BACKGROUND:
Purpose of the Position:
A major focus of the Biomarkers (BMA) Group is the collection of complex metabolomic data by mass spectrometry within the context of intervention and epidemiological studies on cancer aetiology. To date, no standardized approaches exist to analyse metabolomic data and new bioinformatic tools are needed to fulfil specific needs of the Group to interpret this data. The purpose of this position is to provide support to the BMA Group for developing innovative bioinformatic approaches for the analysis of metabolomic data obtained from blood, urine and other biospecimens and to facilitate interactions with biostatisticians and epidemiologists engaged in metabolomic studies.

Objectives of the Programme:
The main research objectives of the BMA Group are to identify, validate and implement biomarkers in order to better understand the role of environmental and lifestyle factors in cancer aetiology. This includes the study of the role of diet, physical activity, environmental factors, the microbiome and endogenous metabolism on cancer risk. These objectives are achieved through the application of mass spectrometry-based metabolomic approaches to large-scale prospective cohorts, cross-sectional and intervention studies.

The work includes the development and implementation of new bioinformatic tools to aid in the chemical identification of biomarkers of interest and in the biological interpretation of the results obtained in metabolomic studies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Description of Duties:
Within the research framework of the BMA Group, the incumbent is expected to:

• Contribute to the planning, design and conduct of metabolomic studies to study the relationship between lifestyle, diet, environment and cancer
• Develop innovative bioinformatic tools for the analysis of metabolomic data
• Contribute to the analysis of metabolomic data
• Contribute to the preparation and writing of scientific manuscripts and/or reports
• Present results of his/her research findings at conferences
• Participate in the training of PhD students and postdoctoral fellows
• Contribute to the writing of grant applications with a view to attracting funding from competitive sources in relevant research areas
• Conduct any other related duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor

REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
Essential: PhD in bioinformatics, cheminformatics or a related subject
Desirable: Postgraduate training in bioinformatics applied to clinical or epidemiological studies

Experience:
Essential: At least two years of relevant experience at the international level in the field of bioinformatics and metabolomics
Desirable: Experience in cancer clinical or epidemiological research. Good publication record in the relevant research area. Experience in grant writing

Skills:

• Very good knowledge of cheminformatics and bioinformatics applied to metabolomic data
• Demonstrable ability to write computer codes and organise data
• Good working knowledge of mass spectrometry analysis of small molecules
• Good working knowledge in biostatistics
• Working knowledge or interest in pathway and network analysis
• Knowledge or demonstrated interest in human nutrition, metabolism or medicine
• Ability to draft reports and familiarity with preparation of grant applications
• Demonstrated organizational and communication skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate effectively in order to deliver on-time high quality results in a larger team
• Affinity for working in an interdisciplinary and highly international environment
• Demonstrated experience in using information technology and statistical tools to understand large complex data sets, and particularly metabolomic data

Required WHO competencies:
Ability to:

• Produce results
• Move forward in a changing environment
• Foster integration and teamwork
• Respect and promote individual and cultural differences
• Communicate in a credible and effective way
• Know and manage yourself

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English. Working knowledge of French is an asset.

COMPENSATION:
Remuneration:
WHO/IARC 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 46026 (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 1346.26 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

Please note that the compensation package for Professional and higher category staff in the UN common system is currently undergoing changes in accordance with UN General Assembly resolution 70/244 of 23 December 2015. The remuneration amounts indicated above are, therefore, subject to change. The changes will be implemented, retroactively to 1 January 2017, through the IARC payroll. General information can be obtained from the ICSC web site under http://icsc.un.org that provides a link to "Your new Compensation Package".

HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online: https://tl-int.vcdp.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=1700487&tz=GMT%2B02%3A00

DEADLINE:
17 May 2017

POLICY:
Additional Information:

• It is mandatory to attach a full list of publications. To add this list, please go to your profile under work profile.
• All candidates are strongly encouraged to add a cover letter to their online application.
• Candidates called for interview will be expected to give a seminar.
• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• WHO/IARC is committed to workforce diversity. Applications from women are particularly encouraged
• WHO/IARC has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO/IARC are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
• WHO/IARC has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.