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Associate Director, Cancer Center

Entity

Aga Khan University

Location

Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction

The Aga Khan University 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. Aga Khan University 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 (AKDN) (https://the.akdn/en/home).

About the AKU Cancer Center and the Clinical Research Unit (CRU)
The AKU Cancer Center is modelled after the NCI Community Cancer Centers in the U.S. and has 5 active programmatic efforts – Experimental Therapeutics, Cancer Genetics, Genomic Medicine, Population Health, and Psychosocial Oncology. The AKU Clinical Research Unit (CRU) is a core facility of the Aga Khan University Cancer Center - Experimental Therapeutics program, established in line with AKU’s clinical and translational research agenda. The CRU supports high quality human subjects research and research processes to facilitate timely, ICH-GCP compliant clinical research studies from conception through to completion, and is dedicated to providing hope to cancer patients, ensuring that they receive the best of oncologic care in the context of being part of a clinical trial. Our clinical trials program is dedicated to the study of novel therapies in the management of cancer.

Job Summary
The Aga Khan University is looking for a highly visionary and innovative individual to fill the position of Associate Director of the AKU Cancer Center with co-responsibility for the CRU. Reporting to the Director, AKU Cancer Center, he/she will lead the strategic planning, and administrative operations of the center's mission. This leadership role will be pivotal in advancing the Cancer Center’s goals as well as ensuring a robust clinical trials program, a platform of peer reviewed grants, and alignment with institutional objectives. This position will drive initiatives that enhance cancer research, clinical trials, cancer awareness, cancer prevention & control, cancer education, partnerships and community outreach. This is a full-time position to be based in Nairobi, Kenya.
 

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Support the development and execution of the Cancer Center's strategic plan; identify and integrate trends in cancer research and clinical trials into initiatives; facilitate partnerships in research; oversee stakeholder engagement with faculty, staff, patients, and external partners; and engage pharmaceutical partners to advance clinical trial activities.

• Administrative Leadership: Together with the Director, oversee the Cancer Center operations to ensure efficiency; mentor administrative staff, fostering excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Program Development and Implementation: Support the creation and evaluation of new programs in cancer research, clinical trials, and prevention, ensuring they meet the established goals.

• Clinical Research Unit (CRU) Leadership: Provide strategic leadership for the CRU core facility; engage pharmaceutical sponsors to enhance clinical trial acquisition; collaborate with stakeholders to meet research needs; and implement policies promoting ethics, quality, and compliance.

• Strategy Execution: Translate strategic plans into actionable projects, developing metrics to monitor progress.

• Partnerships and External Relations: Build relationships with research partners, donors, and government agencies; represent the Center in institutional planning and community engagement efforts; and secure funding through grants and philanthropy.

• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation for operations and strategies.

• Leadership and Culture: Promote the Center’s values, fostering a patient-centered, inclusive, and innovative environment for staff and faculty.

Requirements

• A MD/PhD in a healthcare related field with at least 5 years of experience in leadership in a clinical research environment; or 
• A Bachelor or Master’s degree in a clinical or health related field with at least 10 years of experience in strategic management in the area of clinical operations, clinical research, and clinical trials;
• Ideally over 5 years experience as a principle investigator leading a clinical trials program;
• Proven experience in strategic planning, administration, and operations management in a clinical research environment in academia or pharma;
• Strong financial acumen and experience with budget management;
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage large, multidisciplinary teams;
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills; 
• Knowledge of oncology care, clinical research, and clinical trial operations would be an advantage.

Desired Personal Characteristics and Behaviour:
• Strategic and visionary thinker, adept at translating complex ideas into actionable strategies.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical standards.

To Apply

​If you meet the above listed criteria for this position, please email your Application Letter, a detailed Curriculum Vitae, and the contact information of three professional referees, addressed to: The Senior Manager, Executive Search, Human Resources, Aga Khan University at hr.recruitment@aku.edu.

Please note that you MUST quote the title of the position (Associate Director, Cancer Center) in the subject line.  

No hard copy applications will be accepted. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

The Aga Khan University is an equal opportunity employer. Canvassing or direct lobbying to be recruited will construe to an automatic disqualification.

Applications should be submitted latest by October 10, 2025