Introduction:
The Outreach and Research Programme of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health has ten community-based field sites across Pakistan including four in Karachi and focuses on research for betterment of women and child health. The Department has a Nutritional Research Laboratory as well as an Infectious Disease Research Laboratory that cater to the needs of its research projects. It has well-acclaimed work to its credit both at the national and international level.
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 or trainees and partners to share this commitment.
Responsibilities:
You will be responsible to supervise and monitor the research activities including data collection as well as maintain necessary records, create and sustain liaison with the relevant stakeholders for the smooth implementation of all necessary activities of the project. Specific responsibilities include to:
-
developing and updating trial documents and SOPs, ensuring implementation of study protocols
-
monitoring and evaluating data collection processes in the field to ensure accuracy and compliance with study guidelines
-
coordinating with project supervisors to review field-related activities and operational progress
-
providing training to staff based on study-specific protocols and guidelines
-
overseeing daily research operations to ensure smooth implementation of project activities
-
ensuring proper filing, documentation, completeness, and archiving of CRFs and other auditable materials
-
engaging with trial staff, study participants, and field teams as required
-
monitoring specimen processing, instrument maintenance, and quality assurance or quality control procedures including coordination with external laboratories
-
logging and tracking samples received from field sites and maintaining all required information
-
preparing specifications, justifications, and assisting in procurement of laboratory consumables and reagents
-
overseeing shipping of samples for external testing in accordance with granting agency requirements
-
developing, optimizing, and implementing laboratory protocols aligned with donor and granting agency specifications
-
performing any other task assigned by the supervisor.
Requirements:
You should have:
-
at least a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree in Social Sciences is preferred; a Master’s degree in Biosciences or equivalent is desirable
-
one to two years of relevant experience, with preference for candidates having four to five years including work with study protocols and laboratory handling
-
strong communication and interpersonal skills
-
team player with strong people management skills suited for challenging field environments
-
strong writing skills with ability to analyse and interpret data including biostatistical components
-
basic knowledge of research designs including randomized controlled trials and understanding of research practices and methods
-
proven mixed methods research skills and ability to work effectively in field-based environments
-
computer literacy with strong analytical and research skills
-
excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
-
integrity and strong research ethics.
This is a close-ended contractual 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.
