Senior Instructor|Assistant Professor, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research (CRM)

Entity:

The Aga Khan University Medical College, Pakistan

Location

Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction:

The 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 has well-equipped investigative services and provides state-of-the-art clinical facilities. 

The Aga Khan University (AKU) has partnered with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) - an internationally renowned Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research - in developing and evolving CRM. CRM is a state-of-the-art facility to undertake cutting-edge research on stem cells and regenerative medicine. 

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.

We are seeking applications for the position of Senior Instructor/Assistant Professor from exceptional scientists with proven research records. The selected candidate will have the unique opportunity to develop and lead an internationally recognized program focused on stem cell and gene therapy. 

Responsibilities
Reporting to the Director, CRM and/or the designee, the successful candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous program on stem cells and gene therapy, submit and secure grants both nationally and internationally, and work independently on different projects related to the field. The candidate will also work closely with a team of dedicated scientists and research staff on projects related to, but not limited to, stem cells.  

The candidate is expected to:

• deliver high-quality scientific insight and enhance the stem cells program at CRM 
• catalyze early-stage innovations, bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical application for patient impact 
• translate discoveries into clinical and/or commercial applications, where applicable
• ensure effective project decision-making and the delivery of project milestones 
• establish and maintain links with relevant researchers and other academic institutions
• write proposals and build collaborative multidisciplinary relationships to move forward research ideas and secure intramural and extramural funding  
• have a competitive publication record of original peer-reviewed research, and develop or have an established extramurally funded research program  

Requirements

The candidate must have:

• a PhD or equivalent degree and postdoctoral experience demonstrating outstanding achievement in a relevant biomedical subject areas. This includes stem cell biology, CAR-T cells therapy, nanomedicine, gene therapy, and genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Experience in clinical translational research with stem cell therapeutics would be an asset
• at least three years’ experience of teaching/research in a HEC recognized University with a minimum of two years’ post-terminal teaching experience for the Assistant Professor level
• a track record of excellence in the relevant research area (via publications, presentations, grants, etc.)
• familiarity with emerging technologies such as CAR T cell therapy, gene editing (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9), and stem cells models
• experience working in a clinical research or translational medicine environment
• active involvement in interdisciplinary research consortia
• an interest in working in a multidisciplinary environment and addressing important questions in stem cell and/or therapeutics  
• clarity on research plan and start-up funding needs
• ability to work independently and proactively; professional conduct that fosters a high-performance collaborative team culture
• excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
• strong analytical and project management capabilities
• curiosity to acquire new scientific learning and openness to coaching/mentoring 
• ability to engender enthusiasm and motivate others with their vision and potential contributions.

Comprehensive employment checks will be conducted.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.