Research Associate

Research Associate (Nurse), Palliative Care

Department: Paediatrics and Child Health

Entity: Aga Khan University

Location: Pakistan

Introduction:

The Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the Aga Khan University is dedicated to providing cutting-edge clinical services to children. We offer high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate training, including subspecialty training and research opportunities. Our inpatient facilities feature a Paediatric ward with two units totaling 84 beds and a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (Neonatal/Paediatric & Paediatric Cardiac Intensive Care units) equipped with the latest technologies and protocols. Additionally, our Paediatric Cardiology section offers a recognized three-year Fellowship training program accredited by CPSP.

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.

Responsibilities:

The Research Associate will be trained in pediatric palliative care to support patient communication, maintain a patient database, and conduct research for publications and presentations, strengthening program visibility and impact.

You will be responsible tp:

• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to provide care tailored to the needs of the pediatric palliative care population and apply this expertise to meaningful research.

a) Act as a clinical researcher and educator.b) Serve as a clinical research expert in nursing care for patients under the Quality of Life (QoL) team.c) Assess and interpret population-specific data related to patient status.

• Manage and maintain the palliative care patient database, ensuring accurate data entry and collection.
• Participate in and contribute to pediatric palliative care research activities.
• Attend and engage in conferences relevant to the research area.
• Facilitate home healthcare referrals and patient enrollment.
• Schedule and follow up on patient appointments, addressing routine inquiries from patients and families with effective communication.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality patient care.
• Maintain effective communication with patients and families, facilitate intake of new inpatient consultations, and keep records updated.
• Evaluate and enhance teaching and nursing practices, fostering research initiatives among nurses with a special interest in the field; may serve as a functional lead.
• Coordinate and lead care conferences, align palliative care visits with oncology and non-oncology clinic schedules, and manage discharge follow-up calls.

Requirements:

• Nursing Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing.
• One to two years of relevant work experience, preferably in research.
• Experience in conducting research and managing patient databases.
• Ability to develop and maintain educational materials for patients and families.
• Strong cultural competence and respect for diverse backgrounds.
• Experience with quality improvement initiatives.
• Excellent time management and task prioritization skills.
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and committed to the role.
• Strong teamwork and staff management experience.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.