Research Associate, Medicine

Research Associate, Medicine

Entity: Aga Khan University

Location: Karachi

Introduction to the Aga Khan University:

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries distributed across three continents. As an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out research pertinent to the countries in which it exists and has campuses, programs and/or teaching hospitals in Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the UK. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access; and AKU is a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change.

This a grant-funded contractual position.

Job Roles / Responsibilities:

The candidate will be responsible to supervise and ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day activities of research and organize data gathered by the data collectors and maintain records of research conducted in the field and on the application.

• Ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of sample recruitment and data collection activities including identifying and recruitment of participants.
• Coordinate with the study team for the completion of tasks within the stipulated timelines.
• Participate in quantitative data collection as interviewer.
• Assist PI in piloting, testing, and refining the research tool.
• Maintain quality control, conduct data management and data analysis as per study objectives.
• Monitor and collaborate research activities at all field sites.
• Track participants enrollment status and ensure informed consent processes are followed.
• Maintain data quality control, conduct data management and data analysis as per study objectives. Handle missing data by contacting participants as outlined in the protocol. Verify the quality of quantitative data collected on weekly basis.
• Participate in training sessions on the study procedures. Adhere to standard operating procedures to maintain data quality.
• Communicate between the research team and other stakeholders for data collection.
• Organizing logistics for interviews, including room bookings and remote interview setups (e.g. Zoom, WhatsApp)
• Provide assistance and guidance to participants throughout the data collection process. Address participant queries and provide necessary support to ensure their continued participation.
• Assist in summarizing protocols and studies, writing scientific articles, and preparing reports, manuscripts & abstracts for publication/presentation as required.
• Manage, compile & analyze of research data.
• Maintain detailed consent records and other essential documentation. Prepare regular progress reports on data collection and participant recruitment. Ensure all documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with study protocols.
• Assist in smooth implementation of the project.
• Any other task assigned by the department.

Requirements:

• BSCN/BDS/MBBS or Masters in any discipline
• At least two years of relevant research experience preferably in community settings/ or research facilities
• Experience in research studies (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies)
• Management and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of MS Office, statistical analysis (SPSS), reference management (EndNote), literature research (PubMed, internet) and mobile applications.
• Good interpersonal skills and communication skills, including spoken and written Urdu in field.
• Experience in conducting and analyzing of qualitative research studies.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.