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

Aga Khan University (AKU), established in 1983 as Pakistan’s first private international university, is dedicated to delivering education, research, and healthcare services of international standards relevant to Pakistan and the surrounding region. The University is affiliated with the Aga Khan University Hospital, which offers advanced clinical and diagnostic facilities. AKU operates teaching sites in Pakistan, East Africa, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan, and is a key part of the Aga Khan Development Network. The Department of Paediatrics and Child Health’s Outreach and Research Programme manages ten community-based field sites across Pakistan, including four in Karachi, focusing on improving women and child health through research. The department also houses specialized Nutritional and Infectious Disease Research Laboratories, contributing to nationally and internationally recognized work.

Key Responsibilities:
The Research Specialist will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of research project activities, ensuring strict adherence to study protocols, quality assurance, data management, and effective reporting. This role requires close collaboration with research staff, community members, collaborators, and other stakeholders. Specific duties include supervising and coordinating project activities, ensuring accurate identification and registration of participants, and monitoring timely follow-up visits. The specialist will also track and report any protocol deviations, develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and manuals for study activities, and provide training to study staff in line with protocol requirements. Maintaining completeness and proper archiving of study data is essential, along with developing and implementing quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) plans. The role involves preparing and compiling study progress reports, working with the Data Manager to produce monthly project reports, and presenting study findings as needed. Additionally, the Research Specialist will be expected to develop high-quality research proposals for funding agencies, conduct research, and contribute actively to scientific publications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should hold an MBBS, MSc in Epidemiology and Statistics, MPH, Master’s in Health Policy and Management, or an equivalent qualification. A minimum of 3 to 4 years’ experience in managing research studies is required, including supervising data collection, conducting data analyses, and drafting manuscripts. Expertise in training teams according to study protocols is essential. The candidate must demonstrate a highly organized and self-motivated work approach, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Integrity and strong adherence to research ethics are critical. Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is required, along with strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel. Candidates should also possess excellent academic writing skills and be proficient in data analysis software such as SPSS, STATA, or R. Willingness to travel frequently to various locations for quality assurance and staff training is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits:
Additional certification and knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) are preferred. The position offers the opportunity to work within a highly reputable institution committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted. This is a fixed-term position. Aga Khan University is dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, ensuring all 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. AKU maintains a strict non-discrimination policy in all hiring practices.