Research Coordinator at Aga Khan University Hospital

Research Coordinator, Department of Community Health Sciences

Entity
Medical College

Location
Karachi, Pakistan

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.

This is a grant funded contractual position.

Responsibilities
You will be responsible to:

• coordinate overall study implementation, timelines, and field logistics
• liaise with the Principal Investigator, community liaison personnel, and external partners
• develop and pretest qualitative interview guides and research tools
• independently conduct focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews, and co-design workshops
• conduct transcription and translation of audio recordings and verify transcripts for accuracy
• review field notes, consent forms, transcripts, and related documentation
• ensure implementation of project activities in accordance with approved research protocols
• provide administrative and operational support related to research activities
• ensure compliance with research ethics, confidentiality, and institutional policies
• monitor ethical conduct, participant safety, and confidentiality during fieldwork
• train and supervise research assistants on qualitative methods and data collection procedures
• coordinate with stakeholders to facilitate project implementation and reporting
• perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor

Requirements
You should have:

• a Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Health Policy & Management, or a related field
• minimum 1 year of relevant experience in research project support or coordination
• experience in qualitative research including interviews, FGDs, and community engagement (preferred)
• experience in transcription, translation, and qualitative data management (an advantage)
• familiarity with research ethics, informed consent, and qualitative data handling
• proficiency in MS Office applications
• knowledge of qualitative analysis software such as NVivo or Atlas.ti (an advantage)
• strong interpersonal, communication, and coordination skills
• ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
• strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• willingness to travel frequently to peri-urban areas of Karachi

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.