Research Specialist, 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 development of study protocols, tools, and SOPs
• ensure implementation of research activities as per protocol
• develop and track project workplans and timelines Coordinate daily project operations across sites
• supervise and support field teams and data collectors
• oversee data collection, validation, and cleaning
• ensure completeness and accuracy of datasets
• manage ethical approvals (ER/IRB submissions, renewals, amendments)
• prepare technical and progress reports
• contribute to manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations

Requirements

You Must have:

• Master’s degree in public health, Epidemiology, Life Sciences, or related field
• 3–6 years of experience in research implementation and project management
• Proven experience in field-based research and technical coordination
• Experience in handling multi-site or donor-funded projects preferred
• Strong understanding of research methodologies and study designs
• Data management and analytical skills (SPSS, STATA, or similar preferred)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.