Lab technician in malaria genomics

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 the following main areas, Malaria and other Infectious Diseases, Maternal, Child and reproductive Health, Urban Health and Child and environmental health, Climate & Non-Communicable Diseases. ISGlobal is accredited with the Severo Ochoa distinction, a seal of excellence of the Spanish Science Ministry.

Lugar

Barcelona – Campus Clínic (CEK)

What We Are Looking for

ISGlobal is seeking a talented laboratory technician who is experienced in the use of next generation sequencing assays to work on the GenMoz project in Barcelona. The successful candidate will be mainly responsible for applying multiplex amplicon sequencing of malaria parasites, support in other molecular activities of the lab (i.e. qPCR and RTqPCR analysis) and contribute to the training of junior researchers in wet lab applications. Candidates willing to engage in a PhD after/during the first contract year are also encouraged to apply (although this is not a requirement). The overall aim is to advance in the goal of malaria eradication through the identification of key drivers of malaria transmission using innovative genomic and analytical tools. The project is being conducted by the Malaria Physiopathology group at ISGlobal, in collaboration with the Manhiça Health Research Center (Mozambique), the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) and the Institute of Disease Modelling (USA). We target 3 use cases: a) antimalarial and diagnostic resistance; b) parasite importation & characterization of local transmission in near-elimination settings; and c) stratification, monitoring and impact evaluation. The final aim is to integrate main genetic data into surveillance activities in Mozambique through periodic interactions with the National Malaria Control Program and other stakeholders in the country working on the surveillance space. The candidate is also expected to support another project by conducting RNA-based analysis to assess parasite adaptations driven by transcriptional changes in the malaria parasite in reaction to elimination efforts.

Training and experience /Qualifications

Required:

• FP2 or Graduate in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology or similar areas.
• Experience in nucleic acid amplification techniques (PCR, qPCR) and next generation sequencing (targeted resequencing, whole-genome sequencing, multiplex amplicon sequencing, RNAseq or similar)
• Availability to travel to Mozambique for training purposes if required.

Desired:

• 3-5 years of experience in the assays to be used in the project
• Demonstrated knowledge of experimental design
• Demonstrated success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity,
• collaboration with others and independent thought.
• Ability to collaborate with the team and translate existing research into
• practical solutions and products.
• Drive project execution and implement a robust plan for measuring
• success

Key Responsibilities

• Apply multiplex targeted sequencing approaches to characterize parasite populations from Mozambique and derive epidemiologically actionable information for malaria molecular surveillance.
• Provide support to molecular activities of the team (mainly nucleic acid purification and amplification techniques) in other research projects

Specific Duties

• Purify parasite genetic material from dried blood spots and rapid diagnostic tests.
• Perform quantitative analysis of malaria parasites using qPCR.
• Execute targeted NGS sequencing of malaria parasites from Mozambique.
• Perform transcriptional analysis of malaria parasites using qRT-PCR and other platforms.
• Contribute to the writing of Standard Operating Procedures and bench aid protocols.
• Contribute to management of NGS files and storage of the data.
• Contribute to pre-processing of NGS data.
• Data entry into databases.
• Organize and manage the project sample biobank.
• Participate in weekly team meetings and present results if required.
• Participate in regular lab management activities (rotating cleaning and maintenance, contribute to orders of materials, …)
• Interact with research teams in Mozambique, USA or elsewhere for training and harmonization purposes.
• Travel to Mozambique and/or USA for training activities if required.
• Additional technical duties as assigned.

Auxiliar task

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

• Strong problem-solving competence and effective communication skills.
• Drive and determination.
• Desire to learn.
• Focus and discipline.
• Respects and embraces diversity of perspective.
• Enjoy solving problems; inquisitive and analytical; engaged and motivated.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a larger team.
• Ability to see the big picture and work towards that goal.
• Ability to build and manage relationships with various collaborators across and outside the institution.
• 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 accountable to ensure ISGlobal policies and procedures .

Language level

• Catalan, Spanish
• Advanced knowledge of English and/or knowledge of Portuguese will be considered a plus.

Conditions

• Duration: 2 years
• Starting date: April-May 2022
• Contract: Full time

During the crisis caused by COVID19, standard working conditions will be adapted to sanitary requirements.