Research Associate, Paediatrics & Child Health -MC

Introduction

The Outreach and Research Programme of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health has ten community-based field sites across Pakistan (including four in Karachi) and focuses on research for betterment of women and child health. The Department has a Nutritional Research Laboratory as well as an Infectious Disease Research Laboratory that cater to the needs of its research projects. It has well-acclaimed work to its credit both at the national and international level.

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible to:

• collect samples such as blood, stool, oral swabs from bats, cows, goats, horses and other pet/domestics animals
• regular visit designated field sites and possess skills in vector sampling and identification, including ticks, mosquitoes, flies and conduct environmental monitoring
• have some knowledge of GIS tools for mapping vector habitats and control measures
• ensure all sample collection follows ethical guidelines and regulatory standards
• accurately document all sample collection activities and maintain detailed records
• train research staff and students on proper animal handling, care, and use
• prepare and review protocols for Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval
• ensure all research activities comply with federal and institutional regulations regarding the use of animals in research
• educate researchers on the ethical considerations and regulatory requirements of animal research
• collaborate with researchers to design and implement studies involving animals
• provide veterinary expertise on animal models, experimental procedures, and protocol development
• oversee the health and well-being of research animals, including routine health checks and treatments
• monitor and maintain animal housing and research facilities to ensure a clean and safe environment
• implement and oversee biosecurity measures to prevent contamination and disease spread
• provide emergency veterinary care for research animals as needed
• prepare reports and contribute to scientific publications and presentations.

Requirements

You should have:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
• at least one year of experience
• strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• proficiency in computers especially MS Office
• willing to travel and work in the communities / rural field sites
• excellent report writing skills
• excellent Organization Skills and Analytical Skills
• good speaking and written English is a must
• may require some extra working hours

This is a close ended position to be based in Matiari.