Research Specialist, Centre of Oncological Research in Surgery

Research Specialist, Centre of Oncological Research in Surgery (COORS)

Department\: Centre of Oncological Research in Surgery

Entity\: Aga Khan University

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 standard relevant to Pakistan and the region. The affiliated Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has well-equipped investigative services and provides state-of-the-art clinical facilities. AKUH is the first hospital in Pakistan to be awarded the prestigious Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA) for practicing the highest internationally recognized healthcare standards.

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.

AKU is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding and aims to adopt appropriate standards for ensuring and promoting a respectful relationship with and between all 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 Research Specialist in the Centre of Oncological Research in Surgery (COORS).

This is a contractual position for the duration of one year.

Responsibilities:

You will be responsible to:

• conduct and oversee molecular biology and biochemical experiments in alignment with research protocols
• facilitate collection, processing, and analysis of biological and clinical data
• manage project-related data systems, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance
• support preparation of ethics submissions, grant applications, and project reporting
• collaborate with local and international partners to strengthen research capacity and ensure harmonization of methods
• contribute to drafting manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations for dissemination of research outcomes
• provide support in grant proposal writing and research funding applications
• represent the department in scientific forums, conferences, and collaborative meetings
• support strategic initiatives aimed at translational research, commercialization, and institutional development.

Requirements:

You should have:

• MPhil/Master's degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related biomedical sciences
• at least 2 years of academic or applied research experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, and health sciences
• demonstrated involvement in managing research workflows, laboratory techniques, and project operations
• familiarity with grant management systems, ethics review processes (ERC, NBC), and compliance frameworks
• contributions in peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations - will be considered an asset
• proficiency in core wet lab techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR)
• strong skills in data management platforms (e.g., Excel, RedCap)
• ability to coordinate research projects, manage deadlines, and deliver high-quality outputs
• strong interpersonal and communication skills with capacity to work in multidisciplinary teams
• ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy and compliance with standards.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.

*Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted*