Research Fellow in Planetary Health – Aga Khan University

Aga Khan University is currently hiring for Research Fellow in Planetary Health with qualifications in Epidemiology, Public Health, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biostatistics, Geography or another closely related discipline.

Employer: Aga Khan University (AKU)
Location: Arusha, Tanzania
Position: Research Fellow – Planetary Health
Application Deadline: October 13, 2026

About Aga Khan University

Aga Khan University (AKU) is an international, private and autonomous institution of higher learning operating across 13 teaching locations in six countries on three continents. The University is part of the Aga Khan Development Network and combines education, research and healthcare to address important social and development challenges.

With thousands of students and staff across its international network, AKU is committed to academic excellence, relevant research, innovation and improving the quality of life in the communities it serves.

In Arusha, the University operates the Aga Khan University Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER). The Centre provides a platform where researchers, communities and partners work together to better understand climate and environmental challenges and develop practical solutions. Its location in an ecologically important area also provides an opportunity for research, training and community engagement.

AKU-ACER is currently seeking a qualified Research Fellow in Planetary Health to contribute to research examining the relationship between environmental change and human health.

About Research Fellow Position

The successful candidate will conduct interdisciplinary research into how factors such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and other environmental pressures influence human health and well-being.

The role will involve combining evidence from environmental, health and social sciences to generate research findings that can support communities, policymakers and other stakeholders in making informed decisions.

Responsibilities of Research Fellow

The Research Fellow will be expected to:

Develop and conduct interdisciplinary research examining the links between climate, ecosystems and human health.
Investigate climate-related health risks, vulnerabilities and other emerging environmental health challenges.
Develop research protocols, data collection instruments and other study materials while ensuring compliance with research ethics requirements.
Coordinate field research activities and maintain appropriate standards for data quality and research integrity.
Conduct quantitative and spatial data analysis using suitable statistical, modelling and GIS approaches.
Bring together evidence and perspectives from different disciplines to produce comprehensive research findings.
Coordinate assigned research projects, including work planning, partner communication, reporting and timely completion of deliverables.
Engage with communities, government institutions, researchers and other stakeholders during the research process.
Prepare academic publications, technical reports, policy briefs and other research outputs for different audiences.
Present research findings at academic conferences, policy meetings and other relevant forums.
Support stakeholder engagement, training activities and the preparation of new research proposals.

Qualifications and Experience for Research Fellow

Applicants should have:

A PhD in Epidemiology, Public Health, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biostatistics, Geography or another closely related discipline.
A strong research record involving interdisciplinary work at the intersection of environmental change and human health.
Demonstrated competence in quantitative research and data analysis.
Experience with one or more of the following: GIS and spatial analysis, environmental or climate modelling, population modelling, spatial statistics or related analytical approaches.
Practical experience in designing and conducting field-based research.
Experience with research data management and preparation of scientific publications.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with professionals from different academic and technical backgrounds.
Knowledge of planetary health concepts, climate-health relationships or climate and health vulnerability assessments.
An interest in applying scientific evidence to public health, environmental management and sustainable development in Tanzania and the wider East African region.

Experience working directly with communities or participating in collaborative, multi-institutional research projects will be considered an added advantage.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates interested in this opportunity should submit the following:

An application letter
An updated CV

Applications should be sent by email to hr.tanzania@aku.edu.

Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Application deadline: October 13, 2026.