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.
LugarBarcelona, Campus Mar
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORISGlobal is seeking a highly motivated and independent Research Assistant to support the BioWater project, focusing on the role of Urban Green Spaces (UGS) in addressing public health challenges related to climate change and urbanization. The ideal candidate will support extensive fieldwork, biodiversity assessments, soil water measurements, mental health interviews, and facilitate participatory processes for community engagement in urban planning.
The project "The urban green spaces of the future: balancing soil water content, biodiversity, and mental well-being in the face of climate change" (BioWater), with official reference 24S05864-001, is funded by Barcelona Council, in the framework of "Recerca Jove i Emergent 2024"
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE /QUALIFICATIONSEducational Background: A degree in biology, environmental biology, environmental sciences, or related fields.Fieldwork Experience: Experience in biodiversity surveys design and developments.Technical Skills: Basic knowledge of GIS, advanced knowledge with biodiversity monitoring tools, and basic knowledge of R for data analysis.Research Background: Experience in environmental resilience research. Research experience in urban environments will be valued.Communication Skills: Experience in presenting results and findings.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTSExperience in facilitating participatory processes with diverse stakeholders.Ability to draft and submit ethical protocols for research.Flexibility in work hours to conduct biodiversity surveys when necessary.Empathy, adaptability, problem-solving, and the ability to work independently.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESConduct comprehensive fieldwork to collect data on vegetation characteristics, soil water content, and biodiversity within selected UGS in Barcelona.Carry out soil water assessments using field and laboratory methods.Assist in biodiversity surveys, including bird diversity assessments through point counts and perceived biodiversity assessments with local participants.Conduct and manage mental health interviews using validated scales.Draft and submit protocols for ethical approval, ensuring compliance with data protection and ethical standards.Engage with local communities through structured focus groups to gather preferences and perceptions about UGS and contribute to participatory urban planning processes.Collaborate in the synthesis and analysis of collected data contributing to the development of comprehensive urban planning guidelines.Present findings to the project team and contribute to the preparation of scientific publications, policy briefs, and reports.AUXILIAR TASKSThis 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.
SKILLSEmpathy and adaptability when engaging with community participants.Strong problem-solving abilities and independence.Effective organizational and teamwork skills.Strong communication and presentation abilities.
The post holder will adhere to ISGlobal principles contained in the People Management Policy, including equity, diversity, and health safety. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring ISGlobal policies and procedures are followed.
LANGUAGE LEVELProficiency in Catalan and Spanish (written and spoken).CONDITIONSDuration: 15 monthsStarting Date: January 2025Contract: Full-timeSalary Range: Depending on the candidate's experience and according to ISGlobal internal salary scales. (Technician II category B)
HOW TO APPLYApplicants must fill in the request form and include the following code reference position: Research Technician_BioWater_Dec24, attach the CV and a Cover Letter. Each attached document must be named with the candidate's name and surname.
The receipt of applications will be open until January 9th 2025. Applications will be accepted until 17.00 CET of the closing date. Only the applications submitted through the request form will be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The interviews could be placed during the reception candidatures period.
Diverse candidatures are encouraged, that includes: gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and political views.
SELECTION PROCESSThe 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. ISGlobal supports the initiative #ScienceforUkraine. Therefore, to sustain Ukraine's presence in the European Research Area and international scholarly community, candidates from Ukraine on all levels of scholarly career are welcome: students, PhD candidates, early career researchers and senior scholars.
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