Latest Recruitment at Aga Khan University Hospital

Job Summary

The Laboratory Technologist-Histology will perform the various tasks required for sample collection and (or) receiving, processing, and preparing patient tissue specimens for microscopic examination and analysis by the Pathologist for our lab-based breast cancer research projects. This may include logging, hatching, and cutting, mounting and staining procedures, storage and shipping as per IATA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Receive all retrieved specimens and receive all specimen from the Surgery Department, processes and documents as per the lab SOPs.
• Develop a process flow from blood and tumour samples acquisition to sample processing, archiving, shipping and data management in line with research objectives and College of American Pathologists guidelines (CAP).
• Collaborate with the consenting nurse for sample collection and collect study specific samples as per the approved study protocol, Laboratory SOPs and good clinical and laboratory practice.
• Perform and monitor inventory of supplies, equipment, and reagents used, and places orders for replacements as required.
• Collect and share pathology data with the data officer in a timely fashion.
• Keep proper record of all archived and stored samples for ease of retrieval.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in laboratory science with competency in molecular techniques with previous working experience in a CAP accredited laboratory.
• One year working experience in a research setting.
• Familiar with the process and functionality of a tissue biorepository/biobank.
• Certification in Good Clinical Practice.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to work with minimal supervision.

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Job Purpose/Summary 

The BMI at AKU is recruiting a Project Manager to support our study the Neuropsychiatric Genetics of African Populations - Psychosis, II (NeuroGAP-Psychosis II); sponsored by the Stanley Global Neuropsychiatric Genetics Initiative. The specific aims of the NeuroGAP-Psychosis II project are designed to build on the success of the work started in the original NeuroGAP-Psychosis study. The study aims to: (a) Expand knowledge of the genetic architecture of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in the African continent through large-scale sample collection and analysis in Kenya and South Africa (b) Increase understanding of the genetics of African populations, through various methods for biospecimen collection and (c) Enhance neuropsychiatric genetic research capacity in Africa through the training of scientists and supporting the development of locally-led research programs.

The research Project Manager role, supervised by Principal Investigator (PI), orchestrates the entire research project(s) lifecycle, from initiation to closeout. They meticulously plan, execute, and monitor project(s) activities, ensuring alignment with objectives and timelines. Through stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, risk management, and efficient communication, they navigate challenges and facilitate collaboration. Ultimately, their efforts culminate in successful project(s) closeout, delivering valuable insights that advance the BMI’s mission of promoting brain health and mental well-being.

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

• Implement the project’s workplan by overseeing and coordinating all activities according to established timelines and milestones.
• Ensure compliance with ethical, regulatory, and institutional requirements throughout the duration of the project.
• Monitor and track project progress against predefined metrics, milestones, and deliverables, adjusting as necessary to ensure project success.
• Monitor project budget and expenses, tracking spending against budget allocations and identifying any variances or discrepancies.
• Implement quality assurance and control measures to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and validity of research data and results.
• Maintain regular communication with stakeholders, including, PIs, sponsors, collaborators, and regulatory bodies, to provide updates on project progress and address any concerns.
• Lead project closeout including conducting a final evaluation of the project to assess achievements and identify areas for improvement, ensure all regulatory requirements are met, coordinate financial activities to close project budgets and reconcile expenses, establish organized and accessible archives for project documentation and materials.
• Liaise with the PIs to disseminate project findings and outcomes to relevant stakeholders, including drafting manuscripts.

Relevant Experience and Qualifications 

• Master’s level training (or higher) in a related field (i.e., biomedical sciences; neuropsychology, psychometrics, social sciences, anthropology, public health).
• 3-5 years’ experience in research with preference for managing multi-component projects.
• At least one year’s experience in field data collection, preferably in community and hospital settings.
• Educational or experiential knowledge of psychological and neuropsychological test administration
• Experience in using REDCap for data collection and SPSS or any other quantitative statistical software.

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Job Purpose/Summary 

The BMI at AKU is recruiting a Project Assistant to support our study the Neuropsychiatric Genetics of African Populations - Psychosis, II (NeuroGAP-Psychosis II); sponsored by the Stanley Global Neuropsychiatric Genetics Initiative. The specific aims of the NeuroGAP-Psychosis II project are designed to build on the success of the work started in the original NeuroGAP-Psychosis study. The study aims to: (a) Expand knowledge of the genetic architecture of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in the African continent through large-scale sample collection and analysis in Kenya and South Africa (b) Increase understanding of the genetics of African populations, through various methods for biospecimen collection and (c) Enhance neuropsychiatric genetic research capacity in Africa through the training of scientists and supporting the development of locally-led research programs. 

The Project Assistant will support the Project Manager and PIs to carry out the project aims. A culmination of assigned tasks will ensure that the project adheres to ethical guidelines and regulations, required number of research participants are recruited, consented, and followed up, data collected is clean, kept private and confidential.

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

• Support organization and attend research meetings/trainings, assisting in the preparation and pilot testing of research tools, and helping mobilize study sites by coordinating with key authorities
• Coordinate and supervise study activities, including participant recruitment and data collection.
• Ensure daily data submission, review, and secure storage, adhering to Kenya's data protection laws.
• Maintain compliance with study protocols, ethics, and safety regulations, while managing study supplies and reporting.
• Collaborate with project leads to report research outcomes, account for project assets, and manage expenses as required by ethics and funders.
• Participate in post-project audits and dissemination activities.
• Document implementation lessons and challenges, prepare regular field reports, and maintain thorough records in alignment with the study protocol.

Relevant Experience and Qualifications 

• A bachelor’s degree in any of the following (or closely related) fields: biomedical sciences, psychology, social sciences, anthropology, public health.
• At least one year experience in field data collection preferably in hospital settings.
• Educational or experiential knowledge of psychological tests administration
• Experience in using REDCap for data collection as well as data entry on mobile devices, for example tablets
• Academic exposure and interest in schizophrenia or bipolar and genetics.

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Job Purpose/Summary 

The BMI at AKU is recruiting Research Assistant to support our study the Neuropsychiatric Genetics of African Populations - Psychosis, II (NeuroGAP-Psychosis II); sponsored by the Stanley Global Neuropsychiatric Genetics Initiative. The specific aims of the NeuroGAP-Psychosis II project are designed to build on the success of the work started in the original NeuroGAP-Psychosis study. The study aims to: (a) Expand knowledge of the genetic architecture of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in the African continent through large-scale sample collection and analysis in Kenya and South Africa (b) Increase understanding of the genetics of African populations, through various methods for biospecimen collection and (c) Enhance neuropsychiatric genetic research capacity in Africa through the training of scientists and supporting the development of locally-led research programs. The Research Assistant will be responsible for ensuring smooth and successful enrollment of participants into the study and meeting the recruitment targets.

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

• As the primary point of contact, the Research Assistant will explain the study, determine participant eligibility, and obtain informed consent.
• Collect genetic and phenotypic data following study protocols while ensuring data security and confidentiality; meeting recruitment targets is essential.
• Manage data using encrypted tablets, securely uploading it to a database daily.
• Document implementation lessons, prepare regular reports, and maintain meticulous records in line with the study protocol.

Relevant Experience and Qualifications 

• A  bachelor’s degree in any of the following (or closely related) fields: nursing, psychology, or clinical medicine.
• Two years of work experience in research, preferably in mental health research.
• Experience working in mental health strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of data collection and data entry on mobile devices, for example tablets.
• Experience in using REDCap for data collection.