Research Associate, Department of Medicine

The Aga Khan University’s Department of Medicine, located in Karachi, is seeking a Research Associate to join the Section of Dermatology. The department is composed of multiple specialized sections and boasts over 70 full-time faculty members dedicated to education and research. The university offers various residency and fellowship programs, emphasizing a strong research culture. As an equal opportunity employer, AKU fosters a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting respectful relationships among its workforce and stakeholders. The Research Associate will play a vital role in supporting research activities, data management, and administrative tasks within the department.

Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct research meetings and maintain updated research information for faculty members.
- Support data collection and upkeep of the Infectious Diseases outpatient database.
- Contribute to the development of sectional research guidelines and assist in research projects from protocol development through manuscript submission.
- Provide day-to-day support for research and administrative activities related to the Dermatology Research Centre (DRC), Grants Division, and Statistics & Methodology Clinic.
- Maintain repositories of research publications, protocols, monitoring reports, and Ethics Review Committee (ERC) documentation.
- Assist faculty and residents in preparing and submitting manuscripts and synopses.
- Manage departmental research databases and compile research-related information.
- Offer technical support for research tools and software such as EndNote, SPSS, plagiarism detection software, MS Office, and online research journals.
- Facilitate submission of research articles and case studies to online journals.
- Coordinate logistics for DRC meetings and prepare minutes when required.
- Support research grant and ERC submissions through PeopleSoft, under guidance from the DRC or Principal Investigator.
- Assist in designing and maintaining databases using REDCap, SPSS, and EpiData.
- Liaise with the IT department for hardware, software, email, and system-related needs.
- Provide administrative support for DRC workshops, courses, Annual Research Day, and training activities.
- Assist in preparing research and grant-related reports.
- Support activities related to JCIA reaccreditation audits.
- Perform other research and departmental duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
- MBBS or MSc in a Science discipline, preferably Epidemiology or Biostatistics, from a recognized local or international university.
- 1 to 2 years of relevant research experience, including literature review, data collection, data management, and manuscript writing.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with faculty, researchers, residents, and support teams.
- Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with research-related software such as SPSS, EndNote, REDCap, and EpiData is preferred.
- Candidates will undergo comprehensive employment reference checks.

The position offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to ongoing research initiatives within a prestigious academic medical center. The role demands a proactive individual with strong organizational skills and a commitment to advancing medical research through meticulous data management and collaboration.