Research Fellow in Planetary Health

About this role

The Aga Khan University is seeking a Research Fellow in Planetary Health for its Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER) in Arusha, Tanzania. AKU is a private, autonomous international university with thirteen teaching sites in six countries, part of the Aga Khan Development Network. AKU-ACER unites researchers, communities and partners to develop practical responses to climate and environmental challenges, using an ecologically significant site as a living laboratory for research, learning and outreach. The fellow will investigate how climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and other environmental changes affect human health and well-being.

The work involves designing and implementing transdisciplinary research linking climate, ecosystems and human health, including climate-related health risks and vulnerabilities. The post-holder develops study protocols and data collection tools, coordinates fieldwork, and upholds research ethics and data quality standards. The fellow analyses quantitative and spatial data with statistical, modelling and GIS methods and integrates findings across disciplines. Responsibilities also cover project management, including workplans, partner coordination, reporting and delivery of agreed outputs.

The role calls for collaboration with communities, researchers, public institutions and partners to shape research questions and interpret findings, and for producing peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, reports and accessible outputs. The fellow will present at scientific and policy forums and contribute to stakeholder engagement, training and the development of new research proposals. Candidates must hold a PhD in epidemiology, public health, environmental science, ecology, biostatistics, geography or a closely related field, and must demonstrate a track record of interdisciplinary research at the intersection of environmental change and human health. Strong quantitative skills are essential, with capability in spatial analysis, GIS, environmental or climate modelling, population modelling or spatial statistics, and experience designing and conducting field research.

The appointment is full time and based in Arusha, and no salary or benefits details are stated. Applications are made through the Aga Khan University careers portal, which lists no closing date for this vacancy.