Research Fellow, Paediatrics & Child Health - MC
Department: Paediatrics and Child Health
Entity: Aga Khan University
Location: Pakistan
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.
The Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the Aga Khan University invites applications for the Research Fellow in Maternal and Child Health position. This role is designed for individuals looking to build a strong research profile and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge maternal and child health research. The fellowship offers a unique opportunity to work closely with senior faculty members who lead diverse research portfolios in MNCH. Fellows will engage in a broad range of maternal and child health research projects, receiving close mentorship and tailored guidance to advance their academic and professional growth.
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.
Responsibilities:
- Actively participate in ongoing maternal and child health research projects.
- Assist in data collection, management, and analysis.
- Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and conference presentations.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality research outputs.
- Support knowledge dissemination and capacity-building initiatives.
- Participate in study design and protocol development for assigned research projects.
- Support data collection, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with ethical standards.
- Conduct literature reviews to inform research activities and publications.
- Collaborate with project teams to troubleshoot and resolve challenges during study implementation.
- Assist in cleaning, organizing, and managing research data.
- Perform statistical analyses using relevant software.
- Interpret results and provide insights for research publications.
- Ensure data confidentiality and compliance with institutional and ethical standards.
- Draft, revise, and contribute to research manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
- Support faculty in the preparation of grant proposals and applications.
- Assist in responding to peer review comments on submitted manuscripts.
- Participate in writing research summaries for dissemination to non-academic stakeholders.
- Attend workshops, seminars, and training sessions organized by the department.
- Participate in mentorship meetings with senior faculty for professional development.
- Share knowledge and skills with junior team members or peers.
- Present research findings at departmental meetings, conferences, or workshops.
- Prepare summaries or abstracts for dissemination to stakeholders or funding bodies.
- Contribute to the development of knowledge products (e.g., policy briefs, infographics).
- Work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders, collaborators, and study participants.
- Actively contribute to team discussions and problem-solving efforts.
- Ensure adherence to institutional and ethical guidelines in all research activities.
- Maintain professionalism and respect in interactions with colleagues and participants.
- Promptly report and address any ethical concerns or challenges.
Opportunities and Benefits:
- Exposure to a broad range of maternal and child health research initiatives.
- Mentorship from senior faculty with extensive research expertise.
- Access to capacity-building workshops, conferences, and networking opportunities.
- Development of skills in study design, data analysis, and academic writing.
Duration: The position is initially for one year, with the potential for extension to a second year based on performance and mutual agreement
Join Us: Be a part of an inspiring research environment at Aga Khan University and contribute to impactful maternal and child health initiatives. Take the first step toward building a rewarding career in academic and clinical research.
Requirements:
You should have:
- Candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:
- For MBBS Graduates: Recently graduated and seeking to build a research profile in maternal and child health before embarking on a clinical journey or a career in public health
- For Clinical Residents: Recently completed a residency in obstetrics or paediatrics and are looking to strengthen their research credentials.
- For Public Health Graduates: Recently graduated from a well-reputed public health program aiming to gain hands-on research experience.
- A keen interest in maternal and child health research.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Proficiency in academic writing and communication.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Commitment to professional development and learning.
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their CV with a cover letter detailing their interest and suitability for the position.
Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.