Research Assistant (Data Management & Analysis) At WHO. APPLY NOW! 2024

September 2, 2024

4 minutes read

Research Assistant (Data Management & Analysis) At WHO. APPLY NOW! 2024

Position Overview

Position: Senior Research Assistant (Data Management & Analysis)
Grade: G5
Organization: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), WHO
Location: Lyon, France
Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-term appointment
Contract Duration: 1 year (renewable, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory performance, and continuing need for the post)
Job Posting Date: August 23, 2024
Application Deadline: September 15, 2024
Primary Location: France-Lyon
Organization: Early Detection, Prevention and Infections
Schedule: Full-time

Introduction

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is a specialized research institution within the World Health Organization (WHO), dedicated to promoting international collaboration in cancer research. The Early Detection, Prevention, and Infections (EPR) Branch at IARC plays a vital role in evaluating multi-level interventions, such as vaccination and screening, to reduce cancer incidence, improve early diagnosis, and decrease cancer mortality across high, low, and middle-income countries.

The Senior Research Assistant (Data Management & Analysis) will support the Public Health Decision Science (PHDS) Team and the EPR Branch by providing expertise in epidemiological modeling, biostatistics, and data analysis. This position will be crucial in supporting WHO’s global initiatives, particularly the cervical cancer and Hepatitis elimination targets for 2030 and the global breast cancer initiative.

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of EPR scientists, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

Support Epidemiological Modeling and Data Analysis:

Script Development: Develop or adapt scripts and analytical packages for epidemiological modeling, focusing primarily on cervical cancer prevention, screening, and HPV vaccination. This includes the estimation and imputation of epidemiological indicators and performance metrics, using data from both internal and external sources.
Model Implementation: Write or modify scripts for running dynamic transmission models related to cancer-causing infections, focusing on cervical cancer.
Study and Questionnaire Design: Assist in the design of new studies and surveys, ensuring that the collected data can be effectively used for epidemiological modeling.

Biostatistics and Data Analysis Support:

Statistical Frameworks: Develop or adapt statistical and mathematical frameworks for analyzing complex datasets, focusing on data integration, interpretation, and visualization.
Statistical Analysis Plans: Formulate and execute detailed statistical analysis plans, ensuring data is accurately analyzed and results are communicated effectively.
Data Visualization: Create clear and user-friendly reports and visualizations for scientific presentations and publications.

Central Epidemiological Modeling and Biostatistics Activities:

Methodology Deployment: Ensure that new methodologies developed within the PHDS Team and EPR Branch are accessible across IARC and to the broader scientific community.
Training and Seminars: Participate in and contribute to working groups, seminars, and training sessions within IARC, sharing expertise in epidemiological modeling and biostatistics.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

Internal Collaboration: Work closely with other IARC groups, particularly the Information Technology Services (ITS), to ensure that high-performance computing resources meet the needs of the EPR Branch. Participate in the IARC Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Steering Committee as needed.
External Collaboration: Engage with external collaborators to provide expertise in epidemiological modeling, biostatistics, and data analysis for large-scale collaborative projects.

Technological Development and Monitoring:

Resource Updates: Stay abreast of technological developments in epidemiological modeling and biostatistics, ensuring that the latest tools and resources are utilized in PHDS and EPR Branch projects.
Activity Reporting: Produce regular reports on activities, progress, and results, presenting findings during group and branch meetings.

Additional Duties:

As Needed: Perform other relevant duties as requested by the supervisor.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, fostering a cooperative and supportive work environment.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a changing environment, demonstrating flexibility and willingness to learn.
Communication: Strong ability to convey information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Result Orientation: Focus on producing high-quality results, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard.
Technical Expertise: Proficiency in the specific technical skills required for the role.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Essential:

Proficiency in R for statistical computing and data visualization, along with one or more scripting or programming languages (e.g., Python, Matlab).
Strong understanding of cancer and infectious disease epidemiology.
Ability to design, optimize, and implement epidemiological modeling and biostatistics workflows for analyzing complex data.
Effective communication skills, with the ability to clearly present results to various audiences.
Capacity to work autonomously, prioritize tasks, and manage work in a demanding environment.
Proficiency in creating clear and concise figures for publications.
Ability to work harmoniously within a team, especially with individuals from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.

Desirable:

Familiarity with additional statistical packages and programming languages (e.g., SAS).
Experience with Unix/Linux environments.

Educational Qualifications

Essential: Completion of secondary education or equivalent, followed by additional training (BTS, DUT, or equivalent) in epidemiological modeling, biostatistics, or a related field.
Desirable: A university degree in epidemiological modeling, biostatistics, or a related field.

Professional Experience

Essential: At least five years of experience in epidemiological modeling and biostatistics, including programming (R) or related scripting languages.
Desirable: Experience in a research environment, with experience in high-performance computing, cluster management, and Unix/Linux environments.

Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

Other Skills (e.g., IT)

Essential: Proficiency in Microsoft 365 package.

Remuneration

Salary: EUR 3,766 per month (net of income tax, before deductions for pension and insurance).
Benefits: Includes various types of leave and allowances for dependent family members. Note that WHO/IARC staff do not contribute to or benefit from French mandatory schemes for health insurance, pension, or unemployment during their employment with the Agency.

Additional Information

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level or lower.
The post is subject to local recruitment and is ideally filled by individuals residing within the local commuting area of Lyon.
Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
A written test and/or presentation/seminar may be used as a form of screening.
Selected candidates will be required to provide scanned copies of relevant degrees/certificates.
WHO/IARC is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, with particular encouragement for women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented regions to apply.

WHO/IARC prides itself on maintaining the highest ethical standards, with zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and other forms of misconduct. It also offers a wide range of benefits, including flexible work arrangements and parental leave, to promote a healthy work-life balance.

Keywords: Senior Research Assistant, Data Management, Data Analysis, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, IARC, WHO, Cancer Research, Lyon, Public Health.