📢 Aga Khan University — Research Coordinator, Department of Community Health Sciences Jobs 2026 | Medical College | 1 Grant-Funded Contractual Position | Master's Degree Required (Social Sciences, Public Health, Health Policy) | 1+ Year Research Coordination Experience | Qualitative Research Focus — FGDs, In-Depth Interviews, Co-Design Workshops | NVivo/Atlas.ti Preferred | Frequent Travel to Peri-Urban Karachi | Apply by 20 June 2026 via AKU Taleo Portal
🏛️ About the Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS)
Aga Khan University's Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS) is a preeminent public health institution in Pakistan. The vision of the Chancellor set the direction for the University to take a lead in community development and the creation of an innovative curriculum that emphasizes a balance between patient care and population health. Over the past several decades, CHS has played a major role in leading the development of national-level primary health care, public health practice, and health systems through an evidence-based approach.
CHS has established successful models in urban and rural settings in Pakistan — emphasizing empowerment and building on the strengths of communities. As part of an international university, CHS collaborates in a global network of outstanding research and teaching institutions including AKU affiliates in East Africa and Central Asia. The department is organized into five major sections: Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Health Policy & Management, Population & Reproductive Health, Environmental-Occupational and Climate Change (EOHCC), and Non-Communicable Diseases & Mental Health.
The department is now seeking a Research Coordinator for a grant-funded contractual position. This role is ideal for Master's-prepared public health or social sciences professionals with qualitative research experience who want to contribute to community-based research in peri-urban Karachi.
📊 Job Overview — Research Coordinator, CHS
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Aga Khan University, Medical College |
| Department | Community Health Sciences (CHS) |
| Position | Research Coordinator |
| Vacancies | 1 |
| Job Type | Grant-Funded Contractual |
| Location | Karachi (with frequent travel to peri-urban areas) |
| Qualification | Master's in Social Sciences, Public Health, Health Policy & Management, or related field |
| Experience | Minimum 1 year in research project support or coordination |
| Last Date | 20 June 2026 |
| Apply Method | Online via AKU Taleo Portal |
🎓 Eligibility Criteria — Detailed Breakdown
Educational Qualification
- Master's degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Health Policy & Management, or a related field from an HEC-recognized university.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 1 year of relevant experience in research project support or coordination.
- Preferred: Experience in qualitative research including interviews, FGDs, and community engagement.
- Advantage: Experience in transcription, translation, and qualitative data management.
Knowledge & Technical Skills
- Familiarity with research ethics, informed consent, and qualitative data handling.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Advantage: Knowledge of qualitative analysis software such as NVivo or Atlas.ti.
Soft Skills & Attributes
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and coordination skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Willingness to travel frequently to peri-urban areas of Karachi.
📋 Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Coordinator will be responsible for:
- Study Coordination: Coordinate overall study implementation, timelines, and field logistics.
- Stakeholder Liaison: Liaise with the Principal Investigator, community liaison personnel, and external partners.
- Tool Development: Develop and pretest qualitative interview guides and research tools.
- Data Collection: Independently conduct focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews, and co-design workshops.
- Transcription & Translation: Conduct transcription and translation of audio recordings and verify transcripts for accuracy.
- Documentation Review: Review field notes, consent forms, transcripts, and related documentation.
- Protocol Compliance: Ensure implementation of project activities in accordance with approved research protocols.
- Administrative Support: Provide administrative and operational support related to research activities.
- Ethics Compliance: Ensure compliance with research ethics, confidentiality, and institutional policies.
- Participant Safety: Monitor ethical conduct, participant safety, and confidentiality during fieldwork.
- Team Supervision: Train and supervise research assistants on qualitative methods and data collection procedures.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinate with stakeholders to facilitate project implementation and reporting.
- Other Tasks: Perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.
💼 Required Skills — Detailed Breakdown
Qualitative Research Skills
- Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Experience independently conducting and moderating FGDs — managing group dynamics, probing effectively, and ensuring all voices are heard.
- In-Depth Interviews (IDIs): Proficiency in conducting one-on-one interviews using semi-structured guides — building rapport, active listening, and eliciting detailed responses.
- Co-Design Workshops: Experience facilitating participatory workshops where community members and stakeholders collaboratively design solutions — a specialized skill that sets candidates apart.
- Interview Guide Development: Ability to develop and pretest qualitative interview guides and research tools — ensuring questions are culturally appropriate, clear, and aligned with research objectives.
Qualitative Data Management
- Transcription: Converting audio recordings of interviews and FGDs into accurate written transcripts — in Urdu, Sindhi, or other local languages.
- Translation: Translating transcripts from Urdu/regional languages to English for analysis and reporting — maintaining meaning, nuance, and context.
- Verification: Reviewing transcripts for accuracy against original audio recordings — attention to detail is critical.
- Qualitative Software: Knowledge of NVivo or Atlas.ti for coding, thematic analysis, and data visualization — explicitly listed as an advantage.
Project Management & Coordination
- Timeline Management: Coordinating overall study implementation against project timelines and milestones.
- Field Logistics: Managing logistics for fieldwork in peri-urban Karachi — scheduling interviews, arranging transportation, coordinating with community gatekeepers.
- Team Supervision: Training and supervising research assistants on qualitative methods and data collection procedures.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Liaising with Principal Investigator, community liaison personnel, external partners, and institutional departments.
Research Ethics & Compliance
- Informed Consent: Ensuring proper informed consent procedures are followed with all research participants.
- Confidentiality: Maintaining participant confidentiality during data collection, transcription, storage, and reporting.
- Ethical Conduct: Monitoring ethical conduct during fieldwork — protecting participant safety and well-being.
- Institutional Policies: Ensuring compliance with AKU's research ethics policies and institutional review board (ERC) requirements.
🌐 How to Apply — AKU Taleo Portal
Step 1: Visit the AKU Taleo Careers Portal
Go to https://aku.taleo.net/careersection/ex/joblist.ftl?lang=en
Step 2: Search for the Position
Use the job reference number #260002D1 or search for "Research Coordinator, Department of Community Health Sciences".
Step 3: Create an Account or Log In
Register on the Taleo portal with your email address or log in with existing credentials.
Step 4: Complete Online Application
Fill in all required fields, upload your CV, Master's degree and transcripts, experience certificates, and any other supporting documents (NVivo/Atlas.ti certification, research publications, etc.).
Step 5: Submit Before Deadline
Submit your application before 20 June 2026 at 11:59 PM.
📄 Required Documents Checklist
| # | Document | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Updated CV/Resume | ✅ Mandatory |
| 2 | Cover Letter (highlighting qualitative research experience) | ✅ Highly Recommended |
| 3 | CNIC Copy | ✅ Mandatory |
| 4 | Master's Degree + Transcripts | ✅ Mandatory |
| 5 | HEC Equivalence (if foreign degree) | ✅ If applicable |
| 6 | Experience Certificates (showing research coordination) | ✅ Mandatory |
| 7 | NVivo/Atlas.ti Certification (if available) | ⭐ Advantage |
| 8 | Research Publications/Reports (if any) | ⭐ Advantage |
| 9 | Passport Size Photograph | ✅ Recommended |
📝 Selection Process — What to Expect
Stage 1 — Online Application Screening
AKU HR will screen applications against mandatory criteria: Master's degree in relevant field, minimum 1 year research coordination experience, and qualitative research background. Applications without demonstrated qualitative experience may be filtered out.
Stage 2 — Comprehensive Reference Checks
AKU conducts thorough employment reference verification. Inform your previous research supervisors/PIs.
Stage 3 — Shortlisting & Interview
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Be prepared to discuss:
- Your experience conducting FGDs, in-depth interviews, and co-design workshops
- Your approach to qualitative data transcription, translation, and analysis
- Familiarity with NVivo, Atlas.ti, or other qualitative analysis software
- How you manage field logistics in peri-urban or community settings
- Your understanding of research ethics, informed consent, and participant confidentiality
- Experience training and supervising research assistants
Stage 4 — Final Selection & Offer
Selected candidate receives a grant-funded contractual offer. Clarify contract duration, reporting structure, and field travel expectations.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Job Posting | 11 June 2026 | Posted on AKU Taleo Portal |
| Last Date to Apply | 20 June 2026, 11:59 PM | 9 days application window |
| Application Screening | Late June 2026 | By CHS Department |
| Reference Checks | June/July 2026 | Comprehensive verification |
| Shortlisting & Interviews | July 2026 (Expected) | Only shortlisted contacted |
| Final Selection | July/August 2026 | Subject to AKU approvals |
🌟 Why Join the Department of Community Health Sciences at AKU?
- Pakistan's Premier Public Health Institution: CHS is a preeminent public health department that has shaped national primary health care, public health practice, and health systems for decades.
- Meaningful Community-Based Research: Work directly with communities in peri-urban Karachi — research that addresses real health challenges and empowers local populations.
- Qualitative Research Excellence: This role offers deep exposure to qualitative methods — FGDs, in-depth interviews, co-design workshops — building expertise that is highly valued in public health, social sciences, and development sectors.
- Global Network: CHS collaborates with outstanding research and teaching institutions worldwide, including AKU affiliates in East Africa and Central Asia.
- Career Pathway: Research Coordinator → Senior Research Coordinator → Research Specialist → Project Manager → Principal Investigator. Qualitative research skills are transferable to WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, and other international development organizations.
- AKU Prestige: Working at AKU adds significant value to your CV for future academic, research, or international development career opportunities.
💡 Expert Tips for Research Coordinator Applicants
1. Highlight Qualitative Research Experience Prominently
This is a qualitative research-heavy role. If you have experience conducting FGDs, in-depth interviews, or co-design workshops, feature this at the top of your CV — not buried in a list of duties. Specify: number of FGDs conducted, types of participants, topics explored, and your specific role (moderator, note-taker, transcriber).
2. Demonstrate NVivo or Atlas.ti Proficiency
Knowledge of qualitative analysis software is explicitly listed as an advantage. If you have used NVivo or Atlas.ti, mention this prominently. If you have completed any training or certification in these tools, include the certificate. If you have not used these tools but have used other qualitative software (Dedoose, MAXQDA), mention this.
3. Show Transcription and Translation Experience
Experience in transcription and translation is specifically listed as an advantage. If you have transcribed interviews from Urdu/Sindhi/Punjabi to English, provide examples. Mention your typing speed, accuracy, and familiarity with transcription conventions.
4. Emphasize Field Experience in Peri-Urban or Community Settings
The role requires frequent travel to peri-urban areas of Karachi. If you have field research experience in similar settings — urban slums, peri-urban communities, rural areas — highlight this. Demonstrate your comfort with community entry, gatekeeper engagement, and field logistics.
5. Prepare a Research Portfolio
If possible, prepare a brief portfolio showing: interview guides you have developed, transcripts you have produced (redacted for confidentiality), coding frameworks you have used, or reports/publications from previous research projects.
6. Demonstrate Ethical Awareness
The role emphasizes research ethics compliance. Mention any research ethics training you have completed (CITI Program, NIH ethics course). Discuss how you have handled informed consent, confidentiality, and participant safety in previous research.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying Without Qualitative Research Experience: This is not a general research coordination role — it specifically requires qualitative methods expertise. Quantitative-only researchers without FGD/interview experience are not suitable.
- Missing the Master's Degree Requirement: A Master's degree is mandatory. Bachelor's-level candidates are not eligible.
- Insufficient Field Experience: The role requires frequent travel to peri-urban Karachi. If you are unwilling or unable to commit to regular field travel, this is not the right position.
- Generic CV Without Research Specifics: Tailor your CV to highlight research coordination, qualitative methods, transcription/translation, and community engagement — not generic administrative experience.
- Unprepared References: AKU conducts comprehensive reference checks. Inform your previous research supervisors and Principal Investigators.
- Not Clarifying Contract Terms: This is grant-funded contractual. Ask about contract duration, renewal possibilities, and funding status during the interview.
📈 Career Growth Opportunities
- Within CHS: Research Coordinator → Senior Research Coordinator → Research Specialist → Project Manager → Principal Investigator.
- Broader AKU: Move to other AKU research departments — CITRIC, COORS, Paediatrics, Oncology clinical trials — leveraging qualitative research expertise.
- International Organizations: Qualitative research skills are in high demand at WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, DFID, Gates Foundation, and other development organizations working in Pakistan.
- Academic Pathway: Use the research experience to pursue a PhD in Public Health, Social Sciences, or Health Policy — CHS provides an excellent academic environment for doctoral preparation.
- NGO Sector: Transition to senior research roles at national and international NGOs working in community health, women's health, or health systems strengthening.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the last date to apply?
A: 20 June 2026 at 11:59 PM. - Q: Is this a permanent position?
A: No. It is a grant-funded contractual position. Clarify contract duration during interview. - Q: What qualification is required?
A: Master's degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Health Policy & Management, or a related field. - Q: How much experience is required?
A: Minimum 1 year in research project support or coordination. - Q: Is qualitative research experience mandatory?
A: It is preferred and central to the role. Candidates with FGD, interview, transcription, and translation experience will have a significant advantage. - Q: Is NVivo or Atlas.ti required?
A: It is listed as an advantage, not mandatory. However, given the qualitative focus, candidates with these skills will be strongly preferred. - Q: Where is the job located?
A: Karachi, with frequent travel to peri-urban areas of the city. - Q: How do I apply?
A: Through the AKU Taleo Portal: https://aku.taleo.net/careersection/ex/joblist.ftl?lang=en (Ref: #260002D1). - Q: Does AKU conduct reference checks?
A: Yes. Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted. - Q: What are the five sections of CHS?
A: Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Health Policy & Management, Population & Reproductive Health, Environmental-Occupational and Climate Change (EOHCC), and Non-Communicable Diseases & Mental Health.
🏁 Final Words
The Research Coordinator position at AKU's Department of Community Health Sciences is an exceptional opportunity for Master's-prepared public health or social sciences professionals to join Pakistan's preeminent public health institution. This grant-funded contractual role offers hands-on experience in qualitative research — conducting FGDs, in-depth interviews, and co-design workshops in peri-urban Karachi communities — along with transcription, translation, data management, and research ethics compliance responsibilities.
If you hold a Master's degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, or Health Policy & Management, have 1+ year of research coordination experience, and are passionate about community-based qualitative research that empowers local populations — apply now. Proficiency in NVivo or Atlas.ti and experience with transcription/translation will set you apart. Submit your application via the AKU Taleo Portal before 20 June 2026 at 11:59 PM. Join a global network of research excellence and make a tangible impact on community health in Pakistan. 🇵🇰
🔬 Join Aga Khan University's Department of Community Health Sciences — Pakistan's premier public health institution! Research Coordinator position (grant-funded contractual). Requires Master's in Social Sciences/Public Health/Health Policy + 1 year research coordination experience. Qualitative research focus — FGDs, in-depth interviews, co-design workshops, transcription/translation. NVivo/Atlas.ti preferred. Frequent field travel to peri-urban Karachi. Apply via AKU Taleo Portal before 20 June 2026, 11:59 PM. Ref: #260002D1. 🇵🇰
🌐 Apply Now — AKU Taleo Careers 🏛️ AKU Official Website