91原创

1. JOB DETAILS:

Position Title: Director of Research  
Reports to: Vice Chancellor
Department: Research
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Grade: F1
Prepared / Revised on: June, 2024

2. JOB PURPOSE / ROLE:
In collaboration with Head of Research Institutes, lead and manage SUAD research initiatives, driving strategic partnerships and fostering innovation. Support management in sourcing and securing partnerships, as well as raising funds for research projects and activities. Effectively manage reporting functions while providing guidance and mentorship to advance the research field.

3. JOB DIMENSIONS
Number of Staff Supervised:    Direct Reports:    3
                                                 Total:    3

Key Priority and Key Activities

Strategy:   

• In collaboration with Head of Research Institutes, develop and implement a comprehensive research strategy aligned with the university鈥檚 goals and objectives.
• 鈥嬧�嬧�嬧�嬧�嬧�嬧�婼et an overall direction and vision for the reporting functions through developing long-term strategy for the division and its discipline(s) in line with SUAD鈥檚 strategic objectives and educational standards. 
• Make strategic decisions about the research priorities and partnerships.

Leadership: 

•  Provide leadership to the reporting functions by setting and directing on the vision and missions of the University. 
• Represent the Research Division on relevant committees and councils in order to ensure appropriate governance and progress at SUAD.
• Ensure that all direct reports are aware of what they are required to achieve and how they are performing against their objectives.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Division providing guidance, encouraging teamwork and facilitating professional work processes in order to achieve high performance standards.

Research Activities 

• Lead and oversee all research activities within SUAD, including setting research priorities, allocating resources, and ensuring the timely completion of projects.
•  In collaboration with the Heads of Research Institutes, manage the existing Research Institutes and research labs, and establish new ones to foster interdisciplinary, transnational, and collaborative research.
•  Initiate and lead innovative research projects, resulting in the creation of innovation incubators and the rollout of entrepreneurship initiatives.
• Establish a 鈥淕uichet Unique鈥� consultancy service to streamline research support and collaboration.
• Enhance research-led teaching by integrating research-informed content into the curricula.
• Develop research projects focused on sustainability and the achievement of the UN SDGs.
• Promote, implement and support Open Science practices, ensuring that research is conducted in a transparent, accessible, and reproducible manner.
• Actively promote and facilitate pluridisciplinary research projects by fostering collaboration across various departments and fields.
• Supervise undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral research students, assisting in the development of their research skills and ensuring they meet the research requirements for their degrees.
• Provide comprehensive assistance and resources to faculty and researchers throughout the various stages of their research process.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive program of training and awareness sessions designed to enhance the research capabilities of faculty members.
• Work closely with the Communication Department to develop a comprehensive communication plan that effectively promotes and disseminates information about SUAD鈥檚 research activities.

Publications 

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for publishing research findings in high-impact journals and other reputable platforms.
• Create and execute strategies for effective dissemination of research findings, including through national and international conferences, seminars, and online platforms (blogs, podcasts, webinars, etc.).
• In collaboration with the Library, leverage and enhance the existing research repository. 
• Provide training and mentorship to research-active faculty on best practices in scientific writing, publication ethics, and effective dissemination strategies.
• Ensure all publications and dissemination activities comply with ethical standards and institutional policies.

Partnerships & Innovation 

• Identify potential partnerships with organizations and institutions to support collaborative, innovative research projects and research transfer.
• Pursue strategic alliances with key stakeholders, including industry partners, academic institutions, and government agencies.
• Cultivate partnerships to enhance funding prospects and foster collaborative research opportunities.

Research Funding & Revenue 

• Create and execute strategic plans to secure research funding from various sources, including government agencies, private foundations, and industry partners.
• Identify appropriate sources of funding and prepare research proposals in order to obtain the financial support needed for the research project.
• Develop and manage research budgets, monitor and report on the financial performance of research projects, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to funding requirements.
• Promote the commercialization of research findings. Identify potential for intellectual property development and licensing and collaborate with industry partners to generate revenue from research outputs.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of high-quality grant proposals and funding applications.
• Provide guidance and support to researchers in grant writing and funding acquisition. 

People Management 

• Manage all direct reports effectively as a Line manager.
• Recruit, train and retain qualified team members, conduct performance evaluations, provide mentoring and professional development opportunities.
• Provide ongoing formal and informal feedback and appraisal in order to maximize subordinate and functions performance and resolve any issues or conflicts that may arise among employees. 
• Foster a positive and inclusive working environment that encourages professional development and growth.

Budgeting 

• Collaborate with Finance Department to develop an annual budget that aligns with the division goals, priorities, and strategic objectives.
• Oversee the allocation of financial resources within the department, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently and effectively to support key activities.
• Monitor the divisional expenditures throughout the fiscal year and take proactive measures to control costs, address budgetary discrepancies, and reallocate resources as needed.
• Provide regular reports with accurate data required to build the organization wide budget and assessment of its utilization.

Policies and Procedures 

• Follow SUAD policies, processes, standard operating procedures, and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.

Related Assignments 

• Perform other related duties or assignments as directed by the Line Manager.

5. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:
Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field.

Minimum Experience:

• 10 years+ of research experience in higher education sector with a strong publication record in high-impact journals.

Job-Specific Skills:

• Proven experience in a senior research leadership role, preferably in an academic or research institution.
• Demonstrated success in securing research funding from diverse sources, including grants, industry partnerships, and government agencies.
• Experience in managing and developing research teams and projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in scientific writing and presentation.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in research management, funding, and dissemination.
• Knowledge of the higher education sector and related policies in Abu Dhabi or French Higher education system
•  Leadership and Management skills.
• Strong strategic planning and organizational skills.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making.
• Languages: English and French is mandatory; Arabic is an added value.