Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow, IGHD 

Introduction

The Aga Khan University’s Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) was established in the year 2020 to serve as a University-wide entity for providing a unique platform for facilitating strategic engagements and partnerships between AKU, University of Central Asia and the wider Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). IGHD aims to address global health and environmental challenges by creating a multi-disciplinary support system and infrastructure, whereby researchers across campuses and regions can collaborate and contribute.

The IGHD works across four thematic areas, including Sustainable Development Goals (including Broad Social Determinants of Health); Gender Equity and Empowerment; Climate Change, Urban Development, and Health, and Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition.​​​

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.

This is a grant-funded contractual position.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Designing and undertaking a research-based scholarly project for the duration of the fellowship to advance understanding in climate and health.
• Publishing at least one manuscript (even submission) of the designated work in a reputed international journal.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of ongoing research projects, with opportunity to build capacity in designing experiments, novel data collection approaches, and advanced data analysis.
• Actively contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and participate in academic discussions to disseminate research outcomes.
• Providing mentorship to junior researchers/staff to encourage knowledge exchange.
• Engaging in professional development opportunities, including standalone courses, workshops, seminars, and training sessions, to build capacity.
• Attending supervisor, committee, and other stakeholder meetings for better coordination and linkages.

Requirements:

• Completed masters/doctoral degree in public health, environmental health, or other relevant fields.
• Research experience in related discipline required along with record.
• Scholarly publications and/or conference presentations.
• Strong analytical, research, quantitative and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent/supportive research, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and analyze data critically.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate research findings, collaborate with peers, and present work effectively at conferences or seminars.
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently while also seeking guidance when necessary.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to meet project deadlines and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Working knowledge in specific methodologies, tools, software, or laboratory techniques relevant to the research area.
• Experience in mentoring or teaching, especially if the role involves assisting junior researchers/staff or graduate students.
• Willingness to participate in capacity building activities, especially standalone courses and seminars.
• Exposure to interdisciplinary research or collaborations demonstrating the ability to bridge multiple fields or approaches;
• Candidates employed in government or academic institutions should ascertain feasibility of requisite approvals prior to applications.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.