Scientist

PURPOSEOFPOSITION

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization. The objective of the IARC is to promote international collaboration in cancer research.

The goal of the Nutrition and Metabolism Branch (NME) is to provide robust scientific evidence on the role of nutrition, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction in cancer development that can be translated to both clinical and population-level interventions and to public health policy. NME aims to go beyond what may be considered the traditional domains of nutrition in cancer research and fully exploit methodological advances in molecular techniques to implement an integrated, multidisciplinary program of epidemiological research. Given the potential for advances in molecular profiling to help overcome methodological challenges in nutrition research and delineate the underlying biological pathways, emphasis is placed on conducting molecular research that integrates metabolomics, hormone measurements, the microbiome, proteomics and genomics, within population-based cohorts and intervention studies.

Within this framework, the incumbent will contribute to expand research activities in one of the following domains:

·The incidence of early onset cancers, defined as cancers diagnosed below 50 years of age, has increased in several countries in Europe and North-America due to a multitude of reasons. A comprehensive research program will be implemented to investigate the causes of these increases within prospective epidemiological investigations in Europe and in international consortia.

·Triple negative breast cancer showed unexplained variation of incidence rates across the world. Yet, its etiology is poorly understood although emerging epidemiological data suggest that risk factors for triple negative breast cancer may differ from those identified for other breast cancer subtypes. Several state-of-the-art molecular tools will be used to acquire molecular data to identify novel biological pathways associated with the risk and survival of triple negative breast cancer.

The incumbent role entails enhancing current assets to concentrate on the etiology of cancers, specifically targeting (early onset) colorectal and breast cancers. Candidates will work with lifestyle and molecular data from the EPIC study and will collaborate with international partners

DESCRIPTIONOFDUTIES

The incumbent will report directly to a team leader and will perform the below duties:

1)Analyze data from the EPIC study to identify potential risk factors, biomarkers, and molecular mechanisms underlying early onset cancers and specific cancer subtypes.

2)Integrate and harmonize data, fostering global research efforts in early onset cancers/rare subtypes.

3)Develop and implement innovative research methodologies and analytical strategies to advance understanding in this field.

4)Prepare research findings for publication in high-impact scientific journals and present results at international conferences and meetings.

5)Participate in grant writing and funding applications to support ongoing and future research projects.

6)Contribute to the training and mentoring of junior researchers and students.

7)Conduct systematic reviews on cancer aetiology and candidate mechanisms.

WHOCOMPETENCIES

·Producing results.

·Fostering integration and teamwork.

·Communication.

·Respecting and promoting cultural differences.

·Moving forward in a changing environment.

REQUIREDQUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential:PhD in Epidemiology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Public Health, or a related field.

Desirable: -

PROFESSIONALEXPERIENCE

Essential:At least one year of research experience in cancer epidemiology.

Desirable:Focused experience on colorectal and/or breast cancer. Experience with cohort studies and biobanking.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

·Strong background in handling and analyzing large-scale lifestyle and molecular data.

·Knowledge of statistical software (e.g., R, Python, SAS).

·Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of scientific publications.

·Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment.

·Knowledge of ethical and regulatory aspects related to human data research.

Desirable:

·Familiarity with next-generation sequencing and other high-throughput molecular techniques.

·Understanding of metabolic, genetic, and epigenetic data to investigate mechanisms of cancer development.

·Ability to manage projects and meet deadlines.

·Experience in international research collaborations.

USEOFLANGUAGESKILLS

Expert knowledge of English is essential. Working knowledge of French is an asset.

OTHER SKILLS ( IT SKILLS)

·Knowledge of office 365 package.

·Knowledge of statistical software e.g. R, Python, SAS, etc.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 39,401 (subject to applicable deductions), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 1,979 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONALINFORMATION

·This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level or lower.

·Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

·A written test and/or presentation/seminar may be used as a form of screening.

·If your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. IARC/WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

·According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

·Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules, and Manual noting that first year of fixed term contracts is a probationary period which maybe extended subject to performance evaluation.

·For information on IARC’s operations please visit: https://www.iarc.who.int, and for more general information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

·IARC/WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The IARC/WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

·IARC/WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Participating Stateshttps://www.iarc.who.int/equity-diversity-and-inclusion-at-iarc are strongly encouraged to apply for IARC/WHO jobs. Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int.

·An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. IARC/WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the IARC/WHO Values Charter https://www.iarc.who.int/about-iarc-who-ethics into practice.

·IARC/WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the IARC/WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to IARC/WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment, and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, IARC/WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

·IARC/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

·IARC/WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to fully express and develop their talents.

·The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

·Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with IARC/WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service.Candidates appointed to an international post with IARC/WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.