Scientist (Toxicology)

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 74,649 USD and 97,747 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

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 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.

This position is critical to the function of the IARC Monographs Programme by providing up-to-date knowledge and skills in toxicology and cancer studies in animals (mainly bioassay studies).

The incumbent will serve as Responsible Officer, on average for 1 out of 4 meetings, and for all Monographs as lead rapporteur of the subgroup on the evidence of cancer in animals. The incumbent is also responsible for preparing for upcoming Monographs vol. 133 (as responsible officer) to vol. 137, which will be occurring over the next 12-24 months starting February 2023.

Under the direct supervision of the senior toxicologist and overall guidance of Deputy ESC branch head, the incumbent will:

• Provide up-to-date knowledge and skills in toxicology and cancer studies in animals (mainly bioassay studies).
• Serve as Responsible Officer, on average for 1 out of 4 meetings, and for all Monographs as lead rapporteur of the subgroup on the evidence of cancer in animals.
• Prepare for upcoming Monographs vol. 133 (as responsible officer) to vol. 137, which will be occurring over the next 12-24 months starting February 2023.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. At the Monographs meeting, serving as lead rapporteur for the subgroup on cancer evidence in animals. This involves acting in the best interests of the programme while (a) working with the subgroup chair, subgroup members, and IARC staff to ensure tasks are completed on time; (b) recording the consensus decisions of the Working Group and verifying that revised drafts reflect these changes; (c) ensuring that the work produced by the subgroup conforms to standards; and (d) coordinating with the other rapporteurs to ensure that satisfactory progress is being made throughout the meeting. The incumbent also contributes to the preparation of manuscripts for scientific publications related to the programmes.
2. When serving as Responsible Officer (1 every 4 meetings), coordinate the preparation of a Monographs volume and its associated meeting, including identifying the agent and experts, developing the outline and writing assignments for the Monographs volume, coordinating the work of other team members, drafting the meeting summary, and overseeing quality control review of the volume after the meeting.
3. Before and after the Monographs meeting, review the text and tables to ensure their scientific accuracy, coherence of text, tables and summaries and overall scientific clarity. This involves checking the final text from the meeting against the scientific literature, making corrections as necessary, and responding to queries from the editor.
4. In collaboration with other senior programme staff, respond to external inquiries about specific Monographs or about the overall programme. This may involve giving presentations in English at national or international conferences about the findings of the Monographs meetings.
5. Contribute to scientific and procedural advances with respect to cancer research and carcinogen identification in the Monographs programme
6. Contribute to IARC scientific crosscutting projects
7. Advance scientific collaborations internationally, presenting at international meetings, and contributing to publications
8. Contribute to writing grants with a view to attracting research funding from competitive sources.

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

• Technical expertise
• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of the scientific disciplines involved in carcinogenesis: excellent knowledge of toxicology and mechanisms of carcinogens, with a working knowledge of epidemiology and exposure assessment.
• Ability to analyse scientific literature critically and to summarize it accurately, clearly, concisely, and quickly.
• Knowledge of the principles and execution of systematic review.
• Familiarity with IARC Monographs Preamble scientific principles and procedures and with the concept of the key characteristics of carcinogens as an organizing framework for mechanistic evidence evaluation.
• Ability to facilitate discussions and guide committees to produce consensus scientific reports; to review manuscripts and tables for accuracy, and to integrate scientific information across multiple disciplines.
• Familiarity with preparation of grant applications.
• Proven scientific versatility and flexibility.
• Ability to interact effectively with scientists of various disciplines and of different nationalities – in-house and outside –, also in subjects/topics/areas beyond one’s own expertise.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential: PhD degree in toxicology, animal biology or other closely related field (e.g., biomedical sciences, veterinary pathology, pharmacology or biochemistry).

Desirable: Postdoctoral training within or beyond doctoral field of expertise.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• At least 5 years of professional relevant experience conducting, reviewing, or evaluating studies in toxicology, in carcinogenicity assessment including cancer studies in animals (mainly cancer bioassays).
• Experience leading, developing and reviewing multi-author publications regarding carcinogenic hazards, including chemicals, complex mixtures, occupational exposures, physical agents including radiation, biological agents, and behavioural factors.
• Scientific publication record in the fields of toxicology and carcinogenicity assessment commensurate with the grade of the position

Desirable:

• Experience in guiding scientific committees, either as chair or rapporteur.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary scientific unit.
• Experience working in a diverse multi-cultural environment and/or with a variety of international experts or partners.
• Experience in systematic review methodologies

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Expert knowledge of English is required; Basic knowledge of French or another UN language is desirable.

OTHER SKILLS (e.g. IT)

Knowledge of the following software: MS Office (Word, Excel. PowerPoint, Access), PubMed, EndNote, RefMan, HAWC literature search and retrieval tools, CMS, publishing software.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 62,692 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 1,666 per month for the duty station indicated above (subject to change). Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and/or seminar 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.
• WHO staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
• For information on IARC’S operations please visit: www.iarc.fr
• 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 and from nationals of non and underrepresented Participating States are particularly encourage.