Oferta de trabajo: Citizen Science Postdoctoral Researcher

In the framework of the ISGlobal “Centre of Excellence Severo Ochoa 2024-2028 Programme” (CEX2023-0001290-S) from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, and the Spanish Research State Agency (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033), ISGlobal is seeking a motivated and dedicated postdoctoral researcher to join our team in a participatory research project focused on the health impacts of heat on agricultural migrant workers. 

The postdoctoral researcher will be based in the research group of Dr. Ana Requena, with co-supervision from Dr. Xavier Basagaña and Dr. Michelle Turner. They will conduct research in the framework of vulnerable populations and occupational health, including of migrant workers, climate change and occupational heat exposure in national and international projects with a focus on participatory research and co-creation methods.

The Science and Society group collaborates with ISGlobal research groups to incorporate participatory methodologies into healthcare provision and health-related research areas. Being a collaborative and transversal group within the ISGlobal institution, we promote co-creation and patient and public involvement in health research through the active participation of patients, caregivers, and citizens to achieve a more collaborative science that better responds to the needs of our society that will help to co-create research with a more inclusive and holistic vision. In this regard, besides strengthening the capacity of ISGlobal research groups and also other scientists to carry out high quality participatory research, we are developing research and innovation projects to produce knowledge and innovation that is useful for societies.

Climate change has led to an increase in global average temperatures and an increase in the frequency and duration of heat waves. Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to heat stress, referring to the heat received exceeding the level that the human body can tolerate without physical impairment. People working in sectors with high levels of heat exposure are at high risk of experiencing occupational heat stress, with outdoor workers being most vulnerable. Occupational heat stress causes heat-related illnesses (HRI), ranging from dizziness, heat strain or heat exhaustion to more severe forms such as heat stroke, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and psychological problems. In addition, it decreases productivity, increases the rate of occupational accidents or injuries, and can lead to death.

Migrants may be at increased risk for HRI. Several factors such as irregular migratory status, low education levels and high economic needs force migrants to accept low-paid jobs under unfavourable conditions that could negatively impact their health. In addition, limited control over workplace conditions and language and cultural barriers could further increase vulnerability to occupational injuries and diseases, including HRI. Research on temporary migrant workers in Spain shows that, in addition, they also often live in precarious living situations and are vulnerable to exploitation.

During the summer of 2022, the hottest season on record in Europe, Spain was the European country with the second highest summer heat-related mortality with 11,324 recorded deaths in the general population. The incidence of HRI in the general population in Spain is not available and hard to estimate as people often do not seek care for milder symptoms. 

Within this context, the objectives of this postdoctoral position are:

1.To work closely with  migrant outdoor workers in Spain to understand current concerns regarding occupational heat exposure and to co-design priorities for multi-level intervention, using a gender perspective as well as a participatory research approach;

2.To collect a range of personal occupational and environmental exposome data, including heat exposure, and associated mental and physical health outcomes.

3.To evaluate interventions in terms of exposure, health parameters, and compliance.

In addition to the core research activities, the successful candidate will also play a critical role in the following activities:

• Community Engagement and Trust Building: Clearly explain the project to agricultural migrant workers and create a supportive community. Building trust is paramount, enabling active and meaningful engagement.
• Stakeholder Mapping and Alliances: Perform stakeholder mapping to identify and establish alliances with relevant civil society organizations, strengthening the project's impact and ensuring sustainability.
• Citizen Scientist Coordination: Recruit and train migrant workers as citizen scientists, equipping them with wearable devices to monitor health parameters, occupational and environmental exposures. This hands-on involvement will empower the workers and ensure data relevance and accuracy.
• Result Presentation Sessions: Organize regular sessions to present interim results to the participants, fostering transparency and continuous feedback.
• Co-Creation Sessions: Conduct co-creation sessions to discuss the needs and priorities of the workers, using a gender perspective and a participatory research lens. Ensure the voices of all workers, regardless of gender, are heard and considered. These sessions that will discuss needs and challenges will help orient future research to better respond to the specific needs of this population. 
• Ethical Responsiveness: During these sessions, operational issues that require further research might be identified. The capacity to address some of these issues directly or collaborate with competent organizations to act will be assessed. By doing so, the project adheres to the mutual benefit bioethical principles, which is of great importance, especially when working with migrant and vulnerable populations. This will increase the relevance of the current study and guide the development of future research projects.

By integrating these participatory methodologies, the postdoctoral researcher will co-create new interventions or improve existing policies, evaluate their effectiveness, and ensure that the priorities and needs of the migrant workers are at the forefront of our research endeavors.

The postdoctoral researcher will oversee day-to-day operations of the research project and will report directly to Dr. Requena. The postdoc will coordinate the field work and implementation of the study design, will lead regular project meetings and work on data management, analysis, and manuscript preparation.

In addition, the postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to collaborate in other projects of participatory research led by other PIs in ISGlobal. 

The postdoctoral researcher will also have opportunities for mentorship in career development, research methodology, teaching, and grant writing, and will be encouraged to develop their own career development award applications.

This position will be supported by funding from the “Centro de Excelencia Severo Ochoa 2024-2028” Program (CEX 2023-0001290-S) from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, and the Spanish Research State Agency (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033).
 

• Doctoral degree in clinical public health, social and behavioral sciences, epidemiology, or related fields.
• Training and experience in participatory research methods, research design, and statistical methods.
• Proficiency in data analysis, research methodologies, and statistical software. Strong writing and communication skills for publishing research findings and engaging with the public.
• Other Qualifications: Experience with project management and knowledge dissemination techniques. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Legal Requirements: Must be legally authorized to work in the country where the position is based.
• Physical Requirements: Capability to conduct fieldwork, which may involve outdoor activities and possibly travel to remote locations.
• Travel Requirements: Willingness to travel as needed for fieldwork, conferences, and community engagement events.
• Availability: Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends, especially when engaging with community groups.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations is desirable.

• Research Development: Design and implement research projects that involve citizen science methodologies.
• Data Management: Collect, analyze, and interpret data generated through citizen science initiatives.
• Community Engagement: Foster relationships with community members and stakeholders to encourage participation in research activities.
• Publication and Dissemination: Prepare research findings for publication in academic journals and present at conferences and public forums.
• Collaboration: Work with interdisciplinary teams including scientists, educators, and community organizers. Be coordinated with the ISGlobal Science for Society Group.

• Project Design and Implementation: Develop research plans and protocols that integrate citizen science approaches. Organize and conduct fieldwork, surveys, and experiments.
• Training and Support: Provide training and support to citizen scientists, including developing educational materials and conducting workshops.
• Participate in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and research staff across multiple research labs.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize statistical tools to analyze data, prepare reports, and visualize results for both academic and public audiences.
• Grant Writing and Fundraising: Assist in writing grant proposals and securing funding for research projects.
• Community Outreach: participate in outreach activities to promote citizen science and recruit volunteers. This includes public talks, social media engagement, and developing partnerships with community organizations and in coordination with the ISGlobal Science Culture Unit (UCC+i). Attend the meetings of the sciences & society group. 
• Ethics and Compliance: Ensure all research activities comply with ethical standards and institutional regulations.
• Attend seminars, colloquia, and other regularly scheduled educational activities at ISGlobal. 

• Ability to communicate effectively (both written and verbal), including communication with staff, faculty, students, and research participants, as well as groups, including in Spanish and in English. 
• Ability to train and supervise staff and students.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and interact effectively with young adults, coworkers, research teams, and administrative staff.
• Knowledge of manuscript writing, grant proposals, and other grant responsibilities such as summary or progress reports.
• Previous knowledge or strong interest in learning the fundamentals of participatory research and of implementation of intervention studies. 
• Ability to incorporate participatory methodologies in different steps of the research project.
• Ability to work using a multi-disciplinary focus, incorporating workers and relevant civil society organizations as part of the project.
• Ability to prepare conference presentations and make presentations to groups.
• Ability to mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students and research staff.
• Ability to understand and follow work procedures.
• Ability to be well organized, meet deadlines, display detail orientation, and possess good judgment and common sense.
• Knowledge of sexual orientation/gender identity health disparities
• Ability to work with vulnerable, marginalized, and diverse populations including sexual or gender minority individuals
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity

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 for ISGlobal policies and procedures.

• English: Advanced/Fluent (C1/C2)
• Spanish: Intermediate/Advanced (B2/C1)
• Catalan: Basic/Intermediate (A2/B1) 

• Duration: 3/ 4 years     
• Starting date: October/November 2024    
• Contract: full time 
• Salary Range: According to experience and profile

Applicants must fill in the request form, attach the CV and a Cover Letter describing research interest and plans at ISGlobal. Each attached document must be named with the candidate name and surname. 

The receipt of applications will be open until 30th of September 2024.

Only the applications submitted through the request form will be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Diverse candidatures are encouraged, that includes: gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and political views.

Please contact ana.requena@isglobal.org or/and raul.toran@isglobal.org for questions about this position.

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.

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 contributing to improving health worldwide.