Internship Position in Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention (Master’s Students Only)

Background

Researchers of the Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Group (EPICAN) of the Department of Precision Health (DoPH) at the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) have an opening within the research project RELIANCE: “REaL-life cANCEr epidemiology” based on identifying risk factors for cancer, which focuses on identifying risk factors for cancer, with particular emphasis on prevention and care. This pluridisciplinary research team is led by Claudine Backes, PhD, Scientific Director of the National Cancer Registry of Luxembourg (Registre National du Cancer (RNC)) and head of the Cancer and Prevention Epidemiology Group (EPICAN) at the LIH.

The RELIANCE population-based research pilot study aimed to investigate breast cancer epidemiology in Luxembourg for the first time using longitudinal data from the RNC. This study investigated a range of research questions using RNC breast cancer data and explored potential secondary data linkages.

The RELIANCE study was initiated under the umbrella of the “Plan National Cancer 2020-2024” (PNC2) and is funded by the Directorate of Health (DiSa) of the Ministry of Health (MiSa) as part of the PNC2. The DoPH/PHE at the LIH is responsible for the study design and implementation and was in operational collaboration with the Service de santé au travail multisectoriel (STM) for the second part of the pilot study.

In the context of the continuation of this project, we are recruiting a Master’s Student. This student will be co-supervised by Claudine Backes, PhD, and Jason Settels, PhD.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake a literature review in the area of cancer epidemiology and health services research;
• Support data collection, cleaning, management and descriptive analysis;
• Participate in the development of infographics;
• Contribute to the drafting of a scientific paper based on the results; 
• Present preliminary results at project and wider Departmental meetings;
• Participate in project meetings;
• Join other DoPH or group-based activities.

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Master's degree in Epidemiology, Public Health or a related field. Applicants should be enrolled in a Master program and the internship should be a mandatory part of the diploma;
• Experience in working on datasets (previous experience in SPSS, STATA, or R is an advantage);
• Experience in using literature reference management software tools including Endnote;
• Good writing skills in English. The understanding of another language (French, German, Luxembourgish) used in Luxembourg would be an asset;
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Training & Environment

• The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary and international scientific research environment, benefiting from exchanges with other scientists in the DoPH and other Departments;
• An environment nurturing the development of skills and experience in cancer epidemiology and health services research, literature review, scientific writing and communication, and the potential for further training in a variety of health-related and transversal domains.

Applications including a motivation letter and a CV should be sent via the LIH website before the 08 June 2025.

Gender Equality

The LIH is an equal opportunities employer.  We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

The LIH is attentive to gender representation among its leadership staff and aims to eliminate obstacles to recruitment and promotion of female leaders and their career development.