Research Associate, Department of Medicine

The Aga Khan University’s Department of Medicine is seeking a dedicated Research Associate to join the Section of Dermatology in Karachi. This role involves supporting a wide range of research activities, including data collection, management, and manuscript preparation, while collaborating closely with faculty, residents, and research teams. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing the department’s research initiatives, ensuring smooth administrative operations, and maintaining high standards of documentation and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct research meetings and maintain updated research information for faculty members.
- Support data collection and upkeep of the infectious diseases outpatient database.
- Contribute to the development of sectional research guidelines and assist in various research projects from protocol development through manuscript submission.
- Provide day-to-day support for research and administrative activities related to the Departmental Research Committee (DRC), Grants Division, and Statistics & Methodology Clinic.
- Maintain repositories of research publications, protocols, monitoring reports, and Ethics Review Committee (ERC) documentation.
- Assist faculty and residents with preparation and submission of manuscripts and synopses.
- Manage departmental research databases and collate research-related information.
- Offer technical support for research tools and software, including EndNote, SPSS, plagiarism detection software, MS Office, and access to online research journals.
- Facilitate submission of research articles and case studies to online journals.
- Coordinate logistics for DRC meetings and prepare minutes as required.
- Support research grant and ERC submissions through PeopleSoft under guidance from DRC/Principal Investigators.
- Assist in designing and maintaining databases using REDCap, SPSS, and EpiData.
- Liaise with IT for hardware, software, email, and system-related needs.
- Provide administrative support for DRC workshops, courses, Annual Research Day, and training activities.
- Assist in preparing research and grants-related reports.
- Support activities related to JCIA reaccreditation audits.
- Perform additional research and departmental duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
- MBBS or MSc in a Science discipline, preferably Epidemiology or Biostatistics, from a reputable local or international university.
- 1 to 2 years of relevant research experience, ideally including literature search, data collection, data management, and manuscript writing.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with faculty, researchers, residents, and support teams.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications and Additional Skills:
- Familiarity with research-related software such as SPSS, EndNote, REDCap, and EpiData is advantageous.
- Experience providing technical support for research tools and managing research databases.

The Aga Khan University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal opportunity employer, AKU promotes respectful relationships among its workforce and stakeholders, including faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, and vulnerable populations. Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted as part of the recruitment process.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the department’s research excellence within a supportive academic environment renowned for its commitment to education and innovation.