Research Specialist, Paediatrics & Child Health - MC

• lead and coordinate all Phase 1 field and data collection activities for the SAHARA formative study across multiple peri‑urban sites
• identify, map, and maintain a comprehensive registry of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) using community networks and snowball sampling
• oversee and support the administration of structured surveys among TBAs, ensuring data completeness, accuracy, and protocol compliance
• train, supervise, and monitor community health workers and field staff involved in data collection
• conduct in‑depth interviews (IDIs) with TBAs and community stakeholders, ensuring ethical conduct and high‑quality data capture
• ensure verbatim transcription and translation of qualitative interviews and perform ongoing data quality checks
• manage data quality assurance and control systems, including SOPs, audit logs, and field monitoring tools
• perform and contribute to qualitative (Atlas.ti) and quantitative data analysis (Stata), integrating findings across methods
• prepare monthly progress reports, contribute to the final formative study report, and support dissemination activities
• collaborate with investigators on academic manuscripts, presentations, and future research or grant proposals
• identify and promptly escalate ethical, technical, or protocol concerns to the Principal Investigator
• coordinate field logistics, schedules, and resources to ensure timely and uninterrupted study implementation

• master’s degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Epidemiology, or a closely related field
• formal training or coursework in qualitative research methods, community health, or maternal/reproductive health is preferred
• minimum 3 years of hands‑on experience managing or coordinating community‑based or field research studies
• experience working in peri‑urban or underserved communities, preferably in Karachi or similar contexts
• demonstrated experience in conducting and/or moderating in‑depth interviews (IDIs) and qualitative data collection
• prior exposure to maternal, newborn, or reproductive health research is an advantage
• experience engaging Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), community health workers, or community mobilization initiatives is highly desirable

This is a close-ended position