Entity
Aga Khan University
Location
Karachi, Pakistan
Department
Research Office
Introduction
Aga Khan University (AKU), chartered in 1983 as Pakistan's first private international university, is committed to the provision of education, research and health care of international standard relevant to Pakistan and the region. The affiliated Aga Khan University Hospital has well-equipped investigative services and provides state-of-the-art clinical facilities.
The Office of Research and Graduate Studies is the central coordination entity which supports the overall vision of the University to conduct research that contributes to the global body of knowledge and advances public policy in response to the real needs of communities and people in the developing world.
As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed toadoptappropriatestandardsforsafeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty,staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholderswithwhomitworks,includingchildrenandvulnerableadults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.
Responsibilities
You will develop and monitor a biological safety program covering all research projects involving human, and animal tissue, and pathogens. Coordinate the quarterly IBC meetings, write meeting minutes, and follow up on the action items including logistical support. Providing administrative and project management support for different portfolios within the Research Office.
You will be responsible for:
- reviewing proposals for identification of project-related biosafety hazards and share findings with the Chair, IBC and stakeholders with recommendations
- coordinating IBC meetings, conducting, conducting an initial review of research projects, maintaining records of IBC minutes and approval of research project by facilitate IBC meetings and maintain well-documented records of project approvals and biosafety considerations
- interacting with lab personnel, investigators, and others as needed to ensure and follow-up and correction of problems
- reviewing of material and data transfer agreements in connection with biosafety
- developing and maintaining databases of information related to biohazardous material (MSDS, Microorganism, Toxins etc.)
- developing and maintaining records of laboratory accidents/spills/ injuries
- Develop a safety culture through the proactive management of biohazardous material (MSDS, Microorganism, Toxins etc.) and laboratory incidents.
- Onsite facility assessment to evaluate physical infrastructure, engineering controls and containment systems by identifying gaps and report them to the Chair,IBC and IBC members
- conducting risk-based inspection of BSL-2 and 3 labs, assessing onsite regulatory /policy compliance and improving adherence to regulatory and policy requirements through comprehensive inspections and guidance
- providing guidance and assistance to investigators with respect to institutional and regulatory filings related to biosafety
- conducting literature and internet research to gather scientific information and national/international guidelines on specific microorganisms, recombinant DNA molecules, and biotoxins and informing IBC members and policy updates based on current scientific knowledge and regulatory guidelines, enhancing biosafety practices and policy alignment
- creating and structuring the content for biosafety training modules also develop and deliver biosafety trainings
- coordinating the development and preparation of content for the Institutional Biosafety Committee web page
- preparing annual report to the Research Office by timely reporting and ensuring continuity of work
- developing budget outlines.
- where needed, serve as backup for ERC monitoring and compliance personnel etc.
Requirements
You must have:
- Master’s degree in microbiology or any biomedical discipline with Basic Biosafety Certification
- 2 years of experience managing a biological safety program will be preferred.
- comprehensive knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations as well as NIH, USDA, NIAID, and CDC guidelines for biosafety and biosecurity with demonstrated ability to evaluate complex biological research protocols using infectious agents
- demonstrated knowledge of biosafety principles and best practices as well as federal, state, and local requirements for the use of biological materials and implementation of biosecurity components.
Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.
