Scientist

**Grade**: P2

**Contractual Arrangement**: Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4

**Job Posting**: Jul 31, 2025, 8:36:46 AM

**Closing Date**: Sep 5, 2025, 4:59:00 PM

**Primary Location**: France-Lyon

**Organization**: Cancer Surveillance

**Schedule**: Full-time

**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 incumbent will coordinate with internal and external collaborators to obtain or generate relevant data, coordinate the development of routine updates and dissemination of information using various indicators of childhood cancer burden in multiple sections of global childhood population. The principal task is to develop a flexible one-stop online resource for data dissemination of childhood cancer burden within the Global Cancer Observatory. The complementary tasks include acquisition of primary data, development of statistical methodology, statistical analysis, and scientific communication.

The incumbent is expected to contribute primarily to the ChildCan study, which aims at producing and disseminating information on childhood cancer burden through online platforms and scientific publications

**DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES**

Under the supervision of the childhood cancer team leader, the incumbent will be entrusted with the following tasks:
1) Draft the terms of reference and the technical specifications for the online data dissemination tool considering existing standards, systems, and defined output.

2) Collect data from primary custodians of routine datasets as well as from published sources.

3) Ensure accurate and timely data management in alignment with established standards and intended use objectives.

4) Conduct statistical modelling to estimate global childhood cancer burden as measured by incidence, mortality, prevalence, and survival aspects.

5) Produce documentation to describe structured data flow facilitating efficient data acquisition, processing, and output generation.

6) Coordinate the process and the progress of structured, multi-agency collaboration to ensure timely, accurate, and comprehensive data management.

7) Report on the process and the progress for internal follow-up and for the funder.

8) Conduct related epidemiological studies and write scientific publications.

9) Contribute to the development of grant proposals for competitive funding opportunities supporting childhood cancer research.

**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.

**FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE**

**Essential**:

- Demonstrated expertise in processing and modelling complex large datasets.
- Expert statistical skills in R or other statistical programming software.
- Advanced use of Microsoft Office.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to communicate complex statistical concepts to lay stakeholders.

**Desirable**:

- Advanced programming skills in Python or C language.
- Working knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL).

**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS**

**EDUCATION**

**Essential**: PhD in Statistics, Informatics, Epidemiology, Mathematics or other related disciplines.

**Desirable**: Excellent computational/programming skills and knowledge of data science as it applies to cancer surveillance.

**PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE**

**Essential**: At least two years of relevant professional experience in statistics, data science or closely related discipline.

**Desirable**:

- One year of post-doctoral experience.
- Track record of statistical modeling and processing of large databases.
- Experience with data visualization or development of online tools.
- Involvement in cancer research and scientific output.
- Proven track record of securing competitive funding.

**USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS**

Expert knowledge of English is essential. Working knowledge of French or another UN language is desirable.

**OTHER SKILLS (e.g. IT)**
- Knowledge of MS Office 365 office suite.

**REMUNERATION**

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**
- This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level or lower.
- A written test and/or presentation/seminar may be used as a form of screening.
- According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
- IARC/WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The IARC/WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status