Research Specialist (RSV project), Paediatrics & Child Health - MC

Aga Khan University, established in 1983 as Pakistan's first private international university, is dedicated to delivering education, research, and healthcare services that meet international standards and address the needs of Pakistan and the surrounding region. The University is affiliated with the Aga Khan University Hospital, which offers advanced clinical and diagnostic facilities. With teaching sites across Pakistan, East Africa, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan, AKU is a key institution within the Aga Khan Development Network. The Department of Paediatrics and Child Health’s Outreach and Research Programme operates ten community-based field sites nationwide, focusing on improving women and child health through impactful research. The department also houses specialized Nutritional and Infectious Disease Research Laboratories, recognized both nationally and internationally for their contributions.

Key Responsibilities

The Research Specialist will be responsible for overseeing all research project activities to ensure adherence to study protocols, quality assurance, and effective data management. This role involves coordinating with research staff, community members, collaborators, and other stakeholders to maintain smooth project implementation.

- Supervise and coordinate all project-related activities to ensure compliance with study protocols.
- Ensure accurate identification and registration of participants according to study guidelines.
- Monitor and supervise timely follow-up visits for study participants.
- Identify and report any protocol deviations promptly.
- Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and manuals of operations for study activities.
- Provide training to study staff based on study protocols and regulatory guidelines.
- Ensure thorough documentation, filing, and archiving of study data.
- Develop and implement quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) plans, including proper documentation and reporting.
- Prepare and compile regular study progress reports.
- Collaborate with the Data Manager to generate monthly project reports.
- Present study findings as required to internal and external audiences.
- Develop high-quality research proposals to secure funding from agencies.
- Conduct research activities and contribute actively to scientific publications.

Required Qualifications

Candidates should hold an MBBS degree or a Master’s degree in Epidemiology and Statistics, Public Health (MPH), Health Policy and Management, or an equivalent qualification. A minimum of three to four years of experience managing research studies is essential, including supervising data collection, performing data analyses, and drafting scientific manuscripts. Proven expertise in training teams according to study protocols is required. Candidates must demonstrate strong organizational skills, self-motivation, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English, both written and verbal, are necessary. Proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel, along with academic writing skills, is expected. Experience with data analysis software like SPSS, STATA, or R is also required. Candidates should be willing to travel frequently to various locations for quality assurance and staff training purposes. Integrity and adherence to strong research ethics are fundamental.

Preferred Qualifications and Additional Information

Additional certification and knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) are preferred. The position is closed-ended and subject to comprehensive employment reference checks. Aga Khan University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, caste, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender (except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies), or other protected characteristics.