About LAICO

The Lions Aravind Institute of Community Ophthalmology (LAICO) is the training, research, consulting and capacity-building arm of the Aravind Eye Care System. LAICO works with eye care organisations in India and internationally to strengthen the planning, delivery, evaluation and sustainability of eye care services.

Research at LAICO has a strong emphasis on generating evidence to improve the accessibility, quality, efficiency and equity of eye care. This includes health services research, epidemiology, operational and implementation research, programme evaluation, and research arising from the extensive clinical and community eye care activities of the Aravind Eye Care System.

Position: Faculty / Senior Faculty – Research

Location: Lions Aravind Institute of Community Ophthalmology (LAICO)
72 Kuruvikaran Salai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

Purpose of the Role

The Faculty / Senior Faculty – Research will provide leadership for health services, epidemiological and programme-related research at LAICO and contribute to strengthening the broader research ecosystem within the Aravind Eye Care System. The position will work closely with LAICO faculty and leadership, clinical and non-clinical teams across Aravind, and the Research Division team, including research associates, biostatisticians and data managers.

The role will be responsible for developing and supporting high-quality research from conceptualisation and study design through implementation, analysis, interpretation, dissemination and publication. A key objective will be to translate Aravind’s extensive clinical, community and programme experience into robust evidence that can inform programme improvement, organisational decision-making and the wider development of eye care services.

The successful candidate will also provide leadership and mentorship to the research support team and help strengthen the research capabilities of faculty and staff across LAICO and the Aravind Eye Care System. Appointment at Faculty or Senior Faculty level will be based on the candidate’s experience, research leadership, publication record and demonstrated ability to independently develop and lead research programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the design and conduct of health services, epidemiological, implementation and programme evaluation research.
• Identify and develop research questions arising from LAICO programmes and the clinical, community and operational activities of the Aravind Eye Care System.
• Provide methodological guidance to faculty, clinicians and research teams across the research lifecycle, from study design and protocol development through analysis, interpretation and dissemination.
• Lead and supervise the Research Division team, including research associates, biostatisticians and data managers, and ensure appropriate standards of data management and statistical analysis.
• Facilitate collaborative research involving LAICO faculty, clinical and non-clinical teams, and national and international research partners.
• Support faculty and staff in translating clinical and programmatic work into research, peer-reviewed publications and actionable evidence.
• Lead and contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, technical reports and other research outputs
• Lead research capacity-building and mentorship activities, including LAICO’s research methodology training programmes.
• Work with LAICO faculty and programme teams to develop appropriate evaluation frameworks and generate evidence for programme improvement and evidence-based planning
• Contribute to research grant applications and the development of external academic, research and funding partnerships.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology or a related health research discipline; or a Medical or Optometry degree with relevant experience in designing and conducting research.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in health services research, epidemiological research, public health research or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, conducting and managing research studies.
• Experience managing and working with multidisciplinary research support teams, including research associates, biostatisticians and data managers.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific writing and preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
• Evidence of contribution to peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Experience supporting or mentoring researchers in research methodology, study implementation, data analysis or scientific writing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Services Research or another relevant field.
• Experience in eye care, ophthalmology, optometry, vision science or eye health research.
• Experience in implementation research, operational research, programme evaluation or health systems research.
• Experience conducting research within healthcare delivery systems or large clinical or community health programmes.
• Experience obtaining research funding or contributing to competitive grant applications.
• Experience collaborating with national or international academic and research institutions.
• Experience teaching research methodology, epidemiology or related subjects.
• A strong record of peer-reviewed publications, particularly for appointment at Senior Faculty level.

Key Competencies

• Scientific and research leadership – ability to identify important research questions and develop appropriate and rigorous approaches to addressing them.
• Research methodology – sound understanding of epidemiology, health services research, study design and quantitative research methods.
• Data management and analysis – working understanding of research data management and data analysis, and the ability to work effectively with data managers and biostatisticians.
• Team leadership – ability to lead, mentor and coordinate multidisciplinary research support teams.
• Collaboration – ability to work effectively with clinicians, public health professionals, programme managers, researchers and external partners.
• Scientific communication – ability to interpret research findings and communicate them effectively through publications, presentations and reports.
• Mentorship and capacity building – ability and commitment to develop research capability among faculty, clinicians and early-career researchers.
• Planning and execution – ability to manage multiple research projects and priorities while maintaining scientific quality and timelines.

Salary

• Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

What the Role Offers

This position provides an opportunity to undertake and lead research within one of the world’s largest and most established eye care systems. The successful candidate will work in a unique environment combining high-volume clinical services, extensive community-based eye care programmes, training and capacity-building initiatives, and national and international partnerships.
The role offers the opportunity to generate research with direct relevance to healthcare delivery, contribute to the development and evaluation of innovative models of eye care, mentor a multidisciplinary research team, and produce evidence capable of influencing eye care programmes and policy in India and internationally.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• A current curriculum vitae;
• A brief cover letter outlining their relevant experience and interest in the position; and
• Details of relevant research experience and publications.

Applications should be submitted to: [hrd@aravind.org / R. Deepa]
Application deadline: 15 September 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussion and an interview.