environmental co-benefits. The research will contribute to the evidence base on the links between food systems, food environments, nutrition, non-communicable diseases and planetary health, and will explore the potential population health implications of dietary and food-system transitions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducting literature reviews, quantitative analyses and simulation modelling, and drafting original articles for publication in high quality journals

• Disseminating findings through scientific conferences, workshops, policy events, peer-reviewed publications and print, broadcast and social media

• Collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams, academic partners and external specialists in NCDs, nutrition, epidemiology, food systems and planetary health

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

• Ability to work effectively as part of team.

• Problem resolution.

• Self-directed learning.

• Strong scientific writing and literature review skills.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines and work in a structured and organized manner.

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

• Candidates must have obtained a University Degree and a Master’s Degree in nutrition, public health, epidemiology, food systems, biomedicine, or a related discipline within the European Higher Education Area (minimum 300 ECTS - European Credit Transfer System, of which at least 60 are at master’s level), or an equivalent University Degree that allows to start a PhD thesis in Spain by the fellowship starting date

• NOTE: the selected candidate will be assessed for eligibility by the corresponding PhD programme following University admission criteria. University PhD programme admission will be managed after completion of the selection process

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• At least 3 years of research experience in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), nutrition, dietary patterns, food environments and/or related public health areas.

• Good quantitative skills and experience with statistical software, preferably R and/or Stata; willingness to further develop advanced skills in epidemiological methods, statistical analysis and simulation modelling.

• Experience in epidemiological research, literature review, data analysis and scientific writing, with an interest in the links between food systems, nutrition, NCDs, climate change and planetary health.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

• Intermediate Spanish

CONDITIONS

• Contract: full time, 3 years

• Salary: 25.000€ gross annual

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

• Start date: As soon as possible

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must complete the application form and upload a CV and a Cover Letter. Each document must be clearly named with the candidate’s name and surname.

Applications will remain open until 28th of September 2026.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted and interviewed as applications are received. Interviews may take place during the application period.

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

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process is designed in two phases:
1- Interview phase of a technical nature, with the team that requires the incorporation. To assess the person's skills and CV.
2 - Meeting with HR with the finalist(s) to finish assessing the profile and discuss contractual and institutional issues.

If needed any technical test could be passed. A Psychological Competency Evaluation Test will be required for the structural or transversal positions.

In accordance with the OTM-R principles, a gender-balanced recruitment panel is formed for every vacancy at the beginning of the process. After reviewing the content of the applications, the panel will start the interviews, with at least one technical and one administrative interview. A profile questionnaire as well as a technical exercise may be required during the process.

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.