Registered Nurse (Research), Clinical Trials Unit

Registered Nurse (Research), Clinical Trials Unit

Location: Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction:

Aga Khan University chartered in 1983 as Pakistan's first private international university, is committed to the provision of education, research, and health Aga Khan University chartered in 1983 as Pakistan's first private international university, is committed to the provision of education, research, and health care of international standards relevant to Pakistan and the region. The affiliated Aga Khan University Hospital provides state-of-the-art clinical facilities and well-equipped diagnostic services. The University currently has teaching sites in Pakistan, East Africa, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan, and is a major component of Aga Khan Development Network.

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.

Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) is a Department dedicated to develop a center of excellence for high quality and high impact clinical trials both nationally & internationally. The Department promotes AKU’s vision by providing leadership, consultation and facilitation in different phases of clinical trials in compliance with the International Standards and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.

This is a grant-funded contractual position.

Responsibilities:

You will be responsible to:

• work as a member of the multidisciplinary team of the Clinical Trials Unit
• plan, prioritise and organise work activities
• contribute positively to the advancement and objectives of the unit
• comply with and promote adherence to unit policies, procedures and confidentiality standards
• attend, participate in and contribute to staff meetings and unit activities
• engage in continuing education, training and professional skill development
• plan, organise and perform day-to-day clinical and research activities under the direction of the principal investigator and in consultation with CTU supervisors
• plan and schedule research participants’ visits as per approved study protocols
• coordinate with pharmacists and oncology nurses for dispensing and administration of study medications
• facilitate and provide clinical care to research participants, including routine technical procedures such as vital signs monitoring, intravenous cannulation and ECGs, in accordance with approved protocols
• provide laboratory support services including phlebotomy and collection, handling, processing and shipment preparation of biological specimens such as blood, stool, urine and nasal swabs
• provide emergency nursing care and support, including crash cart management and infection control practices, in compliance with institutional policies and professional standards
• practice and ensure compliance with ICH-GCP guidelines among study team members
• ensure compliance with established safety standards and maintain a safe environment for patients, families and clinical staff in line with regulatory and institutional requirements
• document and maintain accurate records including patient assessments, specimen collection and custody logs, storage records, inventory and temperature logs as part of source documentation and regulatory requirements
• ensure appropriate handling and disposal of biological and hazardous materials
• promptly inform the principal investigator, study team and CTU supervisors of any adverse events or incidents involving research participants, including preparation of written incident reports and follow-up actions.

Requirements:

You should have:

• a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minimum of one year of work experience as a nurse in a hospital or related inpatient and/or outpatient setting, with demonstrated knowledge and competencies in direct patient care
• a valid and active Pakistan Nursing Council licence
• competency in the use of computers and basic office software such as MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• sound knowledge of nursing practices, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• working knowledge of good clinical practice, clinical trial processes, patient care, biomaterial handling and health and safety practices
• prior experience in research studies, which will be considered an asset
• prior experience in operating basic medical equipment such as infusion pumps and ECG machines
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, in English and Urdu
• strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks across several studies simultaneously
• maturity and the ability to work independently, with versatility to support clinical care, patient services, laboratory and biospecimen processing and data management activities
• the ability to maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with unit policies
• strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.