KFSH&RC Home Page | Back to the Research Centre Page

Job Opportunities
How to Apply | Transfer/Promotion Opportunities


Vacant Positions for Cancer and Genetic Epidemiologist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific Computing (BESC)

 KFSH&RC is a 800 bed teaching referral facility which provides health care for the citizens of Saudi Arabia and is located in Riyadh. The Hospital has obtained a worldwide regard for its dedication to advancing medical science and research. The mission of the Research Centre is to be a centre of excellence in biomedical research; and it is dedicated to the advancement of science, and the translation of research findings into better health care. The Centre strives to provide an environment that enhances individual growth, collaboration, achievement and recognition. In only a short period of time, the facility has become acknowledged as a centre of excellence in the Middle East.

 Position:              Genetic Epidemiologist

The Epidemiology Research Unit of the BESC Department is currently recruiting a senior researcher who can propose and pursue genetic epidemiological research.

 The scientific community of the Research Centre as well as the unique settings in Saudi Arabia offer opportunities for a wide variety of research interests and activities in genetic and cancer epidemiology. In Saudi Arabia many genetic disorders are quite prevalent, and complex pedigrees present a unique opportunity for productive epidemiological research. The Research Centre is furnished with a highly sophisticated laboratory in molecular biology.

 The Epidemiology Research Unit was created 3 years ago to address the need for more clinical and population-based epidemiological research, with special emphasis on genetic, clinical and nutritional epidemiology. One of the main aims of the section is to investigate the genetic components of disease.

 Duties:

The successful candidate will be able to participate in the development of methodological and collaborative research proposals in quantitative genetics to identify genetic determinants of diseases important to Saudi Arabia, to elucidate the role of gene-environment interaction, and to assist in the genetic analysis and interpretation of data on human complex disorders. The successful candidate is expected to train and evaluate students and staff on basic methods in cancer or Genetic Epidemiology.

 Cancer Epidemiologist are expected to participate in the development of methodological and collaborative research proposals in cancer epidemiology to identify determinants of cancer.

 The recruited Cancer or Genetic Epidemiologist is expected to supervise technical and scientific staff assigned to epidemiologic projects, present progress reports on his/her project or on work supervised, communicate research results and that of associates in scientific publications and at scientific meetings, and participate in reviewing manuscripts and research proposals.

 Qualifications:

Applicants should hold a doctorate in epidemiology, genetics, or a related field and have demonstrated the potential to maintain an independent research program in cancer or genetic epidemiology, with at least three years of basic or applied research. Being in a clinical setting, and having to collaborate with clinical researchers, a MD degree is desirable but not required. Scientific productivity will be measured in form of publications in reputable scientific journals. Rank will be commensurate with experience.

 Position:              Cancer Epidemiologist

The scope of cancer epidemiology research within the ERU is expected to cover different aspects of cancer. It is anticipated that some intramural and collaborative interdisciplinary studies would be conducted to identify the distribution, causes, and natural history of cancer, and the means for its prevention in Saudi Arabia. Research areas of special interest include genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, environmental contaminants, occupational exposures, medications, radiation and infectious agents, as well as statistics and methods development. The research areas are expected to undertake evaluation of tools used in diagnosis of cancer, clinical trials, as well as the outcome of different treatment regimens; including prognostic factors that influence survival of patients.

KFSH&RC is the best setting for such studies in the region as it is the largest cancer facility in the Gulf region. Over 2000 new patients are admitted to KFSH&RC each year along with 25,000 follow-up visits, 30,000 outpatient chemotherapy or radiation treatment visits and 15,000 outpatient visits for blood transfusion or intravenous therapy. On average, 50 adult and 40 pediatric bone marrow transplants are carried out annually. In addition, KFSH&RC operates the King Fahad Children’s Cancer Center (KFNCCC), a separate 40-bed children’s cancer hospital with extensive laboratory research space. The BESC Department includes the National Cancer Registry Programme. The different departments of the Research Centre have been actively involved in research and training activities in the field of oncology.

 KFSH&RC maintains an Oncology Data Unit (ODU), a Tumor Registry and is the home of the Gulf Center for Cancer Registration (GCCR). It is anticipated these large research facilities would facilitate in-depth studies indifferent aspects of cancer. Cancer epidemiologists are expected to collaborate with other international organizations e.g.; IARC and NCI.

 Working atmosphere:

Recruited candidates will be working with highly qualified scientists and clinicians. In the BESC department there are eight staff members who hold PhD’s in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Physics, Scientific Computing, Nutrition, and Psychology. There are core facilities for Research Data Management, Registries, Clinical Trials, Bio-informatics and Computing Services. There are opportunities for inter-disciplinary collaborative research with clinicians in different clinical departments within the hospital; especially, the Departments of Oncology, Cardiology, Medicine, Pediatrics and Neurosciences. Moreover, there are unique opportunities to collaborate with geneticists, molecular biologists and other scientists working for the Department of Biomedical Research within the Research Centre.

 Employment at KFSH&RC allows you to gain experience with some of the world's foremost Medical and Professional Staff. Ours is a multicultural and enthusiastic team of employees who originate from more than 50 countries all over the globe.

 Benefits:

The KFSH&RC offers a generous and attractive benefits package: tax-free salaries, free hospital housing (or housing allowance), medical and dental care. In addition to airline tickets, recreational facilities, relocation allowance, and severance pay.

 Applications:

Send curriculum vitae and names of three references to the following mailing address:

Address:
Hassan El Bushra, PhD
PO Box 3354, BESC MBC# 03
Riyadh 11211
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

E-mail:
elbushra@kfshrc.edu.sa

Fax:
00-966-1-442-7853

For more information view our website: http://rc.kfshrc.edu.sa/besc/