Senior Research Assistant, Centre of Oncological Research in Surgery (COORS)

Entity: The Aga Khan University Medical College

Location: Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau, Civil Hospital Karachi; The Aga Khan Hospital, Karachi; Punjab Institute of Neuroscience, Lahore; Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Lahore; and Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar.

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 standards 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 newly established Centre of Oncological Research in Surgery (COORS) envisions amplifying surgical oncology research, addressing challenges in limited-resource settings. With a foundation in diverse research, from basic to social and epidemiological sciences, combined with translational efforts and pivotal clinical trials, our goal is to redefine cancer care at the Aga Khan University and beyond, focusing on innovative, cost-effective treatments and early detection. Initiated with funding supported by the Jenabai Hussainali Shariff Family, COORS is set to become a pioneering cancer research center in Pakistan.

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.

The Aga Khan University invites applications for the position of Senior Research Assistant in the Centre of Oncological Research in Surgery (COORS).

*This is a grant-funded contractual position.

Responsibilities:

You will be responsible to:

• coordinate with the team of Prospective Pakistan Brain Tumor Epidemiology Study to run it
• collect, manage, and analyze data for brain tumor research projects including clinical, radiological, and molecular data
• search the literature and manuscripts writing for original articles, reports, and reviews
• arrange meetings within the group and with external collaborators
• ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of research and field-related activities
• learn and implement protocols
• assist in Epidemiology or clinical trials research
• prepare and present periodic project-related activity reports
• identify eligible participants and administer informed consent
• perform any other assignment as directed by the supervisor.

Requirements:

You should have:

• a Bachelor (4 years) from an HEC-recognized or reputable foreign university, preferably a fresh MBBS graduate
• six months to one year of experience in research work involving handling of datasets and manuscript writing
• basic level of understanding of neuroanatomy
• competency in MS Office, Excel, SPSS, or any image analysis software will be considered advantageous
• working knowledge of data collection, molecular biology, and histology techniques
• proven ability to work well with a certain degree of autonomy
• excellency in record keeping
• ability to quickly learn and take on new techniques
• strong ability to work and coordinate effectively with diverse teams.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.