Research Scientist in Cancer Epidemiology

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 provide scientific evidence and support for cancer prevention and control globally. The agency operates in multiple countries and collaborates with various cancer registries worldwide to collect, analyze, and disseminate information regarding the global cancer burden. IARC is committed to improving cancer outcomes through research and collaboration, and it plays a pivotal role in the Global Cancer Observatory, which serves as a comprehensive resource for cancer statistics.

Job Overview:
The position of Research Scientist in Cancer Epidemiology at IARC is integral to the Cancer Surveillance (CSU) branch, which focuses on the collection and analysis of cancer data globally. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Deputy Branch Head and will be responsible for conducting international research on cancer survival and outcomes. This role involves developing and adapting statistical methods for cancer epidemiology, creating research protocols for data collection, and analyzing cancer survival data. The incumbent will also be expected to collaborate with international partners, supervise statistical analyses, and contribute to the dissemination of research findings through publications and reports. The position aims to enhance the understanding of cancer burden and survival disparities across different countries, ultimately influencing national cancer policies and clinical guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for adapting and developing new statistical methodologies in descriptive cancer epidemiology. Key duties include conducting epidemiological research projects focused on cancer survival, contributing to international interdisciplinary research projects, analyzing global cancer data for prevention insights, supervising and training technical staff and fellows, writing and disseminating scientific manuscripts, and preparing technical reports. Additionally, the incumbent will be involved in grant writing to secure research funding and may perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor. This role requires a proactive approach to engage in collaborative projects and to evaluate studies effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related research field. Essential qualifications include a strong background in cancer epidemiology and survival analysis, with at least two years of professional experience in these areas. Desirable qualifications include additional training in survival statistical analysis and experience in international multicentric collaborations involving multidisciplinary teams. The ability to supervise early-career scientists and technical personnel is also preferred.

Educational Background:
The essential educational requirement for this position is a PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, or a closely related field. Additional training in survival statistical analysis is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in cancer epidemiology and/or survival analysis. Experience with international multicentric studies and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including epidemiologists, clinicians, and statisticians, is highly desirable. The ability to supervise and mentor early-career scientists and technical staff is also an important aspect of the required experience.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. A working knowledge of French or another UN language is considered desirable and may be beneficial for collaboration and communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, starting with an annual base salary of USD 56,046, along with a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Lyon. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The position may involve a probationary period during the first year of the fixed-term contract, which can be extended based on performance evaluation. IARC/WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented countries. The organization adheres to high ethical standards and has a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and abuse.