Job Description
Research Specialist, Department of Community Health Sciences
Entity
Aga Khan University
Location
Matiari, Pakistan
Introduction
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.
Responsibilities
You will be responsible for:
- perform and interpret diagnostic ultrasound imaging for research studies, including obstetric, abdominal, and other specialized scans
- ensure smooth and compliant execution of research protocols through coordination with investigators, research assistants, technologists, and administrative teams
- assess and validate imaging data, determining if images meet study criteria or require re-acquisition
- operate and maintain ultrasound equipment, ensuring optimal performance for research purposes
- generate, review, and resolve data entry errors and discrepancies to maintain data quality and integrity
- maintain detailed and accurate imaging records for documentation and audit readiness
- coordinate and support field audits while addressing compliance issues promptly
- provide feedback to field staff to maintain adherence to protocols and SOPs
- guide and mentor junior sonographers or trainees when needed
- participate in regular training and quality assurance sessions to ensure consistency in imaging standards
- prepare progress reports, data summaries, abstracts, and manuscripts for publications and presentations
- resolve field-level imaging and procedural concerns to uphold data integrity and study compliance.
Requirements
You should have:
- a bachelor’s degree in Medical Imaging, Sonography, or a related field (a master’s degree will be preferred)
- a certification in diagnostic medical sonography from an accredited body (e.g., ARDMS, RDMS, or equivalent)
- at least two to three years of clinical experience in sonography; research experience is highly desirable
- familiarity with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and research ethics
- proficient in clinical trial methodologies, including data monitoring, validation, and regulatory compliance
- strong written and verbal communication skills for producing quality reports and presentations
- analytical mindset with excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- skilled in literature reviews and scientific writing
- strong organizational and multitasking abilities
- effective team collaboration and communication skills
- flexibility in work hours and availability for frequent travel as per project requirements.
Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.
