Senior Research Assistant, Community Health Sciences
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Before you apply
LocationKarachi
Work modeon-site
Typecontract
SenioritySenior
Experience2+ yrs
DepartmentCommunity Health Sciences
Company size10,000+ people
First seenNov 3, 2026 · 1d ago
Verified live1d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Intermediate (Pre-Medical) with a recognised certificate/diploma in Phlebotomy or Medical Laboratory Technology
at least 2 years of experience in phlebotomy, including venous and capillary blood collection from infants and young children
proficiency in paediatric venepuncture and capillary (finger-prick/heel-prick) blood sampling techniques
knowledge of infection prevention and control, biosafety, sharps safety and biomedical waste management
knowledge of sample labelling, processing, cold-chain storage, transport and chain-of-custody documentation
familiarity with point-of-care testing devices and basic laboratory equipment
understanding of informed consent, confidentiality and Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
ability to record data on tablets using SurveyCTO or similar platforms, and basic computer skills
ability to communicate calmly and effectively with children and caregivers
fluency in Urdu and working knowledge of English
willingness to conduct household visits across Karachi and work flexible field hours
Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology/Sciences or Nursing, or registration as a Nurse/Lady Health Visitor
familiarity with contamination-free sampling for trace metals (lead)
certification in human subjects protection
female candidates are preferred, as the role involves household visits and close interaction with mothers and young children
Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted
Skills
SurveyCTO
point-of-care testing devices
laboratory equipment
Senior Research Assistant, Community Health Sciences
About the company
Entity: Medical College
Location: Karachi
Introduction
The Aga Khan University is a private, international university committed to international standards of excellence in teaching, research and service. Its teaching hospital, the Aga Khan University Hospital has been accredited by the prestigious Joint Commission International for achieving the highest international healthcare standards.
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.
This a grant funded contractual position.
Responsibilities
You will be responsible for:
•
Collect venous and/or capillary blood samples from enrolled children as per the study protocol and SOPs, after confirming informed consent;
•
verify participant identity and match each sample with the participant ID/QR code before collection;
•
follow contamination-control procedures for blood lead sampling, including thorough skin cleaning, use of certified lead-free collection materials and field blanks;
•
label, process and store samples at the required temperature, maintaining the cold chain during field visits;
•
transport samples to the designated laboratory and complete sample-tracking and chain-of-custody forms;
•
perform point-of-care blood lead testing, where applicable, and record results accurately;
•
record sampling details (date, time, site, volume, complications) on tablets using SurveyCTO and upload data daily;
•
adhere to infection prevention, biosafety and biomedical waste disposal guidelines;
•
manage and promptly report adverse events (e.g., haematoma, fainting) and protocol deviations to the supervisor;
•
coordinate with enumerators for scheduling household visits and sample collection;
•
maintain inventory of phlebotomy supplies and consumables, and inform the supervisor of stock requirements in time;
•
maintain participant confidentiality and courteous, child-friendly interaction with families;
•
submit daily sampling logs and reports to the supervisor;
•
participate in trainings, refresher sessions and pilot testing of sampling procedures;
•
check field equipment such as cool boxes, thermometers and point-of-care analysers, and arrange calibration/maintenance as required;
•
assist in quality control activities, including duplicate samples, field blanks and reconciliation of sample records with the laboratory;
•
support the communication of blood lead results and referral of children with elevated blood lead levels, as per protocol;
•
perform any other study-related task assigned by the supervisor or Project Lead.
Requirements
You should have:
•
Intermediate (Pre-Medical) with a recognised certificate/diploma in Phlebotomy or Medical Laboratory Technology /a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology/Sciences or Nursing, or registration as a Nurse/Lady Health Visitor, will be preferred;
•
at least 2 years of experience in phlebotomy, including venous and capillary blood collection from infants and young children, preferably in a hospital, laboratory or community-based research setting;
•
proficiency in paediatric venepuncture and capillary (finger-prick/heel-prick) blood sampling techniques;
•
knowledge of infection prevention and control, biosafety, sharps safety and biomedical waste management;
•
knowledge of sample labelling, processing, cold-chain storage, transport and chain-of-custody documentation; familiarity with contamination-free sampling for trace metals (lead) will be an added advantage;
•
familiarity with point-of-care testing devices and basic laboratory equipment;
•
understanding of informed consent, confidentiality and Good Clinical Practice (GCP); certification in human subjects protection will be preferred;
•
ability to record data on tablets using SurveyCTO or similar platforms, and basic computer skills;
•
ability to communicate calmly and effectively with children and caregivers; fluency in Urdu and working knowledge of English;
•
willingness to conduct household visits across Karachi and work flexible field hours;
•
female candidates are preferred, as the role involves household visits and close interaction with mothers and young children.
Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.