Software Engineer for SciencePaks project

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 five programs: Climate, Air Pollution, Nature and Urban Health; Environment and Health over the Lifecourse; Global Viral and Bacterial Infections; Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases and Maternal Child and Reproductive Health. ISGlobal is accredited with the Severo Ochoa distinction, a seal of excellence of the Spanish Science Ministry.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

ISGlobal is seeking a highly motivated Software Engineer to lead the development and maintenance of its digital health platform (mobile app and web) called SciencePaks. The software is a digital solution designed to track heart rate variability (HRV) using pulse bands and Garmin smartwatches, with a strong focus on fatigue monitoring, physical activity, and patient management, particularly in breast cancer care.

The platform integrates data acquisition, processing, visualization, and clinical decision support, covering the full software stack.

The candidate will work on the Bioinformatics Research Group in Epidemiology (BRGE) lead by Dr Juan R Gonzalez which is integrated into the Environment and Health over the Lifecourse research programme that aims to conduct high-quality integrative research to expand knowledge on the causes and mechanisms of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a focus on environmental, radiation, occupational, lifestyle, social, infectious, and genetic risk factors throughout the life course. Key outcomes include respiratory, cardiovascular and immune health, neurodevelopment, and cancer.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and maintain the SciencePaks mobile and web applications.

• Implement and manage backend services, APIs, and databases for secure storage and processing of physiological and clinical data.

• Integrate data from wearable devices (e.g., Garmin) and pulse bands, including HRV and activity metrics.

• Develop data pipelines for fatigue analysis and monitoring.

• Collaborate with clinical and research teams to translate medical and scientific requirements into software solutions.

• Ensure data quality, security, and compliance with relevant data protection and medical regulations.

• Maintain and improve system performance, scalability, and reliability.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Have a completed, or close to completion, Engineering Degree in Informatics, Computer Science or related field, with strong expertise in full-stack software development (backend and frontend).

• Solid programming experience in one or more general-purpose programming languages such as Python, R, JavaScript or similar, including data processing and analysis.

• Experience in backend development, including APIs, databases, and data management systems.

• Experience in frontend application development (web and/or mobile).

• Experience integrating data from wearable devices or external sensors is highly desirable.

  Knowledge of physiological or health-related data (e.g. heart rate variability, physical activity, fatigue) will be considered an asset.

• Ability to manage the entire software lifecycle, from design to deployment and maintenance.

• Be willing to work in an interdisciplinary team within a highly collaborative research and clinical environment.

AUXILIAR TASKS

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 background in software engineering, with experience in frontend and backend development.

• Solid knowledge of databases, APIs, and data management.

• Experience with mobile and/or web application development.

• Familiarity with wearable device integration and physiological data (HRV, activity, fatigue) is highly desirable.

• Ability to work independently and manage the full software lifecycle.

• Interest in digital health, biomedical applications, and clinical research.

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 to ensure ISGlobal policies and procedures.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

• Have a completed, or close to completion, Engineering Degree in Informatics with strong analytics expertise in both back- and front-end programming

• Programming experience in one or more general purpose programming language that allow him/her to perform statistical analyses: Phyton, R.

• Experience with front-end appls

• Be willing to work in an interdisciplinary team within a highly collaborative research institute

• Be fluent in spoken and written English

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• We are looking for a person with high organizational and teamwork skills, capable of working

• Autonomously, proactively and motivated, with good verbal and written communication.

• Flexibility of schedules will be valued.

LANGUAGE LEVEL

• Proficiency in English

CONDITIONS

• Contract: full time, 8 months

• Salary: 30.656€ gross annual

• Work-Life Balance: 36 days off per year (23 vacation days + 13 personal days)

• Start date: October 2026

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must complete the application form and upload a CV and a Cover Letter. Each document must be clearly named with the candidate’s name and surname.

Applications will remain open until 14th of October.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted and interviewed as applications are received. Interviews may take place during the application period.

We encourage diverse applications, including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and political beliefs.

SELECTION PROCESS

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.

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.