Research Associate, Centre of Oncological Research in Surgery (COORS)

Entity: The Aga Khan University Medical College

Location: Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction:

The Aga Khan University, 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.

Centre of Oncological Research in Surgery (COORS) intends to build a culture of innovation and collaboration that will drive research breakthroughs and be capable of changing approaches to cancer prevention, screening, and treatment; in the process, it will improve the lives of cancer survivors. The main core focus area s of COORS is advancing basic science research in cancer; organizing and conducting epidemiological and population-based research and initiating clinical trials in surgical oncology and related area.

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.

COORS is inviting applications for the position of Research Associate from outstanding and ambitious candidates.

*This is a grant funded contractual position.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the faculty, you will be responsible for:

• conducting wet lab research at the AKU-CRM laboratory
• conducting daily, weekly, and monthly inventory of consumables/reagents required for the team
• attending weekly meetings, journal clubs, and research in progress and also responsible for presenting in these meetings as directed by the assigned faculty
• compiling annual reports.

Requirements:

Below are the requirements of the position.

• a bachelor’s degree in the field of Biological Science or related field of research
• an experience in the research laboratory (preferred), post qualification. 
• candidates with experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply

-      Cell biology research (e.g., tissue culture, genetic engineering, flow cytometry

-      Molecular biology research (e.g., cloning, sequencing, PCR, real-time PCR, CRISPR- Cas9)

-      Exosome isolation, characterization, and engineering

-      Biochemical techniques such as Western blotting, ELISA, IP/Co-IP, and protein purification

-      Stem cell biology research

-      Imaging techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, Confocal microscopy, flow cytometry

• candidates who are currently involved in the broad area of stem cell and molecular biology, as listed below, will also be considered

-      Cancer stem cells

-      Cytogenetics and imaging

-      Gene and molecular therapy

-      Nanomedicine

• strong organizational skills with ability to handle multiple tasks assigned by the faculty
• competent in computer usage with command over Microsoft office, statistical and imaging software
• sound communication skills. Fluent in English speaking and writing
• strong interpersonal skills.

*Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.