Research Scientist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is a specialized agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) established to promote international collaboration in cancer research. IARC's mission is to conduct and coordinate research on the causes of cancer, with a focus on epidemiology, prevention, and control. The agency aims to provide scientific evidence to inform public health policies and practices. IARC operates globally, collaborating with various international networks and institutions to enhance cancer research and prevention efforts. The agency is committed to addressing the global burden of cancer through innovative research and collaboration.

Job Overview:
The position of Research Scientist within the Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch (ENV) at IARC involves significant responsibilities in investigating environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to childhood cancer. The incumbent will play a crucial role in an EU-funded international project aimed at understanding the environmental causes of childhood leukaemia. This role requires coordination of a multinational consortium and leading a work package focused on the association between environmental factors and pre-leukaemic clones. The successful candidate will engage in epidemiological studies, utilizing biomarkers and modeling techniques for exposure assessment, and will contribute to the overall objectives of the ENV branch in achieving IARC's Medium-Term Strategic Objectives. This position offers an opportunity for professional growth in the field of environmental cancer epidemiology and prevention, allowing the incumbent to collaborate with scientists and institutions dedicated to similar research.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the coordination of an international EU project on environmental causes of childhood leukaemia, adhering to EU project coordination guidelines.
• Lead a multinational project examining exposure to air pollutants, pesticides, PFAS, and radiation, focusing on the presence of pre-leukaemic clones in maternal, cord, or newborn blood through a consortium of birth cohorts.
• Develop exposure assessment methodologies for epidemiological analyses based on biomarkers and environmental measurements, including statistical analyses.
• Serve as the focal point for project partners, responsible for documentation, monitoring progress, developing study materials, overseeing data collection, writing study protocols, performing statistical analyses, and drafting reports.
• Lead scientific publications and grant applications related to the research topic.
• Participate as coordinating scientists in branch activities related to non-ionizing radiation and childhood cancer risk, utilizing Earth observation data to estimate exposure to environmental pollutants.
• Support the head of the branch in guiding early career scientists and related activities as applicable.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a PhD in Physical Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Epidemiology, or a related field. Desirable qualifications may include additional credentials in public health or cancer prevention. Candidates must possess expert theoretical and practical epidemiology research analytical skills, effective communication abilities, and a proven track record in drafting scientific manuscripts. Knowledge of environmental pollutants and exposure assessment methodologies in epidemiological studies is essential. Familiarity with grant application preparation is considered a desirable asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant field such as Physical Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Epidemiology, or a related discipline. Additional qualifications in public health or cancer prevention are desirable but not mandatory. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in research methodologies and analytical techniques pertinent to epidemiology and environmental health.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of professional experience in cancer research is required, with a focus on epidemiological studies involving at least one exposure factor such as air pollution, pesticides, PFAS, or radiation. Experience in coordinating international scientific consortia addressing health effects of environmental exposures is essential. Desirable experience includes working with measurements of environmental pollutants in biological samples and proficiency in statistical packages for epidemiological research, such as R, Stata, or SAS.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of French or another UN language is considered desirable, enhancing communication within the international research community and facilitating collaboration with diverse partners.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, with an annual base salary starting at USD 56,046, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. A variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Lyon is also provided, currently amounting to USD 2,578 per month. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level or lower. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or presentation may be part of the screening process. IARC/WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented states. The organization adheres to high ethical standards and has a zero-tolerance policy towards abusive conduct.