Introduction:

The Aga Khan University is a private, international university committed to international standards of excellence in teaching, research, and service. Its teaching hospital, the Aga Khan University Hospital, has been accredited by the prestigious Joint Commission International for achieving the highest international healthcare standards.

Shared Research Services (SRS) provides a centralized, one-window support system for researchers across the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), Pakistan. The department supports all financial and administrative aspects of grant management throughout the research lifecycle, including pre-award and post-award administration, compliance, financial planning, data management, and portfolio strategy. By delivering efficient, high-quality services, SRS enables researchers to successfully secure, manage, and close grants while ensuring compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.

AKU is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding and aims to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between all 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.

Aga Khan University invites applications for the position of Manager, Shared Research Services.

Responsibilities:

You will be responsible for:

• managing and coordinating the development, review, approval, and submission of grant proposals while ensuring compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements
• supporting faculty in identifying funding opportunities and developing competitive grant applications
• overseeing quality assurance processes and proactively managing timelines to ensure timely proposal and award submissions
• overseeing the development and review of grant budgets, ensuring alignment with sponsor guidelines and appropriate recovery of operational and capital costs
• coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to secure required approvals, negotiate budgetary matters, and facilitate efficient grant administration
• managing award and contractual documentation processes and ensuring a seamless transition between grant lifecycle stages
• monitoring service delivery standards, operational performance, and process metrics to ensure efficient and high-quality support to researchers and funding agencies
• leading and mentoring a team of research administration professionals through coaching, training, succession planning, and performance development initiatives
• developing and delivering training programmes, guidance materials, and knowledge-sharing initiatives for faculty, grant administrators, and support staff
• identifying operational bottlenecks and driving process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, consistency, and stakeholder experience
• collaborating with Finance, Human Resources, Compliance, Research Office, and other stakeholders to streamline processes and implement best practices
• leading portfolio analysis and preparing reports, dashboards, and operational insights to support strategic planning and decision-making by senior leadership
• deputising for the Director, Shared Research Services, as required, ensuring continuity of operations and effective management of departmental activities
• fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, collaboration, and service excellence across the research administration function

Requirements:

You should have:

• a Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related discipline from a reputable national or international institution; additional professional qualifications and/or international certifications will be considered an advantage
• 8–10 years of experience in business management, operations, research administration, grants management, or a related field
• experience working with major funding agencies such as HEC, Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, NIH, or similar organizations will be preferred
• demonstrated experience managing complex projects, teams, and stakeholder relationships in a fast-paced environment
• strong leadership and people management capabilities with a proven ability to develop and mentor teams
• excellent organizational, planning, and project management skills
• strong business acumen and financial management skills
• ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within stringent deadlines
• excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• strong analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing abilities
• experience in training, coaching, and capacity-building initiatives
• high level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential information
• proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, databases, and information systems
• ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining a strong customer-service orientation
• willingness to travel within Pakistan, if required

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.