Epicentre is a research organization created by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 1986. Epicentre conducts field epidemiology, training and research activities for MSF interventions. Epicentre conducts research and supports MSF’s goal of proving medical aid in areas where people are affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or have poor or non-existent access to health care. Our activities for populations in precarious situations are led from Uganda, Niger, and France, and are conducted with MSF and other international research partners.  

Background 

We are seeking a skilled Data Scientist to join Epicentre’s Data Science unit and contribute to i) a phase 2b vaccine trial to prevent Lassa fever in West-Africa and ii) MSF's response to epidemics.   
Since 2021, Epicentre has been involved in several research studies on Lassa fever. As part of the international LEAP4WA consortium, Epicentre is responsible for data management and statistical analysis of the first phase 2b Lassa vaccine trial in West Africa, which should lead to a larger-scale phase 3 trial. 
In addition, the Data Science unit supports MSF's data collection, analysis and visualisation during epidemics to inform operational decisions. Over the past five years, we have supported MSF's response to Ebola, COVID-19, measles, diphtheria, cholera, hepatitis-E and mpox.  
Overall, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact on public health by providing insights that inform effective intervention strategies in humanitarian contexts. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  

Working in Epicentre’s Research department, under the supervision of the head of Data Science and in collaboration with other team members, your responsibilities will mainly relate to the subjects mentioned in the background but may also be linked to other research studies.  

• Carry out the statistical analyses planned in the research study, including longitudinal data analyses, survival analyses, diagnostic accuracy, among others, on large, complex, multi-country databases.  
• Carry out real-time outbreak analyses, including time-series analyses, spatial analyses, mechanistic modelling, Rt estimation, nowcasting/forecasting, on multi-country patient linelists. 
• Contribute to the reflection on the data science methods of the projects.  
• Develop appropriate sections of statistical analysis plans and standard operating procedures related to statistics. 
• Participate in the review of research documents: concept notes, protocols, amendments, case report forms, ethical review board process. 
• Support the data management team including data cleaning, data reconciliation and complex queries to ensure data quality. 
• Develop and maintain automated reports such as interim study reports, tables, listings and outbreak situation reports. 
• Write appropriate interim or final reports providing the results of the statistical analyses. 
• Work closely with the principal investigator(s) of the study and with other team members, including study co-investigators, data encoders, data managers, and others, to accomplish the tasks required for studies advancement. 
• Present the results of the statistical analyses to a scientific and non-scientific audience. 
• Participate in ad hoc meetings. 

Diploma / Training :  

• Advanced degree (master’s or Ph.D.) in Data Science, Statistics, Epidemiology, or related field. 

Professionnal experience :  

• At least 3-5 years of experience in Data Science, Statistics, Epidemiology, or related field.

Skills :

• Strong skills in analysing complex datasets and applying statistical modelling techniques to public health problems. 
• Proficiency in R programming language (Tidyverse, R-markdown). 
• Demonstrated experience in analysing longitudinal databases and outbreak linelists. 
• Good knowledge of version control systems, in particular Git and GitHub. If you have a GitHub (or similar) account, please include the URL in your CV. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills. English mandatory. French desirable. 
• Ability to work in emergency situations, demonstrating agility, effective and innovative teamwork and flexibility. 
• Must be able to anticipate challenges and risks and proactively suggest/implement solutions. 
• Knowledge of operational research in humanitarian contexts is desirable.  
• Possibility to travel to research study sites if needed.  

Language :

• English is mandatory. 
• French is desirable. 

What you will get ?

• You will work with a multicultural team in the field of epidemiology and clinical research.  
• You will evolve in the humanitarian environment.  
• Your contributions and ideas will be valued and highly appreciated.  
• You will participate in the life of the organization and your responsibilities will evolve over time.  
• Fixed-term contract of 12 months, renewable, with healthcare coverage.  
• Position to start in January 2025.  
• Position based in Paris with the possibility to travel to the research study sites if needed. 
• Remuneration according to experience and Epicentre/MSF salary grid. 

To apply :

Please send your application (CV + cover letter) no later than 26/11/2024.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If sufficient qualified applications have been received before the deadline, the advert may be removed.

Candidates selected after the first interview will have 4 hours to complete a short programming assignment remotely to assess their R skills. Further information will be provided in due course.

Female candidates who meet the requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

At Epicentre, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We welcome applications from candidates regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, beliefs, whether or not they have a disability, and all other diversity characteristics. 

Epicentre pays very close attention to the protection of the personal data of its members, staff and people wanting to join the association. The data collected during your application will be processed in a fair and high-quality manner, only by the staff in charge of recruitment, wherever in the world they may be working for an MSF entity.