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 Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch (EGM) conducts hypothesis-driven studies as well as data-driven mechanistic studies with a special emphasis aimed at advancing the understanding of cancer causation and the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and promoting international collaboration, the core activities of IARC. EGM’s ambition is also to place more emphasis on contributions to translational studies, through the discovery of mechanism-based biomarkers of exposure and risk stratification. EGM’s studies are interdisciplinary in nature, and the major EGM programmes promote and advance synergistic collaborations with other IARC laboratory-based scientists, data scientists, epidemiologists, and evidence synthesis experts, as well as with numerous international collaboration groups.

The incumbent will support leveraging omics data and innovative statistical and computational methods to understand the molecular mechanisms associated with cancer and/or its exposure risk factors in early and adult life.

DESCRIPTIONOFDUTIES

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

1)Contribute to project management such as liaison with collaborators, biospecimen selection for data generation, development of meeting agendas, progress reports and data management plans, keeping timely track of milestones, and assisting in project budget management and administrative clearances (eg. material and data transfer agreements, ethical approvals, shipment clearances for biological samples, etc.).

2)Analyze and interpret omics data and assist in the implementation of innovative analytical methodologies, primarily in the field of epigenomics in relation to genomics and/or transcriptomics and within the context of epidemiology, clinical and/or cell biology systems.

3)Perform systematic literature search and data mining in biomedical databases and evaluate existing evidence and tools.

4)Prepare and write scientific manuscripts (particularly tailored for high-impact journals), assist in the preparation of other pertinent manuscripts, and present findings at national and international meetings.

5)Participate in the preparation of funding applications to support ongoing and future research projects.

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

7)Assist in the organization of various scientific and/or technical activities related to the ongoing and future research.

8)Carry out other related duties as assigned by the first-level supervisor.

WHOCOMPETENCIES

·Producing results.

·Communication.

·Fostering integration and teamwork.

·Moving forward in a changing environment.

·Ensuring effective use of resources.

REQUIREDQUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential:PhD in Epi/Genomics, Molecular Epidemiology, Bioinformatics/Biostatistics, Public Health, Cancer Biology or another related field.

Desirable: Clinical education or training in project management (eg. AgileSCRUM, PRINCE2, APM, SAFE, PMI, Human research ethics, etc.).

PROFESSIONALEXPERIENCE

Essential:At least one year of professional experience in epigenomics, genomics, transcriptomics, biomarker research, biostatistics/bioinformatics, and/or molecular epidemiology.

Desirable:Experience in clinical oncology, pediatric oncology, project management, anti-tobacco research, cohort studies, multi-omics data integration, and/or translational science.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

·Background in handling and analyzing omics data (particularly epi/genomics), in relation to epidemiology and/or clinical data.

·Proficiency in using statistics software (eg. R, Python).

·Knowledge of regulatory aspects related to human data research and proficiency with human research ethics applications.

·Excellent oral and written communication skills, including scientific presentations and manuscripts, with a track record of scientific publications and knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

·Proactive, flexible, and resourceful with careful attention to detail to continuously monitor progress actions and initiatives, identify opportunities, assess challenges and derive solutions.

Desirable:

·Proven skills in the areas of project management, coordination, planning and organizing.

·Experience with machine learning analysis.

·Proficiency in statistical mediation, longitudinal, survival and/or multi-omics integration analyses.

·Conducting systematic reviews.

·Knowledge in cancer biology.

·Familiarity with epidemiology, clinical and/or experimental models.

·Acquaintance with grant writing.

·Mentoring skills to guide students.

·Ability to work with a considerable degree of independence and as part of a team in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary environment.

USEOFLANGUAGESKILLS

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

OTHER SKILLS ( IT SKILLS)

·Knowledge of Office 365 package.

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 43,144 (subject to applicable deductions), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 1,790 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.