Aga Khan University Hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan and Nairobi, Kenya are private, not-for-profit institutions providing high quality health care. The Main Hospitals serve as the principal sites for clinical training for the University's Medical Colleges and Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in Pakistan and East Africa. 

Responsibilities or duties

Doctoral research design

Develop a biomarker-focused PhD protocol aligned with LOSHAK priorities; define analyte panels and analytical strategy; secure ethics and regulatory approvals.

Laboratory & biospecimen workflows

Design and implement biospecimen handling, storage, and assay pipelines for AD/ADRDs and CVD biomarkers; contribute to SOPs development and Quality Assurance (QA)

Data integration & analysis

Link biomarker data with cognitive, clinical, and longitudinal survey data; apply appropriate statistical and epidemiological methods.

Scholarly outputs

Produce thesis chapters; prepare manuscripts; disseminate findings to scientific and clinical audiences.

Platform & team engagement

Contribute to LOSHAK laboratory and biobank development; engage with multidisciplinary teams (epidemiology, neurology, cardiology, data science)

Professional development

Build expertise in biomarker science, neurocardiovascular ageing, and longitudinal analysis; complete relevant training

Qualifications or requirements 

• Registered in a PhD Programme in Laboratory Medicine, Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, Epidemiology, or related field.
• Completed or nearing completion of PhD coursework and ready for the research phase.
• Strong grounding in laboratory methods and quantitative analysis (STATA, R, Python).
• Demonstrated interest in ageing, dementia, cardiovascular disease, or biomarker science.
• Ability to work independently and manage a multi-year research project.
• Excellent academic writing and communication skills.

Experience needed

• Experience with biomarker assays (e.g., immunoassays, proteomics, metabolomics).
• Familiarity with biobanking or biospecimen management.
• Exposure to population-based or clinical research.
• Interest in translational and policy-relevant ageing research in LMICs.

Personal Characteristics & Behaviours

• Demonstrates high scientific integrity and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication skills and collaboration.
• Culturally sensitive and adaptable in diverse environments.
• Commitment to learning and Professional Development.

• Develop a biomarker-focused PhD protocol aligned with LOSHAK priorities; define analyte panels and analytical strategy; secure ethics and regulatory approvals.
• Design and implement biospecimen handling, storage, and assay pipelines for AD/ADRDs and CVD biomarkers; contribute to SOPs development and Quality Assurance (QA)
• Link biomarker data with cognitive, clinical, and longitudinal survey data; apply appropriate statistical and epidemiological methods.
• Produce thesis chapters; prepare manuscripts; disseminate findings to scientific and clinical audiences.
• Contribute to LOSHAK laboratory and biobank development; engage with multidisciplinary teams (epidemiology, neurology, cardiology, data science)
• Build expertise in biomarker science, neurocardiovascular ageing, and longitudinal analysis; complete relevant training

• Strong grounding in laboratory methods and quantitative analysis (STATA, R, Python).
• Demonstrated interest in ageing, dementia, cardiovascular disease, or biomarker science.
• Ability to work independently and manage a multi-year research project.
• Excellent academic writing and communication skills.
• Experience with biomarker assays (e.g., immunoassays, proteomics, metabolomics).
• Familiarity with biobanking or biospecimen management.
• Exposure to population-based or clinical research.
• Interest in translational and policy-relevant ageing research in LMICs.
• High scientific integrity and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication skills and collaboration.
• Culturally sensitive and adaptable in diverse environments.
• Commitment to learning and Professional Development.

• Registered in a PhD Programme in Laboratory Medicine, Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, Epidemiology, or related field.
• Completed or nearing completion of PhD coursework and ready for the research phase.