Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT. The primary responsibility of this role is to deliver an industry innovation research project as part of a research team developing molecular and sequencing workflows for microbial characterization. The work supports the rapid detection of microbial bioburden in biopharmaceutical cleaning validation using a Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) biosensor platform. Responsibilities include next-generation sequencing (NGS), qPCR-based molecular assays for microbial quantification and aptamer validation, and experimental support for aptamer discovery targeting environmental microorganisms listed in the US Pharmacopeia. Key Responsibilities Technical Responsibilities Perform microbial community characterization using next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms such as Illumina sequencing or Oxford Nanopore sequencing.  Design and perform qPCR-based molecular assays for microbial quantification and aptamer validation. Prepare DNA sequencing libraries, including nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and library preparation.  Conduct basic bioinformatics processing of sequencing data, including sequence quality control and taxonomic profiling where required. Support aptamer discovery and validation experiments, including nucleic acid preparation, amplification, and molecular characterization. Perform routine molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, and nucleic acid quantification. Maintain accurate laboratory records and experimental documentation. Research & Project Responsibilities Plan and execute experimental workflows to support project milestones related to microbial detection and biosensor development. Contribute to sequencing-based microbial profiling of environmental and cleaning validation samples. Work collaboratively with project investigators and interdisciplinary teams to integrate sequencing and molecular biology results with biosensor development. Prepare technical reports and contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and project documentation. Support generation of experimental data required for project validation and milestone reporting. Operational Responsibilities Ensure laboratory compliance with Work Safety and Health (WSH) regulations and institutional safety guidelines. Manage procurement and inventory of molecular biology and sequencing consumables. Maintain laboratory equipment used for molecular biology and sequencing workflows. Mentorship Support training of junior researchers, research assistants, and students where required.  Contribute to knowledge sharing within the research group. To communicate in any relevant internal or external stakeholders to ensure project deliverables are met. Any ad-hoc duties assigned by Supervisor. Job Requirements Essential Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related field. Possessing a Master’s or PhD degree will be advantageous Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, such as Illumina or Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms including sequencing library preparation Demonstrated experience working with environmental or low-biomass microbial samples. Demonstrated experience with DNA extraction and PCR amplification Demonstrated experience performing qPCR assays for nucleic acid quantification and molecular analysis, including troubleshooting Demonstrated experience with aptamer technologies or nucleic acid-based molecular recognition systems. Strong laboratory skills in molecular biology techniques. Preferred  Familiarity with microbial community sequencing workflows such as 16S rRNA sequencing or metagenomic analysis. Demonstrated experience with bioinformatics tools for sequencing data processing (e.g., quality control, taxonomic classification, microbial community analysis).  Demonstrated experience working in interdisciplinary or industry-linked research projects. Key Competencies Strong experimental design and troubleshooting skills in molecular biology.  Ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments and manage datasets. Strong scientific communication skills, including technical reporting and presentations. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams. Good organizational and project management skills.

Ref.: 536535 Work type: Full-time Department: Department of Physics (25600) Categories: Professoriate Staff Applications are invited for appointment as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor in Condensed Matter Physics in the Department of Physics (Ref.: 536535), to commence as soon as possible on a three-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal and consideration for tenure before the expiry of a second three-year fixed-term contract. Exceptionally outstanding candidates at Professor/Associate Professor level may be considered for appointment on tenure terms, subject to approval. The Department of Physics has a large group of researchers working in physics and astronomy. The Condensed Matter Theory and Experiment groups have diverse research interests, including low dimensional quantum materials, correlated and topological matters, semiconductor optics, spin and valleytronics, as well as in interdisciplinary areas with cold atom physics, metamaterials and nano-photonics. Information about the Department and the Condensed Matter Physics groups can be obtained at https://www.physics.hku.hk/. Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in Physics or a closely related discipline, with a strong commitment to research and teaching. Applicants who conduct cutting-edge research that aligns with and adds complementary expertise to the current research of the Condensed Matter programs, are encouraged to apply. In addition to research, the successful candidate should also demonstrate strong abilities in undergraduate teaching and graduate research mentoring. The job duties include teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, securing research grants, supervising PhD students, and serving on various departmental or faculty committee. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave, professional leave and medical benefits. At current rates, salaries tax does not exceed 15% of gross income. The appointment will attract a contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totaling up to 15% of basic salary. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable. The University only accepts online application for the above posts. Applicants should apply online and upload a covering letter, an up-to-date C.V., a research statement, a teaching statement and contact information of at least three referees. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until September 30, 2026, or until the posts are filled, whichever is earlier. The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency

Ref.: 536286 Work type: Full-time Department: Department of Psychology (30200) Categories: Senior Research Staff & Post-doctoral Fellow We now invite applications for the captioned post. Research Officer/Assistant Research Officer in the Department of Psychology (Ref.: 536286) Duties and Responsibilities The appointee will be responsible for the research and implementation of a large-scale mental health and well-being project for primary schools in Hong Kong under the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences. Major tasks include: Devising and designing research studies and evaluation frameworks. Implementing research activities and programme evaluation. Collecting and analysing data. Preparing technical research reports. Coordinating a team of research staff and interns. Performing administrative tasks supporting the research-cum-intervention project. Any other duties as assigned.  Requirements The appointee should possess: A Ph.D. or MPhil degree in Psychology, Social Sciences, or a related discipline. A good command of written and spoken English and Chinese. Strong research skills in Psychology or Social Sciences. Proficiency in advanced statistical software (e.g., R, Stata, or Python), as well as MS Excel and Chinese typing. Experience in the implementation of community or educational research projects will be an advantage. Proven ability to supervise junior researchers and research assistants. Demonstrated leadership in managing and coordinating a research team to achieve project objectives. What We Offer The appointment will commence in September 2026, on a two-year fixed-term basis with contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 10% of basic salary for Assistant Research Officer and 15% for Research Officer, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. The appointment (at the rank of Research Officer or Assistant Research Officer) will be offered based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant. No How to Apply The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload an up-to-date C.V. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until 30 June, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.