Senior Assistant (Lab), Paediatrics and Child Health

Aga Khan University; Pakistan; On-site; PKR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Aga Khan University invites applications for the Senior Research Assistant position within the Outreach and Research Programme of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health. The role supports the Research Associate and Coordinator in performing standard laboratory procedures and preparing project reports.

The candidate should have a BSc or MSc in Biological Sciences, Microbiology or Biotechnology, with at least one year of relevant experience and a strong ability to follow protocols and work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, Microbiology or Biotechnology.
• At least 1 year of experience in a laboratory, hospital or research facility.
• Good knowledge of laboratory and research testing procedures.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions precisely.
• Good teamwork and reliable performance under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Perform ELISA, DNA extractions, gel electrophoresis, PCR and other molecular/immunological assays.
• Ensure samples are received and processed per project protocols and manuals.
• Follow safety standards per the Laboratory Safety Manual.
• Maintain inventory logs and data records for samples and results.
• Discuss unusual findings with senior team members to avoid misleading outcomes.
• Prepare and present project findings at departmental meetings.
• Undertake other duties assigned by Lab Manager/In-charge Technologist.

Skills

Team player

Follow instructions

Vigilant lab practice

Education

BSc/MSc in Biological Sciences; Microbiology; Biotechnology

Job description

Introduction:

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 provides state-of-the-art clinical facilities and well-equipped diagnostic services. The University currently has teaching sites in Pakistan, East Africa, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan, and is a major component of Aga Khan Development Network.

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.

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.

Responsibilities:

The Senior Research Assistant assists the Research Associate and Research Coordinator in performing routine technical and related procedures for research projects to ensure quality service and timely preparation of project reports.

Specific responsibilities include to:

• perform various assays including ELISA, DNA extractions, gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, and other molecular and immunological assays according to laboratory protocols and manuals
• ensure samples are received and processed in accordance with project protocols, guidelines and research procedure manuals
• follow and assist in the implementation of safety standards in accordance with the Research Laboratory Safety Manual
• assist in maintaining inventory logs, manual sample receiving records and data maintenance records
• confirm unusual findings by discussing results with senior team members to avoid misleading project outcomes
• maintain proper records of results and compile project findings for presentation at departmental meetings
• undertake any other duty or responsibility assigned by the Lab Manager/In-charge Technologist.

Requirements:

You should have:

• BSc/MSc in Biological Sciences, Microbiology or Biotechnology
• one year experience in a laboratory, hospital or research facility
• good knowledge of laboratory and research testing procedures
• ability to immediately follow written and oral instructions
• good team player
• ability to act vigilantly while performing laboratory tasks.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.

This is a close-ended position.

Disclaimer:

The Aga Khan University is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment which is free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at AKU are based on business needs, job requirements and individual's qualifications and experience, without regard to race, colour, caste or creed, national, social or ethnic origin, gender (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification). AKU does not discriminate among the job candidates on account of any of these characteristics.