Post-Doctoral Fellow in Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention

Background: A high-performing healthcare system aims to provide high-quality cancer care across the entire patient pathway, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment. Population-based cancer registries (PBCR) play a crucial role in monitoring the incident cases within specific populations, and can detect unsual increase in cancer rates, leading to the development of hypothesis regarding potential causes within the community. Furthermore, PBCRs evaluate the effectiveness of cancer prevention and control efforts and contribute to the formulation of policies and screening programmes.

Objectives: The upcoming 1.5-year research initiative of the study “RELIANCE: REaL-life cANCEr epidemiology research,” aims to analyze high-resolution cancer registry data and to explore linkage with other additional data sources. The primary goal is to pinpoint relevant factors to cancer prevention and care while also discerning key priorities and strategies. RELIANCE study represents an inter-disciplinary and translational research project with high relevance for national policy (the National Cancer Plan (PNC2)) and international research on the use of health data to improve patient outcomes.

Training and research environment: The National Cancer Registry of Luxembourg and the Public Health Expertise Unit are dynamic, multidisciplinary and international teams within the Department of Precision Health. RELIANCE study is an initiative of EPICAN (Epidemiology and Prevention Research Group) and includes external experts from the Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER) and occupational health expertise, and has close and active relationships with key national stakeholders including policy makers, clinicians and researchers. The team works at the intersection of research and cancer epidemiology with a focus on translation aspects to improve population health. This successful candidate will be co-supervised by Claudine Backes, PhD, Scientific Director of the National Cancer Registry of Luxembourg and Allini Mafra, PhD, epidemiologist at the LIH. 

Key Accountabilities

• Conduct studies analysing national cancer cohorts and related health indicators.
• Perform statistical analyses, contribute to publications, and present results at conferences.
• Assist in drafting and submitting proposals for funding to support further research development.

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Recent PhD in Epidemiology, Public Health or a related field. Familiarity with cancer epidemiology or healthcare inequalities is beneficial.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data management; experience with R and/or STATA is preferred.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, with potential demonstrated through contributions to team projects or publications.
• Capacity to work independently with guidance and collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to manage time and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Understanding of cancer control policies and care pathways is desirable.
• Proficiency in English; French language skills or the willingness to learn would be an asset.