Research Assistant (Lab Services)

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Wednesday 25 Jan 2023 at 22:59 UTC

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Contract

This is a G-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 4 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-4 contracts.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is the cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is based in Lyon, France. The objective of the IARC is to promote international collaboration in cancer research.

The goal of the Nutrition and Metabolism Branch (NME) is to provide robust scientific evidence on the role of nutrition, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction in cancer development that can translate to both clinical and population-level interventions and to public health policy. NME aims to go beyond what may be considered the traditional domains of nutrition in cancer research and fully exploit methodological advances in molecular techniques to implement an integrated, multidisciplinary programme of research. Given the potential for advances in molecular profiling to help overcome methodological challenges in nutrition research and delineate the underlying biological pathways, emphasis is placed on conducting molecular epidemiological research that integrates metabolomics, hormone measurements, the microbiome, and genomics, within population-based cohorts and intervention studies.

The aim of the position is to support metabolomics studies, in particular untargeted metabolomics, by performing laboratory analyses and related activities on a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based platforms.

The Research Assistant is expected to:

  • Plan, execute, and document sample analyses based on requests of the supervisor, by using methods and protocols with standard operation procedures (SOPs)
  • Operate and maintain mass spectrometry instruments (LC-MS), plan manufacturer’s maintenance visits, contribute to the laboratory quality control and assessment of the instruments’ long-term performance
  • Plan and execute acquisition of consumables, shipment and storage of samples
  • Support the development of laboratory methods and practices, software tools, and databases for metabolomics.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Scientist NME, and overall guidance of Scientist (NME Head) the incumbent will perform the below tasks:

  1. Sample analysis with the LC-MS instrumentation
  • Upon request of the supervisor, conducts sample analyses on the LC-MS platforms including independent coordination of shipments, storage, preparation, and analysis of biological samples, entailing:
  • Communication with collaborators for shipment and reception of samples
  • Sample storage at IARC
  • Planning analytical batches including sample randomization schemes
  • Sample preparation and analysis according to SOPs and delivery of raw data/quantitative results to the supervisor
  • Documentation of all activities in an electronic notebook
  1. Operation and maintenance of the LC-MS instruments
  • Conducts periodic maintenance and system suitability tests according to SOPs, evaluating the test results, and reporting adverse findings to the supervisor.
  • Communicates with the manufacturer for repairs/maintenance when requested by the supervisor and schedules as well as organizes the preventative maintenance visits of the instrument manufacturer.
  1. Other related laboratory operations
  • Ensures timely response to analysis requests, by keeping track of a stock of consumables and functioning of the laboratory equipment.
  • Evaluates the need for consumable purchases and handles purchase orders.
  1. Participate in the development of analytical methods, software tools, and databases
  • Contributes to the development of new laboratory methods and assays as well as provides feedback and assistance for the development of methods and metabolite databases, assessment of data quality, and metabolite identification and quantification based on supervisor’s request.
  • Supports the supervisor in writing and updating the SOPs.

COVID-19 MEASURES

Due to the evolving situation resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, and depending on work requirements, this position may be partly occupied remotely, from the home of the candidate selected in the region Lyon, according to the teleworking clause for force majeure currently in force as part of the IARC teleworking policy during this pandemic period.

WHO COMPETENCIES

  • Teamwork*
  • Respecting & promoting individual and cultural differences*
  • Communication*
  • Producing results.
  • knowing and managing yourself.

    SKILLS

    1. Experience in working in analytical chemistry laboratory, preferably with human biospecimens
    2. Experience in operating an LC-MS instrument
    3. Fluency and efficiency in use of Windows and ability to quickly learn new software
    4. Ability to adapt to work based on SOPs and documentation of the tasks
    5. Ability to work in a timely manner in a project-based environment as a member of a team that includes diverse cultural backgrounds

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential: At minimum, graduation from secondary school with scientific orientation or equivalent, plus specialized training as a laboratory technician or research assistant recognized by a diploma (BTS, DUT or equivalent).

Desirable: -

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least three years’ professional experience working in bioanalytical laboratory analysis, including hands-on experience with the use of LC-MS for untargeted or quantitative assays.

Desirable: Experience in the use of Thermo Orbitrap LC-MS or SCIEX triple quadrupole LC-MS instrumentation and software.

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Excellent knowledge of English and/or French and working knowledge of the other language.

OTHER SKILLS (IT SKILLS)

Knowledge of Microsoft 365 package.

REMUNERATION

The fixed remuneration for the above position currently amounts to EUR 3,260 per month, and is expressed net of income tax but before deduction of the employee share contributions for mandatory participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) and in the Organization’s private insurance plans covering health, accident, illness and disability.

Other benefits include different types of leave and allowances for dependent family members.

Employment status is that of an international civil servant.

Note: due to the legal status of WHO/IARC as an international organization, its staff do not contribute to and do not generate benefits in French mandatory schemes for health insurance (“assurance maladie”), pension (“assurance vieillesse/retraite or unemployment (“Pôle-Emploi”) throughout their period of employment with the Agency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • This post is subject to local recruitment and ideally, will be filled by persons residing in the local commuting area of Lyon.
  • IARC has different means of flexible working arrangement which support the work-life balance.
  • We only accept applications submitted via our online recruitment tool (applications for this position should be filled out in English and include a cover letter in English). Application profiles should include the details of all work experiences to date (including paid internships).
  • This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
  • Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
  • A written test and/or presentation may be used as a form of screening.
  • In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. IARC/WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
  • Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to IARC/WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
  • For information on IARC’S operations please visit: www.iarc.who.int
  • IARC/WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
  • IARC/WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.
  • IARC/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
  • Applications from women are encouraged.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: who.int