Postdoctoral Fellow, CRM Support

Aga Khan University (AKU), established in 1983 as Pakistan’s first private international university, is dedicated to delivering education, research, and healthcare services of international standards relevant to Pakistan and the surrounding region. The university’s affiliated Aga Khan University Hospital offers advanced clinical facilities and well-equipped investigative services. In collaboration with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), a globally recognized center for regenerative medicine and stem cell research, AKU has developed the Center for Regenerative Medicine (CRM). This state-of-the-art facility focuses on pioneering research in stem cells and regenerative medicine. We are inviting applications from exceptional scientists with proven research records for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow. The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to develop and lead an internationally recognized program specializing in stem cell and gene therapy.

Key Responsibilities:
The Postdoctoral Fellow will report to the designated faculty or their designee and will be responsible for developing and sustaining a vigorous research program in stem cells and gene therapy. This includes writing grant proposals to secure funding from national and international sources and working independently on various projects within the field. The candidate will collaborate closely with a dedicated team of scientists and research staff on stem cell and gene therapy-related projects.

Specific duties include conducting hands-on bench research, organizing materials, maintaining accurate records, and staying updated on current trends and information in the field. The fellow will present periodic progress reviews to CRM faculty and the CRM Director, contributing to course material and resource development within the center. Regular progress reports must be submitted to the project team lead, ensuring adherence to timelines.

Maintaining the highest laboratory, health, safety, and ethical standards in line with CRM and international protocols is essential. The fellow will also provide administrative support by recommending improvements to laboratory quality, resources, and research methodologies. Acting as a team lead, the candidate will coordinate research efforts, foster a cooperative team culture, and assist research fellows and students in project preparation.

Ensuring all research meets international standards and complies with UCSF and AKU guidelines is critical. The fellow will promote a collaborative environment across faculties at both national and international levels, contributing to educational innovation and impact. Additionally, the candidate will provide input on policy development and ethical processes related to research conduct, stem cell line development, and laboratory equipment maintenance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant subject area or have submitted their PhD thesis for examination. They should demonstrate outstanding achievements in biomedical fields such as stem cell biology, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, mRNA therapeutics, RNA interference agents, antisense oligonucleotides, antagomiRs, or PROTAC-based protein degraders targeting various diseases. Extensive firsthand laboratory experience and a strong passion for research are essential.

Candidates should have a proven track record of relevant publications in internationally recognized journals. Excellent communication skills, including fluency in spoken and written English, are required.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits:
Experience in clinical translational research involving stem cell therapeutics is considered an asset. The position offers the opportunity to work in a cutting-edge research environment with access to international collaborations and resources. The fellow will contribute to shaping an internationally recognized program with significant potential for scientific impact and career development.

Comprehensive employment checks will be conducted, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.