Pathologist

PURPOSE OF POSITION

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 Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch (ESC) produces the WHO Classification of Tumours, the IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans, and the IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention. For each volume, IARC convenes international, interdisciplinary Working Groups of expert scientists to systematically review the pertinent scientific literature and to develop consensus evaluations and classifications. IARC selects these experts based on their knowledge and experience and the absence of real or apparent conflicting interests.

The programme’s objective is to improve the classification of tumours for diagnosis, epidemiology and cancer research. The dedicated Blue Books team is responsible for the preparation and publication of the WHO Classification of Tumours series (WHO Blue Books), which are the international standard of histopathological and genetic classification of human neoplasms.

• IARC through the WCT programme provides a timely, definitive synthesis and evaluation for tumour classification based on expert consensus review of reproducible peer-reviewed published evidence.

• The WHO Blue Books provide the user with a unique synthesis of histopathological diagnosis with digital and molecular pathology to guide cancer diagnosis. This underpins individual patient treatment, as well as research into all aspects of cancer causation, prevention, therapy, and education.

• The WHO Blue Books are available in multiple formats (print and web versions) to meet the needs of users in low-, middle- and high-income countries.

The incumbent will work closely with teams of most senior pathologists and other clinicians worldwide, contributing to the  production of WHO Blue Books and WHO IAC cytology reporting systems.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1.      Provide pathology support required to produce the WHO Blue Books and WHO IAC cytology reporting systems. Specific tasks include the following:

a.      Participate in the development, coordination and management of the WHO Blue Books, WHO IAC cytology reporting systems and other WCT projects;

b.      Assist in the choice of editors and contributors for the WHO Blue Books and WHO IAC cytology reporting systems;

c.       Participate in WHO Blue Book and WHO IAC cytology reporting systems editorial board meetings;

d.      Contribute to the IARC pathology review/editing process by assisting contributors in developing their content for the WHO Blue Books and WHO IAC cytology reporting systems , including generation and annotation of images suitable for publication;

e.      Work closely with the copy editing and layout editorial staff within IARC to ensure the accuracy of the WHO Blue Books and WHO IAC cytology reporting systems;

f.        Assist in the production of high-quality online content for the WHO Blue Books and WHO IAC cytology reporting systems.

2.      Develop research in collaboration with the Blue Books team (e.g computational pathology methods based on whole slide imaging, systematic reviews etc.) and the ESC Branch 

3.      Contribute to pathology support within IARC for existing research groups.  This may include:

a.      Advising groups within IARC on research needs relating to pathology, including pre-analytical and analytical methods relating to tissue, cytology, blood and other sample types;

b.      Reporting cytology, histology and immunohistochemistry (for research only);

c.       Image analysis of histology and immunohistochemistry. 

4.      Supervise and train junior staff, as well as visiting pathology fellows, within the Blue Books team and more widely across IARC. 

5.      Undertake training to stay abreast of enhancements and developments in relevant technology and best practices.

6.      Write research grant applications with a view to attracting research funding from competitive sources.

7.      Travel and attend as necessary to WHO Blue Book Editorial Board meetings and Research Conferences, as agreed with the WCT Head.

8.      Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisors.

WHO COMPETENCIES

·        Teamwork*

·        Respecting & promoting individual and cultural differences*

·        Communication*

·        Producing results

·        Creating an empowering and motivating environment.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

·        Diagnostic experience in histopathology using slides or images in a clinical setting.

·        Research skills including planning, execution, reporting and presentation of research to international conferences and peer-reviewed scientific journals.

·        Proven ability to write grant applications.

·        Publication record of original research in peer-reviewed journals.

·        Process management skills suitable to the WHO Blue Books process – deciding on quality of contributions and images, and any additional information required.

·        Ability to prioritize tasks during WHO Blue Book production.

·        Ability to advise the Blue Books team, the ESC Branch and IARC on pathology matters, including WHO Blue Book layout, and electronic content.

·        Ability to understand and mitigate risks to the WHO Blue Book process.

·        Excellent administrative, organizational, and time-management skills.

·        High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

·        Ability to work to deadlines.