Senior Research Assistant, CHS at Aga Khan University Hospital
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:
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coordinate with community liaisons to identify and recruit eligible research participants.
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assist in organizing and conducting interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and participatory activities.
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document detailed notes from interviews, observations, and field visits.
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manage fieldwork processes to ensure efficient use of time and resources.facilitate meetings within the research team for coordination and updates.
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liaise with administrative teams to arrange logistics for fieldwork activities.
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ensure adherence to project SOPs and research guidelines during field implementation.
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coordinate with team members to plan and execute field-related activities.
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conduct literature reviews and organize relevant reference materials.
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assist in drafting and compiling documents for Ethics Review Committee (ERC) submissions.
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maintain accurate records and documentation of research activities
You must have:
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bachelor’s or master’s degree in public health, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
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at least 1 year of experience in the healthcare sector, community-based work, or research (preferred).
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experience in qualitative research activities such as interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and field observations is an advantage.
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fresh or less-experienced candidates with strong potential may also be considered.
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strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage respectfully in low-income community settings.
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good scientific writing and documentation skills.
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proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with cloud-based data storage systems.
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basic knowledge of transcription and translation (Urdu–English; Sindhi preferred).
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familiarity with qualitative research methodologies.
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strong organizational and time management skills.
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ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.
