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Post-Doctoral Fellow, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Entity

Medical College

Location

Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction

The Aga Khan University is a private, international university committed to international standards of excellence in teaching, research, and service. Its teaching hospital, the Aga Khan University Hospital has been accredited by the prestigious Joint Commission International for achieving the highest international healthcare standards.

The Aga Khan University - Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AKU-CRM) jointly with the department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences are seeking applications from outstanding and ambitious individuals for the position of Post-Doctoral Fellow for the translational vision science program entitled “Stem Cell Based Vision Restoration”.

This project aims to explore the therapeutic potential of stem cells for glaucoma by focusing on several key objectives. It will develop methods to efficiently differentiate stem cells into functional retinal ganglion cells and evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these cells in an animal model of glaucoma. The project will also work on creating safe and efficient techniques for transplanting stem cell-derived retinal ganglion cells into the vitreous cavity of the glaucoma model, while investigating the neuroprotective role of exosomes, antioxidants, and other agents in glaucoma treatment

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.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the team lead, you will be responsible for:
  • undertaking hands-on bench research
  • organising material, keeping records of procurements, follow-ups, and researching current information and trends in the area
  • undertaking periodic reviews and assessments with presentations to the CRM/OVS faculty about the progress with the primary investigator/research fellow
  • contributing towards course material and resource development of the CRM/OVS
  • tracking the project's progress by providing regular reports to the team lead
  • applying and maintaining the highest laboratory, health & safety protocols and ethical standards set out by the CRM in line with international protocols
  • aiding administration by giving suggestions to improve the quality of research laboratories, resources, and methods to make laboratory and research systems more effective
  • building an image for the program and addressing ethical concerns
  • acting as the team lead for coordinating efforts in the research project and ensuring meeting timelines
  • developing and participating in a cooperative team-based culture
  • aiding research fellows and students in preparing projects
  • ensuring all research is up to international standards and is following the standards set by AKU
  • creating a collaborative research environment to promote educational innovation and impact
  • providing suggestions in developing policies and ethical processes of international standards on research conduction, stem cell line development, and maintaining stem cell lines and laboratory equipment

Requirements

You must have:
  • PhD in the relevant subject area or have submitted your PhD for examination.
  • Background of wet laboratory experience in the following broad areas: 
- Stem cells including iPSCs 
- Mesenchymal stem cell-related expertise 
- Cell biology research 
- Molecular biology research
- Biochemical techniques 
- Animal handling, model development, and survival surgery 
- Tissue harvesting and histological analysis    
- Imaging techniques such as fluorescent microscopy, confocal microscopy

  • Bench-side experience, and passion for research.
  • Relevant publications in journals of international repute.
  • Good communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English.
Selected candidates will be part of a multi-disciplinary team that collectively builds critical capacity in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine based vision restoration. 

To Apply

​Applicants should submit the following at human.resources@aku.edu and mark the position number "10000110" in the subject line: 

  • Cover letter
  • A complete resume, including date of thesis defense if available, title of the thesis, previous academic positions held, current position, academic title, and academic distinctions.
  • A complete list of publications in peer reviewed indexed journals.
  • Summary of current work (no more than one page).

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications should be submitted latest by October 13, 2024