MÉS INFORMACIÓ

IC20_26 – RESEARCH ASSISTANT IN NUTRITION EPIDEMIOLOGY

22/05/2026

Descripció del treball

The Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IRBCatSud) is an institution that integrates research in the field of biomedicine in the “Camp de Tarragona” and the “Terres de l’Ebre”. The IRBCatSud is the instrument that the university hospitals of both health regions have been endowed with (Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, Verge de la Cinta Hospital of Tortosa, Sant Joan de Reus University Hospital, Institut Pere Mata University Hospital of Reus) and Rovira and Virgili University, in order to bring together and manage biomedical research and innovation in the territory.

One of the research groups affiliated to IRBCatSud is the Human Nutrition Unit (HNU) is an interdisciplinary and dynamic team with extensive experience and sufficient autonomy in developing epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and basic research. The scope of this research group is to evaluate using classical approaches and novel multiomics technologies the effect of dietary patterns or dietary compounds on obesity (including childhood obesity), type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and male fertility.

A full-time position lasting 3 or 4 months is available as part of a new research project titled CORALS.

Number of available positions: 1

The selected candidate will perform the following tasks:

  • Study the relationship lipidomic signatures and different health outcomes
  • Analyze metabolomic profiles associated with lifestyle determinants and their relationship with cardiometabolic risk
  • Contribute to the implementation of a clinical trial focused on the relationship between dietary intake and health outcomes.

 

CANDIDATE PROFILE & REQUIREMENTS

  • MSc degree (or equivalent) in Nutrition, Biomedicine, Public Health, Epidemiology, Pharmacy, Biology, Biostatistics, or a related field.
  • Interest in pediatric nutrition, cardiometabolic health, epidemiology, and omics sciences.
  • Basic knowledge of statistical analysis and data management in observational or longitudinal studies.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
  • Good oral and written communication skills in English.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to scientific rigor and reproducibility.
  • Motivation to develop research skills in nutritional epidemiology, biostatistics, and lipidomics/metabolomics.

 

IT WILL BE VALUED

  • Previous training or experience in the analysis of prospective cohorts or longitudinal studies.
  • Experience with dietary assessment methods, including food frequency questionnaires, Mediterranean diet indices, or NOVA classification of ultra-processed foods.
  • Knowledge of cardiometabolic risk indicators, including adiposity, lipid profile, blood pressure, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, or composite cardiometabolic risk scores.
  • Basic knowledge of omics methodologies, particularly metabolomics or targeted lipidomics.
  • Experience in data quality control, database harmonization, missing data treatment, and preparation of datasets for statistical analyses.
  • Familiarity with multivariable statistical methods, including linear/logistic regression, penalized models (e.g., elastic net), cross-validation, or predictive analyses.
  • Knowledge of scientific reporting guidelines, particularly STROBE for observational studies.
  • Demonstrated capacity for critical thinking, interpretation of scientific results, and identification of study limitations and sensitivity analyses.
  • Interest in scientific dissemination, communication of results, and public health impact.
  • Previous participation in research projects, scientific communications, or publications will be considered an asset.

 

SELECTION PROCEDURE

  • Selection of CV’s. Suitable and unsuitable CV’s will be identified according to the requirements. Applicants who do not meet the requirements indicated in the candidate profile and requirements will not pass to the next phase.
  • Evaluation of the CV. Evaluation of the CVs up to a maximum score of 40 points.
  • Cover Letter. Attach to the resume a cover letter with a maximum length of 2500 characters with spaces. With a maximum score of 20 points.

To access the interview phase it is necessary to have obtained a minimum score of 40 points in the sum of scores of the evaluation of the curriculum and cover letter

  • Personal interview. With a maximum score of 40 points.
Items 40
Attitude 5
Fit in the work place 10
Experience, developed functions/skills 20
Teamwork 5

 

The selected person must have obtained a minimum score of 70 points in the sum of scores from the assessment of all phases of the selection procedure.

 

SELECTION COMMITTEE

  • President: Jordi Salas Salvadó (Professor; PI of the project)
  • Chair 1: Nancy Babio (Professor; PI of the project)
  • Chair 2: Jesús Fco. García Gavilán (Professor Lector)

SUBSTITUTES:

  • President: Michelle Murphy (Associate Professor)
  • Chair 1: Indira del Socorro Paz (Professor Lector)
  • Chair 2: Albert Salas (Professor Lector)

 

CANDIDATURES 

For any questions or queries: recruitment@irbcatsud.cat

 

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF CV 22/05/2026

 

COMMUNICATIONS

The IRBCatSud will notify the candidates of the results of the different phases of the selection process through its website.

 

HRS4R Research in HR Excellence

The IRBCatSud has the European accreditation The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), complies with the general principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the recruitment of researchers.

The IRBCatSud has an internal recruitment policy that follows the Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) policies. More information about the HRS4R policies implemented at the IISPV is available on the following website: https://www.iispv.cat/hrs4r-hr-excellenceresearch/

The IRBCatSud will guarantee the right to equal opportunities and treatment, as well as the real and effective exercise of rights by people with disabilities under equal conditions with respect to other citizens, through the promotion of personal autonomy, universal accessibility, access to employment, inclusion in the community and independent living and the eradication of any form of discrimination, in accordance with articles 9.2, 10, 14 and 49 of the Spanish Constitution and the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and international treaties and agreements ratified by Spain.

In the event of a tie, priority will be given to hiring the person with a disability.

In the event of a tie between people of different genders, the person of the least represented gender in the work group/department/service in which he joins will be hired.

Condicions laborals

  • Full-time position 40h
  • Workplace: Reus Faculty of Medicine (URV)
  • Contract: Indefinite of scientific-technical activities linked to CORALS project (Approximately 4 months, with further annual extension).
  • Gross annual salary: 18.000€-20.000€
  • Starting date: June 2026 – 30 September 2026 (subject to extension)

Descarregables

 

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