Laboratory Technician

PURPOSE OF POSITION

 

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization. Two IARC branches, Genomic Epidemiology Branch (GEM) and Nutrition and Metabolism Branch (NME) under Pillar II, dedicated to ‘knowing the cause of cancer’ work closely together in multiple research projects that apply specific requirements that are the target of this position.

 

Both above-mentioned branches lead work packages of projects that deal with large series of biological material that need to be specifically treated. Both branches receive biological material from different participating countries in the five continents and the incumbent needs to have basic familiarity with biological material, including blood and its products, urine, faeces, swabs used for collecting cells, etc. This is to receive them from the shipping country; to verify the status (almost all are frozen material or preserved in specific containers), and to learn and practice biorepository management and data entry of receiving samples in an IARC sample management system (SAMI).

 

Both frozen tumour and non-malignant tissues are used in the above-mentioned studies to be treated by a specific technology, so called Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM). This is a laboratory technical facility that is supervised by IARC pathologist in these projects. The required person will learn about this technology by the pathologist and will oversee performing it on a series of tissues for these projects.

 

Additionally, as at IARC the pathology evaluation of tissues is based on digital pathology platform, the required person will be responsible of scanning the glass slides from tissues, (that will be prepared at IARC pathology lab), to manage the created images by using the programs installed in the digital slide scanner, and to learn about a python-based (web-based) quality control program and will be responsible of validating the quality of images before releasing to the pathologist.

 

With more advanced technologies and technical knowledge in the field of cancer genomic research, the projects become more sophisticated and stringent about the quality and type of biological material that need to be used. The lab technician for research will provide technical support ranging from laboratory-based activities to basic computer knowledge and program used in data management.

 

The incumbent will be supervised by IARC GEM scientist (pathologist). S/he will also have close communication with:

 

• GEM and NME research assistants responsible for inventory of biospecimens and data management.

 

• The scientist from GEM and NME in charge of research projects.

 

The incumbent will also use LCM technology that is located out of IARC, moreover, and for the purpose of scanning of the slides, regular but limited presence in the pathology lab and communication with the pathology assistant of IARC is necessary

 

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

 

1.      Perform data/biological sample inventory and data entry in dedicated IARC sample and data management system (SAMI).

 

2.      Practice Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) on tissues from GEM/NME projects.

 

3.      Run a previously existing programs based on python language for quality control of the digitalized images.

 

 

 

WHO COMPETENCIES

 

·      Teamwork.

 

·      Respecting & promoting individual and cultural differences.

 

·      Communication.

 

·      Technical expertise.

 

·      Producing results.

 

 

 

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

 

Essential: 

 

·      Good knowledge in quality control of biological samples, shipment, and storage to be used in epidemiological/ genomic research studies.

 

·      Very good organizational and communication skills. Ability to track, follow up on laboratory and related administrative activities and to meet deadlines.

 

·      Capacity to interact and dialogue with colleagues of diverse backgrounds (notably laboratory scientists, epidemiologists, laboratory, and administrative assistants).

 

Desirable: Familiarity with the basic principles of python, R or similar programs. Basic knowledge of biobanking.

 

 

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

EDUCATION

 

Essential: Completion of secondary school diploma with scientific orientation or equivalent complemented by undergraduate training (BTS, DUT or equivalent) in the field of biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology or related field.

 

Desirable: 

 

·      University degree in a relevant field.

 

·      Specialized training as a laboratory technician.

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

 

Essential: At least two years’ experience working in laboratory environment.

 

Desirable: Experience in one or more of the follwoing fields:

 

·      Pathology or clinical laboratory.

 

·      Inventory of biological material.

 

·      Working with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).

 

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

 

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

 

 

 

OTHER SKILLS AND CONSIDERATIONS (e.g. IT)

 

·      Excellent knowledge of Microsoft 365 package.

 

·      No physical constraint for standing for a few hours or working regularly with computer mouse.

 

·      Basic knowledge of python, R, or similar languages.

 

 

 

REMUNERATION

 

The fixed remuneration for the above position currently amounts to EUR 3,058 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 vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level or lower.

 

·        This post is subject to local recruitment and will ideally be filled by persons residing within the local commuting area of the duty station.

 

·        Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

 

·        A written test and/or presentation/seminar may be used as a form of screening.

 

·        If 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.

 

·        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.

 

·        Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules, and Manual noting that first year of fixed term contracts is a probationary period which may be extended subject to performance evaluation.

 

·        For information on IARC’s operations please visit: https://www.iarc.who.int, and for more general information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

 

·        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, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

 

·        IARC/WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Participating States  https://www.iarc.who.int/equity-diversity-and-inclusion-at-iarc are strongly encouraged to apply for IARC/WHO jobs. Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

 

·        An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. IARC/WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the IARC/WHO Values Charter https://www.iarc.who.int/about-iarc-who-ethics into practice.

 

·        IARC/WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the IARC/WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to IARC/WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment, and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, IARC/WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

 

·        IARC/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

 

·        IARC/WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to fully express and develop their talents.

 

·        The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.