Postdoctoral Opportunity

The Genomic Epidemiology Branch (GEM) and the Nutrition and Metabolism Branch (NME) investigate lifestyle, metabolic and genetic factors involved in cancer in diverse populations, with the aim of contributing to primary prevention of cancer. This is done by conducting large multidisciplinary projects that involve collaboration with leading international academic, research and clinical centres.

Several postdoctoral opportunities in Genomic Epidemiology or Molecular Epidemiology are immediately available within these branches to contribute to the DISCERN project - “Discovering the causes of three poorly understood cancers in Europe” – newly funded by the European Commission.  DISCERN is a collaborative international study that will combine a large-scale biorepository including biological samples and extensive epidemiological and exposure data from large European cohorts and cancer patients.  It will involve state-of-the-art genomic technologies (e.g. RNA sequencing, duplex DNA sequencing, single cell multi-omics and spatial proteomics), metabolomic techniques and geographical mapping to explore the role of known and novel risk factors for three cancers across Europe – renal, pancreas and colorectal cancer. The successful candidate(s) will be supervised by Dr Paul Brennan (head of the Genomic Epidemiology branch) and Dr Marc Gunter (head of the Nutrition and Metabolism Branch) as well as other relevant Scientists in the Branches. They will conduct integrative analyses focusing on joint interpretation of omics data generated by the project and epidemiological information together with a multidisciplinary team of international collaborators.

Essential or desired selection criteria include:  

• A recent PhD in related fields such as: genomic epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, biological data, bioinformatics, biostatistics and genetics.   Strong background in the analysis of biological data, epidemiology, bioinformatics, or biostatistics.   Strong communication skills, with the ability to undertake activities with collaborators but also independently.   Strong English language skills both spoken and written.   Willingness to learn new skills and techniques.  

• Bring new ideas and be enthusiastic about cancer genomic and molecular epidemiology research.   Prior experience manipulating multi-omics, epidemiological and clinical data using statistical methods.   Strong background within statistical or scripting languages such a R or Python.  

These postdoctoral opportunities are initially for one year with the expectation of renewal and is for candidates who have completed a Ph.D.  The IARC stipend is currently €2,820 per month (net). The cost of travel for the postdoc, and in certain circumstances for dependants, will be met. Dependence and health insurance allowances will be paid, if applicable. Applications from nationals from low and middle-income countries are encouraged. IARC welcomes around 40 postdoctoral scientists, at any one time.

The postdoctoral scientist will be in an innovative and scientifically stimulating environment in a new building due to open in early 2023 and will have opportunities to interact and collaborate with colleagues from IARC and its worldwide networks. For more information about postdoctoral stays at IARC, please read the Postdoctoral charter here. 

Applicants should send a CV, including list of publications and a description of previous research experience, as well as a motivation letter and the names and addresses of two academic referees, by email to:  

Email: discern@iarc.who.int (please mention in the title of your email “Postdoctoral opportunity – DISCERN - IARC”)

 To the attention of: Dr Paul Brennan and Dr Marc Gunter