Research Coordinator (Lab)- UWARN- Paediatrics & Child Health -MC

Job Description

Entity: Aga Khan UniversityLocation: KarachiIntroduction: Aga Khan University, chartered in 1983 as Pakistans 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 Outreach and Research Programme of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health has nine community-based field sites across Pakistan (including five in Karachi) and focuses on research for the betterment of women and child health. The Department has a Nutritional Research Laboratory as well as an Infectious Disease Research Laboratory that caters to the needs of its research projects. It has well-acclaimed work to its credit both at the national and international level.United World of antiviral research (UWARN) consortium is a multi-center study, including Pakistan. It is centrally operated by University of Washington (UW, Seattle). This study aims to characterize new emerging viruses, and active surveillance of Arbo viruses in UWARN centers.This is a short-term contractual position.Job Role / Responsibilities:You will be responsible to supervise and monitor the research activities including data collection as well as maintain necessary records, create and sustain liaison with the relevant stakeholders for the smooth implementation of all necessary activities of the project. Specific responsibilities include to:

• serve as technical expert in specific area related to epidemiological study designs, and resolve technical problems related to them
• review Lab test proposal of all new projects and ensure the availability of Lab resources for the implementation of tests and new SOPs
• keeping principal investigator/ Project Supervisor(s) updated about the progress of the work at decided frequency or about any problem that may arise
• ensure the completeness, proper archiving of specimens, isolates and completion and keeping track of CRFs and / or answer questioners from granting agencies
• actively participate in the optimization of new lab tests and methodologies as per project requirement
• review all Lab results, monitor internal external QC checks of all Lab procedures and CRFS, and take preventive and corrective actions in case of non-conformities
• track purchase Lab requisitions for the timely procurement of reagents / coordinate with purchase and company vendors in identifying most appropriate equipment for the Lab
• arrange lab equipment and supplies keeping in mind current and future requirements of all labs for related research projects
• participate actively in the teaching of the junior staff regarding Lab techniques, safety, work ethics and discipline
• monitor and maintain storage , record-keeping, and data entry of all research project related specimens
• ensue preparation, coordination and execution of samples shipment of as per Research projects? requirements
• prepare and present weekly and monthly project reports and presentations in the Research meeting
• actively work with Lab Manager Outreach and Research to maintain discipline among Lab staff and compliance of rules as per institutional and department policies and procedures
• perform all other duties assigned time-to-time by the principal investigators in connection with the research project(s).

Eligibility Criteria / Requirements:You should have:

• M.Sc Biotechnology/Microbiology
• at least two to three years of relevant experience
• sound knowledge of GLP requirements for research projects
• the ability to perform complex molecular diagnostic tests without supervision
• sound knowledge of Bio-safety standards
• excellent team player and staff management experience
• strong communication and interpersonal skills to maintain harmony in the section.

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.

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