Job Summary

This is a leadership role under the Aga Khan University Cancer Center (CC) to support strategic coordination/planning for the various Cancer Center programs, with primary focus on the Experimental Therapeutics program. The office holder shall also provide executive support to the CC Director, and will be the external-facing presentative of the Clinical Research Unit (CRU) and the Experimental Therapeutics program, who will coordinate all activities involving external partners of the CC (pharmaceutical sponsors, academic partners, research organizations etc.)..

Responsibilities

Outreach (research and oncology)

• Foster and champion external engagement and networking, serving as a key point of contact for the Cancer Center and its networks (research institutions, societies, Contract Research Organizations (CRO), Pharma organizations, Academic institutions, etc.);
• Strategize planned visits to establish site partnerships and follow-up to build network and maximize site performance;
• Lead pro-active stakeholder engagement activities and partnerships to maintain alignment with the wider organization; and
• Manage external communication to mainstream media, internal media communications. Responsible for AKU Cancer Center website content development and management.

Research 

• Lead and manage the feasibility process of proposed research studies, utilizing various internal and external data;
• Support study planning and ensure accurate recruitment forecasting to maximize efficient and timely delivery of the CRU’s clinical trials; and
• Collaborate with CRU operations, regulatory and clinical teams to support efficient start up procedures and site activation.

Cancer Center 

• Work closely with the Cancer Center Director to support on content development of manuscripts and publications;
• Lead and manage Cancer Center Grants with the AKU Finance and Research Grants office. Collaborate with lead investigators and institutions throughout the application process through submission and (as applicable) implementation; and
• Provide contractual support on all Cancer Center contracts and agreements with the AKU Legal office, as per regulatory obligations and institutional policies and procedures: preparation, negotiation, and finalization (e.g., Clinical Site Agreements, Master Services Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Materials Transfer Agreements, Memorandums of Understanding, etc.).

Administrative 

• Working closely with the Cancer Center Director, manage engagement with key cancer Center committees (External Advisory Board, East Africa Regional Oncology Program, Scientific Review Committee, Cancer Center Committee, etc.); and
• Work with CRU leadership, Department of Haematology-Oncology, and Cancer Center programs, as guided by the Chair/Director.

Requirements

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or health-related field with experience in the area of clinical trials, drug development, pharmaceuticals, and/or oncology. Master’s Degree is a plus;
• Preferred: At least three (3) years of experience in clinical research setting (academic institution, pharmaceutical industry, Contract Research Organization (CRO), or other clinical research environment);
• Strong knowledge of ICH/GCP guidelines, clinical drug development processes, clinical study design, and study planning and management;
• Proven project management skills;
• Proficient computer skills including use of webinars/virtual meeting platforms and Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word;
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, and administrative skills (including report writing);
• Demonstrable leadership skills, self-motivation, and strategic and critical thinking;
• Strong presentation, analytical, problem-solving, decision making and conflict resolution skills; and
• Ability to manage and follow-up on multiple tasks and meet deadlines independently.