Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

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. Our Vision of Aga Khan University Ho...

Responsibilities or duties

The incumbent will perform all tasks related to next generation sequencing including but not limited to:

• DNA and RNA isolation from blood samples, human tissues and other biological specimen
• Quantification and quality control of DNA and RNA using nanodrop and Qubit
• Library preparation of nucleic acid including fragmentation, adaptor ligation, amplification and sequencing on Illumina NGS platform
• Secure and transfer data for primary, secondary and tertiary analysis

In addition, the incumbent will also be responsible for accurate logging, labelling using barcodes, documentation and proper storage of samples in appropriate temperature-controlled freezers.

The incumbent will be responsible for storage, maintenance and logging of reagents and consumables and maintain the inventory regularly. Finally, the incumbent will also train students, newly inducted staff members and faculty as needed.

Responsibilities

Sample Processing & Preparation

• Accurate logging, labelling using barcodes, documentation and proper storage of samples in appropriate temperature-controlled freezers
• DNA and RNA isolation from blood samples, human tissues and other biological specimens.
• Quantification and quality control of DNA and RNA using nanodrop and Qubit

Library Preparation & Sequencing

• Library preparation of nucleic acid including fragmentation, adaptor ligation, amplification and sequencing on Illumina NGS platform.
• Monitor sequencing runs and troubleshoot

Quality Control & Assurance

• Secure and transfer data for primary, secondary and tertiary analysis
• Secure and transfer data for primary, secondary and tertiary analysis
• Assist faculty in research - Conduct experiments, analyse data and interpret results
• Assist in write-up, manuscripts, research reports, presentations, research grant applications and abstracts for publication and grant funding
• Responsible for assisting in preparing and assembling all standard operating procedures (SOPs) for NGS Core Facility
• Maintain and enhance bioinformatics pipelines and databases used in variant analysis.
• Implement best practices for data management, version control, and documentation.
• Evaluate new bioinformatics tools and methods to improve analysis accuracy and efficiency.

Laboratory Operations

• Raise PR and MSR for research supplies and consumables, liaise with purchase and AKU Warehouse departments to ensure timely delivery of the requested items and keep track records.
• Lodge complaints about breakdown of capital equipment used for lab research and follow-up with relevant department
• Engage in professional development activities such as lab training and attend departmental research and academic forums to keep abreast of current trends and practices
• Support development of central stock inventory and establishment of central store with the In Charge of this activity including ordering and follow-up

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

BSc or MSc in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry or relevant field.

Experience needed

At least 3 years of work experience working in a genomic lab or similar field

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

• Familiar with various molecular techniques such as next-generation sequencing and impeccable attention to detail.
• Working knowledge in basic sciences with skills in laboratory techniques
• Able to work accurately and efficiently, be detail oriented, and work both independently and within a group
• Ability to multitask several projects and work in fast paced environment
• Proven ability to work well with certain degree of autonomy and function successfully in a team environment
• Strong commitment to superior quality professional service
• Good verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Self-motivated and professional

• Accurate logging, labelling using barcodes, documentation and proper storage of samples in appropriate temperature-controlled freezers
• DNA and RNA isolation from blood samples, human tissues and other biological specimens.
• Quantification and quality control of DNA and RNA using nanodrop and Qubit
• Library preparation of nucleic acid including fragmentation, adaptor ligation, amplification and sequencing on Illumina NGS platform.
• Monitor sequencing runs and troubleshoot
• Secure and transfer data for primary, secondary and tertiary analysis
• Assist faculty in research - Conduct experiments, analyse data and interpret results
• Assist in write-up, manuscripts, research reports, presentations, research grant applications and abstracts for publication and grant funding
• Responsible for assisting in preparing and assembling all standard operating procedures (SOPs) for NGS Core Facility
• Maintain and enhance bioinformatics pipelines and databases used in variant analysis.
• Implement best practices for data management, version control, and documentation.
• Evaluate new bioinformatics tools and methods to improve analysis accuracy and efficiency.
• Raise PR and MSR for research supplies and consumables, liaise with purchase and AKU Warehouse departments to ensure timely delivery of the requested items and keep track records.
• Lodge complaints about breakdown of capital equipment used for lab research and follow-up with relevant department
• Engage in professional development activities such as lab training and attend departmental research and academic forums to keep abreast of current trends and practices
• Support development of central stock inventory and establishment of central store with the In Charge of this activity including ordering and follow-up

• Familiar with various molecular techniques such as next-generation sequencing
• Impeccable attention to detail
• Working knowledge in basic sciences with skills in laboratory techniques
• Able to work accurately and efficiently
• Detail oriented
• Ability to work independently and within a group
• Ability to multitask several projects
• Ability to work in fast paced environment
• Proven ability to work well with certain degree of autonomy
• Function successfully in a team environment
• Strong commitment to superior quality professional service
• Good verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Self-motivated
• Professional

• BSc or MSc in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry or relevant field.