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Director – Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research

Entity

Aga Khan University

Location

Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction

The Aga Khan University (AKU) is a pioneering institution of higher education whose mission is to improve the quality of life in the developing world and beyond, through world-class teaching, research and healthcare delivery. AKU educates students for local and global leadership from campuses and teaching hospitals in six countries, primarily in Asia and Africa. It generates new knowledge to solve problems that affect millions of people, especially the most vulnerable. The University is a private, not-for-profit institution and part of the Aga Khan Development Network.

The Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research (CRM) is one of the most ambitious and mission-critical initiatives at AKU. Established in 2016, in collaboration with the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), CRM is now part of the Medical College, based at the Aga Khan University campus in Pakistan. This integration with the larger research and clinical network of the University is anticipated to improve access to, and engagement with the Medical College’s broader intellectual network and multidisciplinary teams including clinicians, other basic scientists, and students. This will enable bridging stem cell and regenerative therapies in non-communicable and communicable diseases to patients by engaging closely with Aga Khan University Hospital and the Clinical Trials Unit at AKU. 

The CRM is a pioneer in initiating research in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology in Pakistan with the mission to create a translational impact by attaining a deeper understanding of disease processes through functional basic science research enabling the development of novel therapies and translating these to bedside. Located on the first floor of the Juma Building, it consists of a wet-lab research space to accommodate 24-28 bench researchers. This Centre is ably supported by state-of the-art core facility including a Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorter (FACS), con-focal microscope, meta-system for chromosomal studies and a well-equipped tissue regeneration laboratory including a bio-printer. In addition, the CRM also boasts three independent tissue culture facilities dedicated for induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC), primary patient sampling and quarantine, and an established cancer cell line laboratory to support the ongoing research of CRM. In the future, a newly established and fully-equipped animal facility consisting of labs for conducting research on SCID, Nude and Transgenic mice along with a zebra fish containment laboratory will be constructed to further enhance research of CRM and the University.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Dean of the Medical College, Pakistan, the Director, Centre for Regenerative Medicine would be responsible for creating a strong regenerative medicine and stem cell research community across AKU campuses by inducting and training a cadre of basic science and clinical researchers, preparing them to undertake ambitious research programmes, translating research into therapies and diagnostic methods, and commercialising them under the highest ethical, scientific, and medical standards for alleviating disease and improving human health.

The ideal candidate for the role:
Will be a strong visionary and inspirational leader who can develop and communicate a long-term vision for the advancement of the CRM, and is equally skilled at developing and operating a detailed plan to achieve that vision. He/She should be highly approachable and compassionate, with a record of promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, teamwork, respect and honesty. He/She would be a true professional with a demeanour characterised by integrity, graciousness, sincerity, and a passion for the organisation’s mission and objectives. The Director should be exceptionally team-oriented and skilled at working and partnering with providers across a large, complex organisation and community.

Specific responsibilities will include:
  • able to completely integrate with the larger research and clinical network of the University, accessing and engaging the Medical College’s broader intellectual network, multidisciplinary teams including clinicians, other basic scientists, and students 
  • establish animal models in the future for more in-depth stem cell-related studies, a stepping-stone to human clinical trials
  • bring stem cell and regenerative therapies in non-communicable and communicable diseases to patients by engaging closely with Aga Khan University Hospital and the Clinical Trials Unit at AKU
  • ensure compliance with requirements of all regulatory and accrediting bodies,  and participate on external scientific and professional committees in cellular and tissue therapeutics to advance the reputation of the supported programmes
  • ensure adequate space, capital and human resources are available to meet the research and manufacturing needs of the supported clinical programmes
  • develop cutting-edge thematic research that improves the health and clinical care of patients in our region
  • create partnerships with national and international institutions including UCSF, where faculty are transforming the world of medicine every day
  • represent AKU at international conferences, symposia and thinking groups
  • apply for national and international grants in order to sustain and enhance the research that is being conducted at CRM
  • represent the Centre to donors in collaboration with the University Advancement team to bring in additional funding.

Requirements

  • MD, PhD or an equivalent degree in a relevant discipline
  • a minimum of 10 years relevant work experience
  • eligible for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor/ has served five or more years as Associate Professor
  • has contributed a sustained and outstanding body of scholarship in the area of stem cell research and regenerative medicine as demonstrated through publication, presentation, change to practice or policy and/or other forms of dissemination that is recognized at a national and international level
  • demonstrated record in faculty, trainee and student mentorship and teaching
  • demonstrated record of leadership and achievement in academic medicine as evidenced by excellent track-record of national and international funding, experience in leading significant single or multi-site research programmes and success in recruiting exceptional clinical and/or bench scientists.
Attributes and Experience:
  • highly adept and at ease managing the day-to-day operational details with the ability to be decisive, to conceptualise and analyse complex business opportunities, and oversee multiple projects
  • demonstrated experience in recruiting, retaining, and mentoring a diverse and highly skilled cadre of faculty and/or students
  • demonstrated track record of growing research platforms and contributing towards high-impact publications, grant awards, and meaningful science
  • demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity
  • experience working with legislators, community leaders, and philanthropic partners
  • the ability to effectively represent the CRM in the regional, national and international communities.

To Apply

​The University has engaged an international search firm, Cielo for the recruitment of this role. Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV, accompanied by a covering letter, to daniel.frost@cielotalent.com 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and applications may be considered at the University’s discretion until the position is filled.

Applications should be submitted latest by March 31, 2023