Entity: The Aga Khan University Medical College
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Introduction:
The Aga Khan University Medical College (MC) was established in 1983, as a part of the Aga Khan University’s Faculty of Health Sciences in Karachi, Pakistan. It works closely with the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the University Hospital to produce excellence in educational programs and medical practice.
The Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research (CRM) is a part of the MC. The Aga Khan University (AKU) has partnered with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) - an internationally renowned Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, in developing and evolving The Aga Khan University Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research (CRM). The Centre has a state-of-the-art facility for multi-disciplinary researchers to undertake cutting-edge research on stem cell and regenerative medicine. CRM nurtures young researchers (scientists and clinical scientists) in an environment that fosters learning and innovation.
As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopting appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between the 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.
CRM is inviting applications for the position of Assistant Manager from outstanding and ambitious candidates with experience in laboratory management and providing research support.
Job Roles / Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Scientific Director, Juma Research Lab (JRL) and Director, Research & Teaching Laboratories, Medical College, the Assistant Manager, will be involved in the management and research support functions of JRL.
The incumbent will be responsible for effective bench space management, smooth facility operations, providing technical support, oversee staff and safety of the facility. The incumbent will be the overall in-charge of all the core lab functions of JRL. Additional duties will include maintenance of equipment, ordering of reagents and consumables and record keeping. Finally, the incumbent will be responsible for capacity building of laboratory staff and junior faculty members to develop their research techniques and capabilities. Specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for:
- developing new processes to help improve laboratory operations and smooth running of JRL
- designing and implementing strategies to effectively manage laboratory functions
- effectively managing laboratory supplies and inventories
- liaising with different departments to ensure proper functioning and maintenance of the JRL core lab equipment
- developing and modifying standard operating protocols (SOPs) and enforcing lab safety requirements
- demonstrating skills that are needed to assess grants for allocation to faculty
- supervising and training technologists and junior technicians for laboratory work
- actively participating in the research Chemicals and Consumables Committees
- assisting and preparing fiscal budgets for capital equipment and operational expenses with the Director and finance team of JRL
- coordinating for ordering capital equipment and placing equipment in the lab
- establishing lab procedures, creating and managing lab-related documentation, and organizing laboratory activities
- ensuring that inventory records of capital equipment, stock items, and chemicals and consumables are properly maintained and updated
- ensuring that safety policies are practiced at all times
- organizing and facilitating the workshops/seminars for the training and development of laboratory staff and junior faculty
- arranging safety training and awareness sessions for new staff, faculty, and graduate students for lab work.
Eligibility Criteria / Requirements:
Candidates must have:
- a graduate degree (MSc/MS/MPhil) or equivalent in one of the basic sciences disciplines
- at least five years of professional experience in a laboratory or similar setting closely related to the position
- comprehensive knowledge of biorisk management, ensuring safety culture for people working in the laboratory, equipment, research bio-specimen, supplies, and data
- knowledge of management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and coordination of people and resources
- knowledge of grant management and procurement software(s)
- ability to take initiative, plan, and manage renovations and facility expansion projects.
- ability to multitask & work effectively with people from diverse expertise and backgrounds to make confident choices for better outcomes
- great time management skills and effectively managing multiple priorities daily
- ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively as appropriate for the needs of the audience
- ability to analyze and develop guidelines, procedures, and systems to outline specific goals and implement plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish tasks
- relevant knowledge of the PDCA cycle to continually improve processes, identify measures, and mark actions needed to improve performance
- ability to manage a budget and work within the constraints of that budget
- ability to effectively report back to supervisor/ director, setting agendas, sharing lab updates & disseminating tasks to team members ensuring efficient and rewarding outcomes.
Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.
