Director, Shared Research Services & Research Grants

Aga Khan University

Karachi Division

On-site

PKR 3,500,000 - 6,000,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Aga Khan University in Karachi invites applications for the Head of Shared Research Services (SRS). This senior leadership role provides strategic direction, leadership, and oversight of research administration across the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The Head will lead development of a high-performing, service-oriented environment to support community- and hospital-based research across Pakistan. Reporting to the Dean and Vice Provost, Research, the role requires building relationships with

Qualifications

Master’s in business administration (MBA) or other relevant field; international certifications in research administration are a plus.
International degree in the field of research administration or general administration is desirable.
Excellent interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills.
Minimum five years of experience in administration within a healthcare institution or service industry.
Experience managing extramural/intramural funded research grants and working with donor agencies would be an added advantage.
Proven track record of managing a diversified team comprising grant administrators, human resources, procurement, IT, legal, audit, compliance and clinical trials.
Demonstrated leadership skills evident from team building and leading high performance teams.
Knowledge of modern research administration practices focusing on grants from national and international agencies.
Commitment to AKU’s principles of IQRA (Impact, Quality, Relevance and Access).
Willingness for travelling—national and international levels.

Responsibilities

provide overall strategic and operational leadership of Shared Research Services, with clear accountability for the quality, efficiency, timeliness, and responsiveness of services provided to researchers and research teams
establish and monitor service standards, turnaround times, performance indicators, and mechanisms for user feedback, using these to drive continuous improvement
demonstrate effective strategic planning of resources to manage the wide spectrum of research data of on-going research projects (and future projects); pertaining to grants administration, regulatory affairs, human resources, financial management, procurement functions, IT management, laboratory space, safety & security, field operations, and relationship building; being conducted in various areas of Pakistan
build strategic relationship with relevant stakeholders at national and international level which includes local, federal and national government representatives; community stakeholders; international granting agencies and research administration societies
develop and implement innovative and sustainable strategies to inculcate efficiency in existing research and grants administration capacity of the Medical College through international standards and techniques
spearhead the optimization of available resources for a greater cost saving on the research grants of the Medical College through adaptation of modernized tools and techniques
lead the diversified portfolio of current grants and facilitate new grants acquisition for all the departments of Medical College, correspond with the granting agencies, ensure conformity to regulatory compliance of the agencies, track and deliver narrative and financial reports and operations of research projects
provide active support in ensuring legal formalities of granting agencies (and sub-contractors) while ensuring they are adequately met and endorsed
facilitate researchers towards development of Research Proposals, finalizing contents and procedural formalities (non-technical) and ensuring timely submission
oversee research administration of various extramural and intramural research grants as per the international practices and standards of granting agencies
lead the existing research administration teams of various departments by providing feedback for the improvement of the systems and ensuring compliance of University and granting agency’s standards
conduct monitoring visits at the field sites to ensure that project activities are in line with the agreed upon timelines with the granting agencies
facilitate AKU internal audits and compliance reviews, ensure that recommendations are agreed and implemented
serve as the key accountable lead to the SRS Management Oversight Committee, providing regular updates on SRS performance, service utilization, user satisfaction, operational and institutional risks, resource requirements, and strategic priorities, and seeking guidance on matters requiring institutional alignment or decision-making
retain responsibility and delegated authority for the day-to-day operational management and effective functioning of SRS, including implementation of the Committee’s strategic guidance and recommendations, while identifying and addressing cross-institutional and process-related barriers and strengthening collaboration across the research support environment
facilitate external and internal audits of granting agencies
represent, advocate, and promote departmental research at relevant AKU forum
advocate on behalf of research faculty with AKU Support Departments and Research Office when needed to solve research-related issues
facilitate the indoctrination of senior level staff through continuous training and development to get acquainted with modern research administration techniques
plan the long-term career development of senior staff and recommend relevant research administration focused trainings for them through in-house, national and international trainings with an aim for the enhancement of their technical capacity
facilitate university-level start-up service and facilitation to researchers in other Departments for pre-award, contracting and post-award grants management.