Technologist, Clinical Trials Unit

Technologist, Clinical Trials Unit

Introduction 

Aga Khan University chartered in 1983 as Pakistan's first private international university, is committed to the provision of education, research, and health 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.

Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) is a Department dedicated to develop a center of excellence for high quality and high impact clinical trials both nationally & internationally.  The Department promotes AKU's vision by providing leadership, consultation and facilitation in different phases of clinical trials in compliance with the International Standards and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible to:

• work as a team member of the research unit and assist in facilitating laboratory support services while ensuring a positive patient experience
• plan, prioritise and organise work activities
• act as a progressive and contributing staff member who supports the advancement of the unit
• comply with and promote adherence to the unit's policies, procedures and confidentiality
• attend, participate in and contribute to staff meetings and unit activities
• engage in continuing education, training and skill development
• coordinate laboratory logistic requirements for multiple studies with investigators, coordinators and clinical teams (study start-up, close-out etc.)
• perform routine technical procedures such as phlebotomy and the collection/handling of specimens (e.g. stool, urine, nasal swabs) following standard techniques and approved research protocols
• receive, organise and manage laboratory study supply inventories for multiple studies
• review study protocols to ensure compliance with study-specific specimen collection, processing, handling, packaging, shipping and storage requirements
• work in compliance with ICH-GCP guidelines and good laboratory code of conduct
• document and maintain accurate records such as specimen collection details, custody logs, storage records, supply inventories and temperature logs as per medical, regulatory, research and institutional requirements
• comply with established safety standards and ensure the laboratory environment remains clean and well organised.

Requirements

You should have:

• M.Sc. in biological sciences (preferred) or B.Sc. with relevant experience
• at least one year of relevant experience in a laboratory or hospital setting
• comprehensive knowledge of biochemistry and analytical/laboratory equipment
• experience working with research studies (an asset)
• valid GCP and IATA certification
• technologist or phlebotomist certification with relevant work experience
• good knowledge of good laboratory practices, including operation of basic lab equipment, biomaterials handling, safety practices, and scientific techniques related to the position
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English and Urdu
• strong organisational capabilities with the ability to manage multiple studies simultaneously
• proficiency in computer use and office software
• knowledge of medical terminology (an asset)
• ability to maintain strict confidentiality as per unit policies.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.