AdressePURPOSE 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 Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch (ESC) produces the WHO Classification of Tumours, the IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans, and the IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention. For each volume of WHO Classification of Tumours, IARC convenes international, interdisciplinary Working Groups of expert scientists to systematically review the pertinent scientific literature and to develop consensus evaluations and classifications. IARC selects these experts based on their knowledge and experience and the absence of real or apparent conflicting interests.
Gaps exist in the process of translation of research findings into practice and this is compounded by the sheer volume of research information produced each year. Scientific information also must be of high quality to be of use. The translation of cancer research into diagnostic practice is largely in the hands of its users, and it could be achieved through incorporation into the WHO Classification of Tumours. The International Collaboration for Cancer Classification and Research was established by the IARC WCT with several international partners to bring cancer research institutions together to improve research quality and to meet the need for evaluation and synthesis of research findings. IC3R aims to promote evidence-based practice in Pathology and to set standards for tumour classification and cancer research with harmonization to underpin successful translation of cancer pathology research into WHO tumour classifications and clinical practice. IC3R will also provide a forum to coordinate evidence generation, synthesis, evaluation, and standard-setting for tumour classification worldwide.
WCT EVI MAP project aims to provide an overview of the existing research evidence of the WHO classification of Tumours, showing gaps, identifying pockets of low-level research evidence, and to develop a tool that gather existing research evidence and synthetize reliable research evidence to inform future WHO classification of Tumours editions. The project is funded through an EU HORIZON Grant and was initiated on 1st July 2023.
WHO Classification of Tumours series (WCT) used by pathologists and cancer researchers worldwide is an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) through the WCT programme at IARC. The objective of the WCT programme is to improve the classification of tumours for diagnosis, epidemiology and cancer research. WCT is responsible for the preparation and publication of the WHO Classification of Tumours series (WHO Blue Books), which are the international standard of histopathological and genetic classification of human neoplasms.
· IARC provides a timely, definitive synthesis and evaluation for tumour classification based on expert consensus review of reproducible peer-reviewed published evidence.
· The WHO Blue Books provide the user with a unique synthesis of histopathological diagnosis with digital and molecular pathology to guide cancer diagnosis. This underpins individual patient treatment, as well as research into all aspects of cancer causation, prevention, therapy, and education.
· The WHO Blue Books are available in multiple formats to meet the needs of users in low-, middle- and high-income countries.
Under the direct supervision of the Head of WCT, and the general guidance of the IARC director, the incumbent has the following duties.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
1. Provide support for evidence evaluation required to produce the WHO Blue Books.
2. Specific tasks include:
a. Manage the IC3R programme of research, through interactions with IC3R partners worldwide
b. Manage and provide scientific guidance in collaboration with external partners to the EVI MAP project.
c. Coordinate and guide IC3R and EVI MAP staff within the WCT in the ESC branch
d. Participate in the production and management of the WHO Blue Books, particularly in the assessment of evidence for changes in tumour classification. This will include the design of systematic review protocols, extraction and critical appraisal of data, and presentation of findings at scientific meetings.
e. Participate in editorial board meetings as an IARC observer, with particular emphasis on evidence assessment.
f. Assist contributors in developing their content for the WHO Blue Books, including assessment of evidence.
g. Work with editorial staff within IARC to ensure the accuracy of the WHO Blue Books.
h. Assist in the production of high quality online content for the WHO Blue Books.
3. Develop research in tumour classification using systematic review methodology.
4. Contribute to systematic review support within IARC for existing research groups. This may include:
a. Advise groups within IARC on research needs relating to systematic reviews, including pre-analytical and analytical methods.
b. Development of own research, while focussing efforts on the classification of cancer
5. Train Pathologists and others in systematic review methodology and practice to underpin the use of evidence-based pathology in the classification of cancer
6. Assist in the training of junior staff, including visiting pathology fellows within WCT/ESC and more widely within IARC.
7. Attend relevant training(s) to stay abreast of WCT/ESC enhancements and developments
8. Mobilise research funding from competitive sources through development of grant proposals.
9. Perform other related duties as assigned.
WHO COMPETENCIES
· Communication
· Teamwork
· Technical Expertise.
· Creating an empowering and motivating environment
· Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Essential:PhD in Medicine, biology, public health or related discipline.
Desirable:
· Masters of science in systematic review methodology.
· Postgraduate degree in biomedical research (e.g. Masters, MD, or PhD)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Essential:At least 5 years’ experience in research and evidence-based medicine, part of which is in systematic review preparation at an advanced level related to cancer diagnosis, and management.
Desirable:
