Research Specialist, Centre of Oncological Research in Surgery (COORS)

Research Specialist, Centre of Oncological Research in Surgery (COORS)

Entity: The Aga Khan University Medical College

Location: Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction:

The 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 has well-equipped investigative services and provides state-of-the-art clinical facilities.

Centre of Oncological Research in Surgery (COORS) intends to build a culture of innovation and collaboration that will drive research breakthroughs and be capable of changing approaches to cancer prevention, screening, and treatment; in the process, it will improve the lives of cancer survivors. The main core focus areas of COORS are: advancing basic science research in cancer; organizing and conducting epidemiological and population-based research; and initiating clinical trials in surgical oncology and related areas.

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopting appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between the 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.

COORS is inviting applications for the position of Research Specialist from outstanding and ambitious candidates.

Responsibilities:

The Research Specialist will contribute to the planning, coordination, and execution of research activities within COORS. The position is responsible for ensuring high-quality research and analysis, application of artificial intelligence and data science, management of research grants and ethics submissions, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. The role also emphasizes capacity building through training and mentoring of junior researchers and supporting multi-institutional and international collaborations, Candidate will be responsible to:

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  Conduct and oversee AI-driven analyses of neuroscience data, including brain imaging, neuro-oncology, or genetic data.
• Facilitate collection, processing, and analysis of imaging and clinical data.
• Manage project-related data systems, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance.
• Support preparation of ethics submissions, grant applications, and project reporting.
• Collaborate with local and international partners to strengthen research capacity and ensure harmonization of methods.
• Contribute to drafting manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations for dissemination of research outcomes.
• Any other task that is assigned by the PI of the Study.
• Provide support in grant proposal writing and research funding applications.
• Represent the department in scientific forums, conferences, and collaborative meetings.
• Support strategic initiatives aimed at translational research, commercialization, and institutional development.

Requirements:

Applicants must have:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related biomedical engineering.
• At least 2 years of academic or applied research experience in artificial intelligence, neuroscience, or related fields.
• Demonstrated involvement in developing and implementing AI models, algorithms, and data-driven solutions in the context of neuroscience or brain research.
• Experience with managing research workflows, AI model development, and project operations.
• Familiarity with ethics review processes (e.g., ERC, NBC) and compliance frameworks relevant to neuroscience and AI research.
• Contributions to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, or conference presentations in the AI or neuroscience domains will be considered an asset.
• Strong proficiency in AI and machine learning techniques, particularly in areas like deep learning, neural networks, and computational neuroscience.
• Experience with data management and analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Expertise in handling large-scale neuroimaging datasets understanding of MRI.
• Strong skills in data management and familiarity with tools for clinical or research data collection.
• Ability to coordinate research projects, manage deadlines, and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the capacity to work in multidisciplinary teams that include clinicians, molecular biologists, and engineers.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy, ethical standards, and compliance with research protocols.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.