Manager Research Systems

Khalifa University; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Abu Dhabi seeks a Research Systems Manager to oversee data management and enhance research administration. The ideal candidate will lead a team, develop strategic initiatives, and foster collaboration across departments. Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 12 years of experience, including supervisory roles. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring data integrity and supporting R&D efforts through efficient management of research systems and compliance with university policies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of experience in relevant fields.
• 2+ years managing direct reports.
• 3+ years in higher education or related context.

Responsibilities

• Manage research systems and data for R&D division.
• Develop Department's strategy and policies.
• Facilitate audit information for research activities.

Skills

Project management

Data management

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Finance, or Management

Job description

Overview

Job Purpose: Serves as the KU expert in research systems, as core business tools used for electronic research administration (eRA). Responsible for project management of system integrations and data migrations that impact R&D continuity and support thereof. Acts as point of contact for data enablement projects and mandates involving research systems. Manages a team and drives the operational unit in continuous improvement of the systems used for eRA and enhancing end-user experience.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Strategic Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of the Department's strategy, as well as annual KPI plans.
• Contribute to the development of the Department's policies and procedures, in line with the overall research objectives of the University, ensuring they promote leading practices and excellence.
• Contribute to the development of the Department’s budgets in relation to prospective funding program requirements

Operational Responsibilities:

• Analyze, prepare and organize data across the R&D division, including but not limited to external and internal sponsored projects’ activities (proposals; awards; ethics applications and research protocol approvals; faculty and researcher effort; research resources, etc.).
• Manage research systems, serving as the data management liaison for R&D Division.
• Work with systems vendors to implement change orders and integrations as needed
• Responsible for facilitating institutional data feeds to and from systems that have touch points with research systems
• Represent the Research division on various technology committees, including participation in data enablement projects led by external entities
• In close coordination with other R&D units, ensure the integrity, accuracy, organization, and completeness of university sponsored projects data records in research systems.
• Facilitate necessary information for internal and external audit of research activities, as needed
• Collaborate with all R&D units, Libraries, General Counsel, and other KU units as needed for developing, delivering and maintaining informational and training modules related to system use
• Manage institutional logins for sponsor portals, in coordination with Research Development, Research Operations, and other units/authorized signatories as needed.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures regarding sponsored project data integrity and records retention, in close collaboration with Directors of all R&D units and IT/Ankabut.
• Adhere to the University's information security and confidentiality policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly
• Coordinate 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 the 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, preferably in Statistics, Finance or Management subjects, with experience working in a research-awarding environment such as a research funding agency, foundation or university internal funding function.
• A minimum 12 years of experience, with 2+ years managing direct reports and 3+ years of experience in higher education, government, non-profit, hospital, sponsor agency, or eRA software vendor context.