Sr. Research Assistant (Data Analysis and Bioinformatics)

Contract

This is a G-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-5 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 major focus of the Genomic Epidemiology Branch (GEM) is to coordinate and lead several major consortium-based epidemiological and molecular studies to better understand the causes of cancer, and contribute to risk prediction and early detection. This notably includes collection and generation of molecular data (e.g. genomics, metabolomics) and different lifestyle and environmental information across cancer populations.

The aim of the position is to manage, harmonize and consolidate molecular, epidemiological and clinical data from the Mutographs, Prominent and other large GEM projects, identifies, develops and applies software tools for efficient data integration and for mining diverse types of biological data, liaise with internal and external collaborators and participates in statistical analyses required.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Organize the GEM project databases for downstream analyses integrating multiple data types (e.g. molecular, epidemiological, clinical data).
2. Propose and implement novel bioinformatics analysis strategies adapted to analytical needs:

• Build innovative frameworks for data integration and automated data mining.
• Develop reusable libraries and implement best coding practices to build and continually improve the branch computational capabilities and workflows.

3. Conduct statistical analyses: implement existing methodologies in standard statistical software (e.g. in R, SAS, Python), including quality control of data and analyses.
4. Facilitate access, storage, manipulation of high-dimensional data from external collaborators and other sources such as public repositories; and reciprocally, format data for submission to central repositories.
5. Apply methods within high performance computational environments for analysis of complex datasets.
6. Facilitate resulting data visualization (graphs, tables…) for inclusion in scientific documents.
7. Act as the main point of contact for GEM with internal and external collaborators to ensure that data is provided and received in a timely and secure manner and/or provide applicable guidance (e.g. data transfer, data structure).
8. Liaise with other data management/analyst assistants of the branch to organize and document databases from previous and ongoing studies to facilitate current or future required analyses.
9. Participate in the identification of strengths and limitations of strategies for quality control and analyses of data generated by the branch activities. Provide technical guidance to GEM staff as well as to Early Career and Visiting Scientists, as required

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

• Producing results*
• Teamwork*
• Communication*
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Technical expertise

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential: Graduation from secondary school or equivalent, and subsequent training (BTS, DUT or equivalent) in the field of bioinformatics, life sciences, computer science/programing, statistics or related field.

Desirable: University degree in bioinformatics, computer science/statistics or related field.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• At least five years’ experience with high performance computing and/or cluster management using scripting languages/programming (Python and/or R).
• Hands-on experience with REDCap data platform.

Desirable: Experience in research environment. Experience in other programming languages using Unix/Linux environment.

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Expert knowledge of English is essential. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable.

SKILLS

Essential:

• Data management including epidemiological, clinical and large sets of genomic data.
• Knowledge of various scripting/programing languages (Python/R/ Unix/Linux) and their application in appropriate computational environments.
• Hands-on knowledge of large sets of health-related data analysis, including proven track record in analyses of one or more genomic techniques.

REMUNERATION

The fixed remuneration for the above position currently amounts to EUR 3,615 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 will be filled by persons residing in the local commuting area of Lyon.
• 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 or lower.
• 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.