Scientist

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 Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology “ENV” main objective is to identify modifiable cancer risk factors and protective factors to support the IARC vision of a world where fewer people develop cancer. 

The position is within the Human Biomonitoring study carried out by ENV in Ogoniland, a region in Southeast Nigeria, investigating the health impacts associated with oil production and the related environmental pollution throughout the region.

The incumbent will coordinate with internal and external counterparts from the inception, through conduct, to the analyses and reporting of the Human Biomonitoring Study in Ogoniland. The main task is monitoring study progress through real-time incoming data, management of data and biological samples, followed by statistical analysis related to the study objectives. The position will allow the ENV Branch to achieve its IARC Medium-Term Strategic Objectives and will give an opportunity to the incumbent to build up a career in environmental cancer epidemiology.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

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

1)      Contribute to the Fieldwork Study Protocol of the Human Biomonitoring Study and be responsible for its maintenance throughout the project.

2)      Data and material progress monitoring of the Human Biomonitoring Study carried out in Ogoniland, Nigeria.

3)      Responsibility to prepare study documents such as permission requests, periodical reports including quarterly progress reports, annual interim reports on achievements, and contributing to the final report and respective scientific manuscripts

4)      Lead communication between involved partners, internally to IARC and IARC consultants in Nigeria, partners in Nigeria, and other partners external to IARC, with respective planning, running, and minuting meetings.

5)      Liaison to the fieldwork team through regular site visits in Nigeria.

6)      Responsibility for statistical analysis of data (cross-sectional data).

7)      Assist in related scientific manuscripts of ENV, grant writing, and presentations, as per request by the ENV branch head.

WHO COMPETENCIES

·        Producing results.

·        Fostering integration and teamwork.

·        Communication.

·        Building and promoting partnerships across the organisation and beyond.

·        Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential: PhD in Epidemiology, or any other closely related discipline.

Desirable: Expertise in environmental contaminants.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least two years of post-doctoral experience in cancer epidemiology or related fields.

Desirable:

·        Experience using data monitoring tools and statistical analysis packages for epidemiological research

·        Proven hands-on experience in environmental contaminants of relevance in oil production.

·        Proven hands-on experience in fieldwork, i.e. active data and sample collections from participants.

·        Proven experience in working with collaborators in low- and middle-income countries.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

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