Associate, Research Office

Entity: Aga Khan University

Location: Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction:

Aga Khan University (AKU), a private, self-governing international university chartered in Pakistan in 1983, is a role model for academic, research and service programmes in health and higher education in the developing world. 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.

The Research Office is the central coordination entity which supports the overall vision of the University to conduct research that contributes to the global body of knowledge and advances public policy in response to the real needs of communities and people in the developing world.

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.

Aga Khan University invites applications for the position of Associate, Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) in the Research Office.

Responsibilities:

You Will Be Responsible For:

• coordinating Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) meetings, conducting initial reviews of research projects, and maintaining records of IBC minutes and approvals.
• conducting on-site facility assessments to evaluate physical infrastructure, engineering controls, and containment systems.
• performing laboratory inspections for biological risk assessment and ensuring compliance with regulatory and institutional policies.
• developing and maintaining records of laboratory accidents, spills, and injuries.
• creating and delivering biosafety training modules for laboratory personnel.
• coordinating, developing, and maintaining content for the Institutional Biosafety committee (IBC) webpage.
• conducting literature and internet research to obtain scientific information on national/international guidelines related to microorganisms, recombinant DNA, and biotoxins, and updating IBC members on required policy changes.
• interacting with laboratory personnel, investigators, and other stakeholders to ensure follow-up and correction of identified problems.
• providing administrative and project management support for office events, including meetings, workshops, seminars, and training sessions.

Requirements:

You Should Have:

• at least Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or any Biomedical discipline.
• basic Biosafety Certification.
• at least 2 years of experience managing a biological safety program (preferred)
• comprehensive knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations, as well as NIH, USDA, NIAID, and CDC guidelines for biosafety and biosecurity
• strong understanding of biosafety principles, best practices, and compliance requirements for the use of biological materials
• ability to evaluate complex biological research protocols involving infectious agents
• experience with, or ability to quickly learn, grant management systems, review software, and online training portals
• excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• ability to interact effectively with laboratory personnel, investigators, and regulatory bodies

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.