Data analyst position in the Genetic Neuroepidemiology and Biostatistics Modelling team

 About the employer

The Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC) is a research center dedicated to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and the study of cognitive functions affected in healthy and pathological aging. It was created in 2012 by the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, with the support of the Pompeu Fabra University.

The mission of the BBRC is to provide innovative solutions to decipher and prevent biological changes and cognitive dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Due to the aging of the world population, these diseases constitute a global challenge, since for example, dementia can reach epidemic levels in 2050, with a forecast of more than 150 million people affected, if is not found a way to prevent its appearance and development.

The BBRC received the HR Excellence in Research award (HRS4R) granted by the European Commission; a recognition that shows its adherence to the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Research Staff. The center offers a stimulating and favorable working environment in accordance with the Charter and Code, which describes the rights and responsibilities of researchers and their employers, and contributes to the creation of a transparent, attractive and open ecosystem at an international level.
Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Pompeu Fabra University and “la Caixa” Foundation are permanent members of the BBRC Board. The center is affiliated with and located in the Ciutadella Campus of the Pompeu Fabra University of Barcelona, in a building inaugurated in 2016. The BBRC headquarters has excellent technical facilities, including a 3TMR scanner dedicated to research, and spaces for conducting Clinical Trials and EEG. State-of-the-art scientific facilities, effective management and continuous high-standard peer-review evaluation are the BBRC core proceedings to ensure achieving world-class research results.

BBRC is also part of the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), a large research facility that hosts other seven different research institutions related to biomedical research, including the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), the Department of Experimental and Health Sciences of the Pompeu Fabra University (CEXS-UPF), the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE CSIC-UPF), the Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal) and the Barcelona site of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), among others, in a multidisciplinary, collaborative and stimulating international environment in close contact with a clinical setting, thus conducive to translational research.

More information about BBRC: www.barcelonabeta.org

About the project

The ALFA (for Alzheimer and Families) parent cohort, established by the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center, comprises nearly 3.000 cognitively normal participants, most of whom are first-degree descendants of AD patients. This cohort was established as a research platform to characterize preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in asymptomatic individuals and will serve to untangle the natural history of the disease and to model the preclinical stages to develop successful trials to prevent AD. Within the ALFA programme, the ALFA+ cohort study is composed of 420 cognitively unimpaired participants, aged between 45 and 65 years at ALFA baseline visit, who have been thoroughly characterized from sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, cognitive, genetic and biomarker (both fluid and neuroimaging). Participants are followed every 3 years: so far, we have conducted the study’s baseline visit (2016-2019) and the first follow-up visit (2019-2022).
During an every visit, each participant undergoes 2 one-hour time MRI sessions in the BBRC’s cutting-edge MRI scanner (Philips Ingenia 3.0T CX dedicated exclusively to research, with the scientific-technical support of Philips, and an online image management and processing system based on XNAT). The sequences performed, especially the one in the second MRI, have a high innovative value and must be analysed in detail to be eventually validated for future research.

About the job

The Barcelonaβeta Research Center (BBRC) is looking for a full-time Data Analyst (M.Sc. or Ph.D. level) to work on the development of integrative genetic and proteomic models for improving the prediction of neuroimaging and neuropsychological data. The position is within the field of clinical neuroscience and Alzheimer’s disease research and involves contributing to scientific dissemination.
The selected candidate will join the Genetic Neuroepidemiology and Biostatistics Modelling team, under the supervision of Dr. Natalia Vilor Tejedor. The position is part of a research project funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and co-funded by the European Union (FEDER & FSE) through the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) (Grants PID2022-143106OA-I00 & RYC2022-038136-I). The project focuses on understanding omics profiles in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.
This role offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative research environment, contributing to cutting-edge studies in the field. After completing the current project, there is also the possibility to pursue a scientific career or a Ph.D. thesis within its scope

Main Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this position include:

• Designing and leading analyses to integrate genetic and molecular data leveraging the rich datasets available at the Centre.
• Developing efficient methods for handling, cleaning and integrating complex genetic and molecular phenotype data into genetic neuroepidemiological pipelines.
• Implement algorithms and statistical methods to analyze large-scale biological data.
• Collaborating with national and international researchers as part of large-scale consortia omics      analyses.
• Participating in weekly group meetings, presenting updates or analyses when required, and contributing to scientific discussion.
• Supporting the dissemination of the research findings of the team.
   

Required qualifications and professional experience

• Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Biomedicine, Data Science, or related fields.
• Strong expertise in statistical analysis and omics data processing, using standard bioinformatic tools and programming languages.
• Experience with large-scale biological datasets (e.g. genetics, proteomics).
• General knowledge of clinical and biological aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodege  nerative disorders (preferred but not mandatory).
• Proficient in English.

Personal skills

•  Teamwork skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Proactive and self-motivated attitude, with a problem-solving mindset.
• Flexibility to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work independently and communicate efficiently.
• Interest in joining a non-profit organization with a mission of high social impact.

We offer

• Starting date: September 2025 (negotiable)
• Full-time position, 38 hours weekly.
• Salary will depend on experience and will be in accordance with BBRC’s salary scales.
• Hybrid working model (on-site + teleworking).
• The Foundation offers an extended vacation period and the possibility of benefiting from flexible wor  king hours.
• Possibility to pursue a Scientific career / PhD Thesis after the completion of the project.
• Join a team of highly specialized staff in genetic epidemiology, omics data analysis and biostatistics.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. We offer as well, the unique research opportunity in a highly innovative project in a multidisciplinary institution.
At BBRC we also care about developing your professional abilities and career. We evaluate the potential of our team to develop the skills necessary to achieve a high level of professional performance.

Application process
To apply, please submit a single PDF file containing the following:
1) Cover letter describing research interests and relevant background.
2) CV 
3) All files or inquiries should be submitted electronically to: talent@barcelonabeta.org (and CC nvilor@barcelonabeta.org)

We inform you that your personal data will be part of a file which Pasqual Maragall Foundation and Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center is responsible for, in order to manage the job offer you have requested. Once the process is complete, the data processed will be erased.
You have the right to exercise the rights of access, rectification, cancellation and opposition recognized in Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation), to be addressed to the Pasqual Maragall Foundation and Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center: Wellington Street 30, 08005 Barcelona.