Research Specialist, Paediatrics & Child Health - MC at Aga Khan University Hospital

• 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

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.

Disclaimer:

The Aga Khan University is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment which is free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at AKU are based on business needs, job requirements and individual’s qualifications and experience, without regard to race, colour, caste or creed, national, social or ethnic origin, gender (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification). AKU does not discriminate among the job candidates on account of any of these characteristics.