Research Coordinator (IRP project), Paediatrics & Child Health -MC

The Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Aga Khan University is inviting applications for the position of Research Coordinator for the IRP project within its Outreach and Research Programme. This role focuses on managing community-based research initiatives aimed at enhancing women and child health across various field sites in Pakistan, including Karachi. The department is supported by specialized Nutritional and Infectious Disease Research Laboratories that contribute to nationally and internationally recognized studies. The Research Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and monitoring of research protocols, ensuring accurate data collection, and maintaining effective communication with stakeholders to support impactful health research outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and monitor all research activities, ensuring precise data collection and proper record maintenance.
- Develop, update, and enforce adherence to trial documents, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and study protocols.
- Oversee and evaluate field data collection to ensure compliance with study guidelines.
- Coordinate with project supervisors to review progress and operational activities in the field.
- Provide training to research staff on study-specific protocols and guidelines.
- Manage daily research operations to facilitate smooth project execution.
- Ensure proper filing, documentation, completeness, and archiving of case report forms (CRFs) and other auditable materials.
- Engage actively with trial staff, study participants, and field teams as required.
- Monitor specimen processing, instrument maintenance, and quality assurance/control procedures, including liaison with external laboratories.
- Maintain accurate logs and tracking of samples collected from field sites.
- Prepare specifications and justifications for procurement of laboratory consumables and reagents.
- Oversee the shipping of samples for external testing in compliance with granting agency requirements.
- Develop, optimize, and implement laboratory protocols in line with donor and granting agency standards.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree is mandatory; a Master’s degree in Social Sciences is preferred, while a Master’s degree in Biosciences or an equivalent field is desirable.
- One to two years of relevant experience is required; candidates with four to five years of experience, particularly involving study protocols and laboratory management, will be given preference.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and manage teams effectively in challenging field environments.
- Proficient writing skills and the ability to analyze and interpret data, including biostatistical components.
- Basic understanding of research designs, including randomized controlled trials, and familiarity with research methods and practices.
- Demonstrated skills in mixed methods research and the ability to work efficiently in field-based settings.
- Computer literacy with strong analytical and research capabilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Commitment to integrity and adherence to ethical research standards.

Additional Information
This is a contractual position with a fixed term. Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted during the hiring process. Aga Khan University is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based solely on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, caste, creed, national or ethnic origin, or gender, except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification.

Location: Pakistan
Organization: Aga Khan University Pakistan
Employment Type: Contractual, Experienced Level
Job Posting Date: April 6, 2026
Application Closing Date: April 13, 2026