Postdoctoral Fellow, CRM Support

Aga Khan University (AKU), in collaboration with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow position in the Center for Regenerative Medicine (CRM). This role offers an exceptional opportunity for accomplished scientists to lead and develop internationally recognized research programs focused on stem cell biology, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine. The successful candidate will engage in cutting-edge translational research, contributing to both national and international scientific advancements in these fields.

Key Responsibilities:
The postdoctoral fellow will report to the designated faculty or supervisor and is expected to develop and sustain a robust research program in stem cells and gene therapy. Responsibilities include writing grant proposals to secure funding, conducting independent and collaborative research projects, and working closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and research staff. The candidate will perform hands-on bench research, organize materials, maintain detailed records, and stay current with scientific literature and trends.

Regular progress assessments and presentations to CRM leadership are required. The fellow will contribute to course material development and provide ongoing progress reports to project leads. Strict adherence to laboratory safety, health protocols, and ethical standards aligned with international guidelines is essential. The role also involves administrative support by recommending improvements to laboratory resources and research methodologies, fostering a cooperative team culture, and mentoring research fellows and students.

The candidate will act as a team lead to coordinate project efforts, ensure timely completion of milestones, and promote a collaborative environment across faculties at both national and international levels. Additionally, the fellow will contribute to policy development regarding research conduct, stem cell line maintenance, and laboratory equipment management, ensuring compliance with UCSF and AKU standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant biomedical field or have submitted their PhD thesis for examination. Demonstrated outstanding achievement in areas such as stem cell biology, CAR-T cell therapy, nanomedicine, gene therapy, or genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 technology is essential. Extensive firsthand laboratory experience and a strong passion for research are required.

Applicants should have a proven track record of relevant publications in internationally recognized journals. Experience in clinical translational research involving stem cell therapeutics is considered an asset. Excellent communication skills, with fluency in both spoken and written English, are necessary to effectively collaborate and present research findings.

Comprehensive employment checks will be conducted as part of the recruitment process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits:
While not mandatory, experience in clinical translational research with stem cell therapeutics will strengthen the application. The position offers the chance to work within a state-of-the-art facility equipped for advanced regenerative medicine research, benefiting from the partnership between AKU and UCSF. This collaboration provides access to international expertise and resources, fostering professional growth and the development of a globally impactful research program.

Aga Khan University is committed to maintaining high standards of research ethics and laboratory safety, providing a supportive environment for innovation and scientific excellence. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing regenerative medicine research with potential benefits for healthcare in Pakistan and the broader region.