2. Vice President for Research & Innovation

American University of Ras Al Khaimah; Ras Al Khaimah; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent higher education institution in Ras Al Khaimah is seeking a Vice President for Research & Innovation. The ideal candidate will have a doctoral degree and at least 15 years of leadership experience in research administration. Responsibilities include advancing the university's research agenda and securing funding. This role emphasizes interdisciplinary research and innovation to improve global rankings.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in research administration or innovation management.
• Extensive expertise in research techniques, practices, and governance frameworks.
• Proven track record in securing and managing large-scale research funding.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic leader responsible for advancing the research and innovation agenda.
• Drive institutional excellence by fostering interdisciplinary research and promoting innovation.
• Ensure the research delivers meaningful societal impact and positions the university as a hub for innovation.

Skills

Strategic planning and execution

Research funding and grant management

Innovation and technology transfer

Global ranking strategy and data analysis

Policy development and governance

Analytical, interpretative, and constructive thinking

Excellent communication and leadership skills

Stakeholder engagement and diplomacy

Education

Earned doctoral degree

Job description

Overview

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is an independent co-education institution of Higher Education with an integrated American-style undergraduate and graduate education. All programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and by the U.S. regional accreditation association, SACSCOC. AURAK emphasizes general education alongside disciplinary study and fosters critical thinking about local and global issues. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, AURAK values diversity, inclusiveness and cultural authenticity, and is an equal opportunities employer encouraging applications from qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age.

Responsibilities

Job Purpose & Responsibilities
The Vice President for Research & Innovation serves as a strategic leader responsible for advancing AURAK’s research and innovation agenda, with a primary focus on improving the university’s performance in global rankings. This role drives institutional excellence by fostering interdisciplinary research, promoting innovation and knowledge transfer, securing research funding, and aligning initiatives with national priorities and global trends. Through inclusive leadership and evidence-based policy engagement, the VP ensures that AURAK’s research delivers meaningful societal impact and positions the university as a regional and global hub for innovation.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications And Education
Earned doctoral degree in any discipline in which the post-holder may be eligible to have faculty rank at the level of full professor at the university.

Work Experience

• Minimum 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in research administration or innovation management in a medium to large public or private university.
• Extensive expertise in research techniques, practices, and governance frameworks.
• Proven track record in securing and managing large-scale research funding.
• Experience in global rankings, sustainability strategy, and academic–industry partnerships.

Required Knowledge And Skills

• Strategic planning and execution
• Research funding and grant management
• Innovation and technology transfer
• Global ranking strategy and data analysis
• Policy development and governance
• Analytical, interpretative, and constructive thinking
• Supervising and managing people
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Stakeholder engagement and diplomacy

Language Proficiency Required

• Language proficiency in speaking, reading and writing English.
• Proficiency in speaking, reading and writing Arabic is an asset.

Competencies

• Service Excellence
• Professional Ethics and Integrity
• Problem-solving
• Time Management
• Teamwork

Reporting Line

President

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