Academic Internship – Research Data & Information Systems at the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center

Context

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 by both healthy and pathological aging. It was established in 2012 by the Fundació Pasqual Maragall, with the support of Universitat Pompeu Fabra.

BBRC’s mission is to provide innovative solutions to decipher and prevent the biological changes and cognitive dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Due to global population aging, these diseases represent a worldwide challenge. For example, dementia could reach epidemic levels by 2050, with an estimated 150 million people affected if prevention strategies are not found.

BBRC has been awarded the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) award by the European Commission, recognizing its adherence to the principles outlined in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The center provides a stimulating and supportive work environment in accordance with these frameworks, which define the rights and responsibilities of researchers and their employers, contributing to a transparent, attractive, and internationally open research ecosystem.

The Fundació Pasqual Maragall, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, and Fundació “la Caixa” are permanent members of the BBRC Board. The center is located on the Ciutadella Campus of Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, in a building inaugurated in 2016. Its facilities include a dedicated 3T MRI scanner for research, spaces for clinical trials, and EEG labs. State-of-the-art scientific facilities, effective management, and continuous high-level evaluation of its professionals form the core of BBRC’s procedures to achieve top-tier research outcomes.

BBRC is also part of the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), a large facility housing seven other research institutions related to biomedical research, including the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), the Department of Health and Experimental Sciences, UPF (CEXS-UPF), Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), and European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Barcelona (EMBL). This environment is multidisciplinary, collaborative, and internationally stimulating, with close interaction with clinical settings that facilitate translational research.

For more information: www.barcelonabeta.org and www.fpmaragall.org

About the role

The Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center Foundation is seeking a university student to support projects focused on automation and standardization of data pipelines in research projects. The student will collaborate with the Research Data & Information Systems (RDIS) team on initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency, quality, and reproducibility of dataset generation and preparation for analysis. This project combines Data Engineering and Data Management tasks to optimize data workflows and facilitate the work of research teams.

Key Responsibilities

The student may participate in the following activities:

Optimization of Dataset Creation Pipeline

• Analyze the current dataset generation workflow (inputs, processes, outputs).
• Automate data validation and quality control procedures.
• Standardize file, variable, and metadata naming conventions.
• Create technical documentation for the data pipeline.

Standardization of Data Preparation for Analysis (ALFA+ Project)

• Develop a base template for integrating multiple files.
• Integrate with the variable catalog.
• Prepare user-oriented documentation to facilitate the use of developed tools.

Requirements

• Undergraduate student in Biomedical Engineering, Data Science and Engineering, or related fields.
• Knowledge of SQL, R, or Python.
• Experience in data manipulation and management.
• Interest in biomedical research data and best practices in data management.

Personal Skills

• Analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Interest in scientific research and technological innovation.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
• Proactive attitude and capacity for learning.
• Methodological rigor and a focus on the quality of analyses.

We Offer

• University internship possible.
• Minimum duration: 2 months.
• Location: Universitat Pompeu Fabra Campus (C/ Wellington, 30, Barcelona). Metro L4 / Tram T4.
• Remote work according to the Foundation’s policy. Schedule to be agreed based on student availability.
• Financial support provided.

Application process

• CV (max. 2 pages).
• Indicate where you saw the position advertised.

All files or inquiries should be submitted electronically to talent@barcelonabeta.org Subject: Academic Internship – Research Data & Information Systems