The Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) is a cutting-edge institute addressing globalpublic health challenges through research, translation into policy and education. ISGlobal has abroad portfolio in communicable and non-communicable diseases including environmentaland climate determinants, and applies a multidisciplinary scientific approach ranging from themolecular to the population level. Research is organized in five programs: Climate, AirPollution, Nature and Urban Health; Environment and Health over the Lifecourse; Global Viraland Bacterial Infections; Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases and Maternal Child andReproductive Health. ISGlobal is accredited with the Severo Ochoa distinction, a seal ofexcellence of the Spanish Science Ministry.LugarISGLOBAL – IGTP/CAMPUS CAN RUTIWHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORISGlobal is seeking a technician who is interested in taking over and managing activities of theproject titled "Use of extracellular vesicles as a tool for the identification of new biomarkersin two parasitic infectious diseases: Malaria and Chagas disease". The overall project goal isthe molecular characterization of circulating EVs from malaria and Chagas disease patients todiscover new biomarkers for vivax malaria, Chagas cardiomyopathy and early indicators oftherapeutic response. This research has enormous transfer potential since the results couldrepresent a proof-of-principle for the future development of point-of-care diagnostics forthese diseases easily deployable in endemic regions.Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanovesicles secreted by most cells and present in human bodyfluids. EVs contain cell and tissue-specific molecular signatures wherein proteins, nucleic acidsand metabolites are selectively packaged. EVs have therefore gained considerable attention aspotential sources for the discovery of novel non-invasive biomarkers for disease detection andprognosis, including infectious diseases. In the case of malaria, circulating levels of EVs have been correlated withsevere disease; yet, the molecular composition of circulating EVs in the context of asymptomatic patients has never been reported. Noticeably,our group recently identified parasite proteins in plasma-derived EVs from Plasmodium vivaxpatients. Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is prevalent in Latin America and is emerging innon-endemic countries. Biomarkers for earlier therapeutic response assessment and severedisease prognosis are urgently needed. Last year, we described the first proteomic profiling ofplasma-derived EVs purified directly from a heart transplant patient with chronic Chagasdisease. We identified human and parasiteEV-proteins, whose expression was downregulated after treatment administration. Validationof this fundamental observation requires larger clinical cohorts of patients.TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE /QUALIFICATIONSSPECIFIC REQUIREMENTSExperience in the isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles.Skilled in preparing samples for mass spectrometry analysis and RNA sequencing.Competent in managing in vitro human and parasitic cultures.Experienced in molecular biology and cloning techniques.Computational skills in OMICs data will be a plus.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1) Isolation and characterization through different methodologies of plasma-derived EVs from malaria and Chagas disease patients from endemic regions with different clinical syndromes.2) Determine the molecular protein composition of EVs by mass spectrometry and the RNA content through next-generation sequencing.3) Functional characterization of circulating-EVs by in vitro experiments with endothelial cells, in the case of malaria-derived-EVs and with human cardiac fibroblast and myocytes for Chagas disease-derived-EVs.4) Functional assays to evaluate the role of circulating EVs in the context of disease progression.5) Validation of biomarker candidates for the development of a point-of-care diagnostic device.SPECIFIC DUTIESPurify EVs through different methodologies: size exclusion chromatography, Immunocapture, ultracentrifugation.Characterization of EVs by flow cytometry and western blot.Preparation of samples for mass spectrometry analysis and RNAseq.Computational proteomic and transcriptomic analysis.In vitro culture of cardiac and endothelial cells and Trypanosoma cruzi parasites.Cloning and expression of proteins.AUXILIAR TASKThis 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.SKILLSTeamworkProblem resolutionLearning capacityThe 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 LEVELFluent oral and written English is an essential prerequisite (B2 level required).CONDITIONSDuration: 3 monthsContract: (part or full time) full timeSalary Range: Technician IIDHOW TO APPLYApplicants must fill in the request form and include the following code reference position: Technician_PVREX-GROUP_Oct2024, attach the CV and a Cover Letter. Each attached document must be named with the candidate name and surname.The receipt of applications will be open until 01/11/2024.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 berequired for the structural or transversal positions.In accordance with the OTM-R principles, a gender-balanced recruitment panel is formed forevery 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 administrativeinterview. A profile questionnaire as well as a technical exercise may be required during theprocess.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.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.
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