Research Associate, Community Health Sciences

Introduction

Aga Khan University's (AKU) Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS) is a preeminent public health institution in the country. The vision of the Chancellor set the direction for the University to take a lead in community development and the creation of an innovative curriculum that emphasizes a balance between patient care and population health. Over the past several decades, CHS has played a major role in leading the development of national level primary health care, public health practice, health systems through evidence-based approach. CHS has established successful models in urban and rural settings in Pakistan emphasizing empowerment - building on the strengths of communities. As part of an international university, CHS collaborates in a global network of outstanding research and teaching institutions including AKU affiliates in East Africa and Central Asia.

CHS has five major sections – Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Health Policy & Management, Population & Reproductive Health, Environmental-Occupational and Climate Change (EOHCC), and Non-Communicable Diseases & Mental Health.

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

Job Roles / Responsibilities:

You will be responsible to:

• support planning and implementation of the PURE final follow-up in line with approved protocols and timelines
• assist investigators in day to day coordination of study activities
• coordinate with field supervisors and data collectors to support participant follow-up and household visits.
• Monitor field activities to ensure smooth execution and timely completion at study sites in Karachi and the Gadap


• support organization, compilation, and preliminary review of quantitative study data.
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of collected forms and datasets
• ensure informed consefl.t procedures are implemented correctly.
• Maintain compliance with approved protocols, ethical guidelines, and institutional policies
• assist in the preparation of progress reports, summaries, and documentation for investigators and funding agencies
• assist with scheduling meetings, tracking deliverables, and maintaining project timelines
• ensure adherence to research protocols, ethical guidelines, and institutional policies, including plagiarism checks using Turnitin
• assist in budget monitoring, procurement processes, and financial reporting related to project activities
• provide overall administrative and operational support to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.

Requirements:

You should have:

• MBBS with one year house job
• 1-2 years of relevant experience in research coordination, field-based studies, or project administration, preferably in community or health
  research settings.


• experience working with large-scale surveys, cohort studies, or longitudinal data collection will be an advantage.
• prior experience working with research teams and field staff is preferred


• strong interpersonal and communication skills
• proficiency in computer applications, particularly MS Word and MS Excel
• ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks. and meet deadlines.
• familiarity with research ethics, informed consent procedures. and confidentiality.
• ability to work under pressure and adapt to field-based challenges.
• willingness to travel to community and field sites as required.
• good English writing skills, including preparation of reports and meeting minutes

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.