Research Associate, Department of Medicine
Entity: Aga Khan University
Location: Karachi
Introduction to the Aga Khan University:
Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries distributed across three continents. As an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out research pertinent to the countries in which it exists and has campuses, programs and/or teaching hospitals in Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the UK. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access; and AKU is a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change.
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:
The Research Associate will play a supportive role in the successful execution of the project, "Incorporating a Sex and Gender Lens into Medical Education in Pakistan." Working closely with the Research Specialist and faculty members, the RS will assist in collecting and organizing data, conducting literature reviews, and supporting curriculum reviews and toolkit development. This position involves providing logistical and administrative support for project activities, such as stakeholder meetings, workshops, and data collection efforts. The RA will also assist in coordinating communication with stakeholders, preparing documentation, and ensuring timely follow-ups on assigned tasks. This role is vital in ensuring seamless project execution and contributing to the achievement of the project's objectives.
You will be responsible to:
- Support faculty and the RS in conducting curriculum reviews to identify gaps in sex and gender-related teaching.
- Assist RS with data collection using qualitative (e.g., interviews, focus groups) and quantitative (e.g., surveys) methods.
- Conduct basic literature searches and provide summaries related to gender disparities in healthcare and medical education.
- Help with initial drafting of research papers and toolkits under faculty guidance.
- Assist RS and team members in organizing logistics for project activities, such as advisory panel meetings, workshops, and seminars.
- Help schedule meetings, prepare basic agendas, and record key points during discussions.
- Maintain and organize project documentation under the guidance of faculty and senior team members.
- Assist in preparing materials for stakeholder engagement events, such as workshops or curriculum pilot activities.
- Collaborate and maintain communication with leadership, students, and external stakeholders.
- Support faculty in preparing draft IRB applications and initial grant progress reports.
- Compile and organize data and materials for manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations.
- Assist faculty in gathering and organizing feedback for the development of gender-sensitive educational materials.
- Provide administrative and logistical support to faculty during the pilot curriculum implementation at partner institutions.
Requirements:
You must have:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from a well-reputed local or international university
- One year of relevant experience, preferably in healthcare research or medical education projects.
- Understanding of data-driven research studies, curriculum review, or health services research, along with familiarity with data management and analysis, is preferred.
- Basic understanding of project coordination and management in healthcare or educational initiatives.
- Foundational skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, with introductory experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Familiarity with data collection techniques, including surveys and other research designs, relevant to healthcare and medical education.
- Exposure to research tools such as NVIVO, Redcap, or SPSS, with a willingness to learn and apply them.
- Strong writing and communication skills in English, including the ability to draft formal correspondence, presentations, and reports.
- Capacity to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and teams locally and internationally.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and skilled in managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.
