Senior Research Assistant, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Aga Khan University; Karachi Division; On-site; PKR 350,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading institution in medical research in Karachi is seeking a Senior Research Assistant. This role involves managing patient recruitment and data collection for a viral surveillance study. The ideal candidate will have a Master's or Bachelor's in biological sciences and at least two years of experience. Strong communication, teamwork, and reporting skills are essential. This position offers a grant-funded contract with the opportunity to work in diverse community settings.

Qualifications

• At least two years of relevant experience, preferably in community settings, hospital or research facility.
• Willingness to work in a community setting and travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of patient recruitment & data collection activities.
• Collaborate with study sites for patient recruitment and sample collection.
• Perform appropriate rapid tests at the screening site.
• Monitor progress of research activities.
• Be responsible for timely submission of technical and financial reports.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in MS Word

Proficiency in MS Excel

Time management

Teamwork

Resilience to cope with work pressure

Report-writing skills

Education

Masters or Bachelor in a relevant field

Job description

Introduction

The Aga Khan University was founded in 1983 as Pakistan’s first private university. It is a not-for-profit institution and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network. Since 2000, the University has expanded to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom and Afghanistan. AKU began life as a health‑sciences university.

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Aga Khan University is a unique and distinguished establishment that serves the clinical laboratory of Aga Khan University Hospital with academic interest. This department is heavily engaged in undergraduate, postgraduate and technologist training programs. It provides professional training for higher degrees in four major areas of Pathology (Chemical Pathology, Hematology, Histopathology, and Microbiology). Currently, there are approximately 61 Faculty, including 3 part‑time, 2 visiting faculty members, and 41 Residents.

Aga Khan University invites applications for the position of Senior Research Assistant, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine in the study titled: “Viral surveillance and pathogen discovery Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition Site in Pakistan”. This study aims to serve as a surveillance system for emerging pathogens of pandemic potential. It is a platform to investigate the role of different arboviruses as causes of febrile illness and to identify novel pathogens (pathogen‑X). Further, the study will investigate whole genome sequences of the identified viruses and develop a virus gene bank for Pakistan.

This is a grant‑funded contractual position.

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 respectful relationships with and between a diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults. AKU expects all employees, trainees, and partners to share this commitment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth and efficient day‑to‑day operation of patient recruitment & data collection activities.
• Collaborate with study sites for patient recruitment and sample collection.
• Perform appropriate rapid tests at the screening site.
• Be well‑aware of PPE usage & biological sampling handling.
• Provide assistance in smooth implementation of field work operations through teams.
• Visit different sites to ensure successful completion of data collection, including quality control.
• Liaise with administration regarding logistics for field/hospital work.
• Monitor progress of research activities.
• Be responsible for data entry.
• Be responsible for timely submission of technical and financial reports.
• Perform any other duty or responsibility assigned by the Supervisor.
• Develop and maintain record‑keeping systems and procedures, and be responsible for technical and financial reports.

Requirement

• Masters or Bachelor in a relevant field, preferably in biological sciences.
• At least two years of relevant experience, preferably in community settings, hospital or research facility.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with particular emphasis on communication skills.
• Proficiency in the use of computer applications, particularly MS Word and Excel.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in teams and resilience to cope with work pressure.
• Excellent communication and report‑writing skills.
• Willingness to work in a community setting and travel as required.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.