Research Specialist, Community Health Sciences

Research Specialist Community Health Sciences

Entity: Medical College                

Location: Karachi                     

Introduction:     

The Aga Khan University is a private, international university committed to international standards of excellence in teaching, research and service. Its teaching hospital, the Aga Khan University Hospital has been accredited by the prestigious Joint Commission International for achieving the highest international healthcare standards.

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 a grant funded contractual position.
     

Responsibilities           

You will be responsible for:

• Lead and oversee quantitative and qualitative data collection; 
• develop tools, protocols, and SOPs; 
• supervise field teams; 
• ensure ethical compliance and data quality;
• engage communities, local leaders, and frontline workers, facilitate FGDs, IDIs, and consultations;
• liaise with government departments and partners;
• align research with government priorities;
• design and facilitate workshops, consultations, and co-creation sessions;
• contribute to policy dialogues;
• support data analysis; prepare reports, presentations, and policy briefs; contribute to publications;
   

Requirements             

You should have:

• Master’s degree in public health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field;
• minimum 3–5 years of experience in field-based research and implementation;
• demonstrated experience working with government stakeholders at district, provincial, or national levels;
• experience in community engagement and participatory research approaches;
• proven experience in facilitating workshops and stakeholder consultations;
• experience in policy engagement and translating research into actionable insights is highly desirable;
• strong field coordination and team management skills;
• excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities;
• ability to work across community, implementation, and policy interfaces;
• strong organizational and problem-solving skills;
• knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods;
• ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities effectively.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.