Research Specialist, 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 Specialist will assist in the comprehensive implementation of the project, "Incorporating a Sex and Gender Lens into Medical Education in Pakistan." The role includes conducting qualitative and quantitative research, analyzing and presenting data and supporting curriculum review and toolkit development. The RS will manage day-to-day project coordination, provide administrative support and ensure effective communication with stakeholders, including faculty, students and leadership at partner institutions. This position is critical to the successful execution of the project’s objectives, including curriculum integration, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination of outcomes.
You will be responsible to:
- assist in conducting curriculum reviews to identify gaps in sex and gender-related teaching.
- collect data through qualitative (e.g., interviews, focus groups) and quantitative (e.g., surveys) methods.
- conduct literature reviews focusing on gender disparities in healthcare and medical education.
- provide support in writing research papers and developing toolkits for gender-sensitive curricula.
- coordinate logistics for project activities such as advisory panel meetings, seminars, and workshops.
- schedule meetings, prepare agendas, and record minutes.
- draft and administer MoUs, agreements, and contracts with stakeholders and collaborators.
- maintain project documentation, ensuring compliance with grant-funded program requirements.
- facilitate communication between project team members, collaborators, and institutional leadership.
- organize stakeholder engagement events, including faculty workshops, to pilot and implement curriculum revisions.
- collaborate with faculty and leadership to ensure buy-in and participation.
- maintain communication with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and other key stakeholders for dissemination activities.
- assist in preparing IRB applications and grant progress reports.
- prepare periodic updates on project progress and outcomes.
- draft manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations for dissemination of findings.
- conduct process evaluations and maintain detailed project records.
- provide input for the creation and refinement of gender-sensitive educational materials.
- assist in the design of the pilot curriculum and its implementation at partnering institutions.
- support the adaptation of the toolkit for scaling to other medical schools.
Requirements:
You must have:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from a well-reputed local or international university
- master’s degree in public health, Healthcare Management, Health Professions Education, Health Policy and Management, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Bioethics, or a related field.
- preferred Qualification: Doctoral degree (PhD) in Health Sciences or a related field.
- three to five years of relevant experience, preferably in healthcare research or medical education projects.
- experience in the practical conduct of data-driven research studies, curriculum review, health services research, data management, and analysis are highly desirable.
- familiarity with health policy and gender-related research in medical education would be an asset.
- experience with project coordination, management, and submission, particularly in healthcare or education-focused projects.
- strong skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, with experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- knowledge of data collection techniques, including surveys and other research designs, relevant to healthcare and educational settings.
- understanding of project management processes and experience working with university-level stakeholders.
- proficiency in research software such as NVIVO, Redcap, SPSS, or other relevant tools.
- excellent writing and communication skills in English, with the ability to write formal letters, emails, and reports.
- ability to collaborate with and provide support to multiple stakeholders and colleagues both locally and internationally.
- proactive, detail-oriented, and skilled in time management, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.
