24. Vice President for Research & Innovation

American University of Ras Al Khaimah; Ras Al Khaimah; On-site; AED 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UAE university is looking for a Vice President for Research & Innovation to enhance its research agenda and global rankings. This role involves driving excellence, fostering interdisciplinary research, and securing funding while ensuring societal impact and alignment with national priorities. The ideal candidate will possess a doctorate, over 15 years of managerial experience, strategic planning skills, and effective communication abilities. Arabic proficiency is a plus.

Qualifications

• Earned doctoral degree in a relevant field eligible for faculty rank.
• Minimum of 15+ years in research administration or innovation management.

Responsibilities

• Advance AURAK's research and innovation agenda.
• Improve university performance in global rankings.
• Drive institutional excellence through interdisciplinary research.
• Promote innovation and knowledge transfer.
• Secure research funding for initiatives.

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

Education

Earned doctoral degree

Job description

Vice President for Research & Innovation

AURAK is seeking a strategic leader to advance its research and innovation agenda, focusing on improving global rankings, fostering interdisciplinary research, and securing research funding.

American University of Ras Al Khaimah

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is an independent co‑education institution of higher education located in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. AURAK offers an integrated American‑style undergraduate and graduate education that is accredited by the Ministry of Education of the UAE and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The university values diversity, inclusiveness, and cultural authenticity and is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

General Information About Institution

AURAK is a young and rapidly growing university. Its location in Ras Al Khaimah provides students with diverse landscapes, from white sandy beaches to the majestic Hajjar Mountains. AURAK encourages applications from all qualified applicants irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age.

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 And Education

Earned doctoral degree in any discipline in which the post‑holder may be eligible to have faculty rank at 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