PhD Studentship - Laboratory Medicine, Biomarkers & Neurocardiovascular Ageing
Department: Population Health
Division: Medical College
Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.
The Department of Population Health (DPH) at AKU is implementing the Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK)—a large, multi-site, population-based cohort study funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Aging (NIA). LOSHAK forms part of a global network of ageing studies and is designed to generate high-quality longitudinal evidence to inform policy and practice in Kenya and internationally.
The Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK) is a flagship population-based cohort platform generating high-quality evidence on ageing, cognitive health, and cardiometabolic transitions in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts. LOSHAK integrates large-scale household surveys, cognitive assessments, biospecimen collection, and longitudinal follow-up, creating a unique infrastructure for biomarker-driven research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The PhD Studentship is for candidates already enrolled in a PhD Programme in Laboratory Medicine, Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, Epidemiology, or a closely related discipline, who are at or near completion of coursework and ready to enter the research phase of their doctorate.
This studentship is ideal for a highly motivated early-career researcher seeking to undertake a doctoral project focused on biomarkers of AD/ADRD and CVD in ageing populations in LMICs, using LOSHAK biospecimens and data as the primary research platform.
The PhD Student will design and implement an independent doctoral research project embedded within LOSHAK, contributing to:
·Establishment and validation of biomarker pipelines for ageing research in LMICs.
·Measurement and analysis of AD/ADRD-related biomarkers (e.g., neurodegeneration, inflammation, amyloid/tau proxies).
·Characterization of cardiovascular and metabolic biomarkers relevant to later-life disease.
·Integration of laboratory, cognitive, and epidemiological data.
·Development of scalable, context-appropriate biomarker strategies for African populations.
The role combines advanced laboratory science with population-based epidemiology and longitudinal analysis.
Key Responsibilities
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
Required Qualifications
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.
Relevant Experience
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.
