Director, Research Excellence & Impact

Khalifa University; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UAE is seeking a Director for Research Excellence & Impact. This role involves strategically directing research initiatives, managing substantial budgets, and establishing partnerships with research institutions. Applicants should have extensive experience in research management, with a minimum of 14 years in relevant settings, including 5 years in senior management. The role emphasizes leadership and strategic planning to promote research excellence.

Qualifications

• 14 years of experience in research management, with 5 years in a senior managerial position.
• Experience in a research-awarding environment such as a funding agency or university.

Responsibilities

• Drive the formulation of the Department's strategy and business plans.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for Research Excellence & Impact.
• Develop and manage the Department's budgets.
• Direct and manage internal research funding programs.
• Establish relationships with international research institutions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Research Administration

Budget Management

Policy Development

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in related field

Job description

Job Purpose:

The Director, Research Excellence & Impact is responsible for directing the internally funded programs, through implementing leading practices in research contract management and risk mitigation.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Strategic Responsibilities

• Drive the formulation of the Department's strategy, as well as annual business plans.
• Develop the Department’s policies and procedures, adhering to the overall business objectives of the University, ensuring they promote leading practices and excellence.
• Develop and manage the Department’s budgets; monitor the performance of budgets and report back on a timely basis to ensure that divergences are addressed promptly.

Operational Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to the Research Excellence & Impact under the guidance of the Associate Provost for Research.
• Develop the policy governing the selection, development, and execution of world-class research programs according to the overall University strategy.
• Develop, implement and manage effective internal research funding program including budget and fund allocation mechanisms.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for managing and funding research institutes and centers.
• Develop, implement and manage research programs performance and monitoring mechanism covering the research cycle (sponsor satisfaction, faculty and researchers, outcomes, publications, etc.)
• Design and implement appropriate evaluation and quality assurance strategies.
• Direct and manage a Research Funding Manual that outlines internal funding opportunities for the faculty.
• Oversee the administration of internal research funding including: development and dissemination of requests for proposals, management of proposal submissions, coordination and support for review committees, and notification of awards.
• Monitor the performance of research programs and outcomes according to research metrics.
• Review funding agreements and negotiate with external sponsors to ensure compliance with set policies and procedures as well as risk management practices.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with regional and international research institution partners to implement best practices in research administration
• Provide advice to faculty and staff on all matters of Sponsored Research policies and procedures, codes of practice and related issues.
• Assist faculty in gaining support for research through early interactions with research sponsors. Direct research compliance activities, including welfare of human subjects and export control.
• Oversee inquiries related to research administration and arrange provide direct assistance to research faculty, administration and external parties.
• Monitor the relevant data and direct the preparation of internal and external reports and studies related to the department’s activities.
• Advise the research council and top management on progress, issues, risks, and lessons learned from existing and previous sponsored research agreements.
• Ensure the successful maintenance, dissemination, and utilization of the University's electronic research management system.
• Ensure adherence to the University's information security policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly.
• Ensure coordination with other departments to facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and responsibilities, as and when needed.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment and practice to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by Line Manager.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide coaching, guidance and mentoring as required to enhance the internal capabilities of the team and ensure the achievement of established objectives and plans.
• Recommend appropriate training courses as per the pre-determined training needs, evaluate their effectiveness, and monitor their results.
• Carry out performance appraisals for subordinates according to planned schedules and recommend necessary actions as per the applied practices.
• Conduct periodic meetings with subordinates to ensure that priorities are clear and workflow is running smoothly.
• Follow-up on employees' administrative affairs such as vacations, leaves and other administrative and related affairs.

Qualifications & Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree in related field, with experience working in a research-awarding environment such as a research funding agency, foundation or university internal funding function
• A minimum of 14 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified, of which 5 years should have been in a senior managerial position, preferably in higher education.