Research Coordinator

Aga Khan University chartered in 1983 as Pakistan's first private international university, is committed to the provision of education, research, and health care of international standards relevant to Pakistan and the region. The affiliated Aga Khan University Hospital provides state-of-the-art clinical facilities and well-equipped diagnostic services. The University currently has teaching sites in Pakistan, East Africa, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan, and is a major component of Aga Khan Development Network.

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.

The Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS) is the leading unit of its type in Pakistan, recognized regionally and internationally for the relevance, quality, and extent of its work in support of public health and the development of primary health care systems. It comprises of five major operational sections: Epidemiology & biostatistics, Health policy & management, Population & reproductive health, Environmental health & climate change, and non-communicable diseases & mental health.

This is a grant funded contractual position.

• operate the XRF analyzer to test product samples for lead and other heavy metals, following standard operating procedures
• receive, log and verify samples from the field team against each day's records on intake
• accurately record XRF test results against each sample's unique QR code and SurveyCTO record
• maintain the sample storage and chain-of-custody system, ensuring samples are correctly labeled, bagged and stored
• compile, clean and maintain the master dataset of test results, cross-checking it against field collection data
• conduct basic analysis of recorded data (e.g., summary statistics, flagging samples exceeding lead thresholds) for review by the research team
• identify and batch samples requiring external GFAAS/ICP-MS analysis, and prepare them for dispatch with accurate documentation
• monitor XRF testing throughput against the daily purchasing cadence and flag any backlog to the research team
• coordinate daily with the field team on sample intake schedule and category completion status
• maintain calibration logs and basic maintenance records for the XRF unit, reporting technical issues promptly
• prepare periodic (e.g., weekly/monthly) progress summaries for the PIs on testing status, results, and data quality issues
• participate in training sessions (e.g., XRF operation, SurveyCTO updates) and cascade relevant SOPs to field and testing staff
• support inventory checks and replenishment of testing and storage supplies (QR stickers, zip-lock bags, storage boxes)
• assist in preparing analysis summaries for internal review meetings or funder/PI reporting

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• at least two years of proven experience in research coordination, field-based testing, or environmental/occupational health research, preferably including instrument-based sample analysis (e.g., XRF, spirometry) and systematic sample/record management.
• working knowledge of XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis, or demonstrated ability to be trained and operate laboratory testing instruments accurately
• strong record-keeping and chain-of-custody skills including accurately logging, labeling and storing physical samples against their test results
• ability to clean, cross-check and analyze quantitative test data, and flag discrepancies or anomalies for the research team
• proficiency in Excel and Survey CTO (or similar data management software) for data entry, cleaning and reporting; good command of English for documentation
• strong coordination and communication skills to liaise closely with the field team, data manager, and principal investigators
• attention to detail, and ability to help maintain and troubleshoot basic laboratory equipment (e.g., XRF unit calibration and maintenance logs)

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.