Principal Researcher

Dubai Careers - A Smart Dubai Initiative; Dubai; On-site; AED 223,000 - 391,000; Full time

Job summary

Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government seeks an experienced researcher to lead original research projects, conduct fieldwork, and develop policy briefs. You will map policies, publish reports, supervise junior researchers, and engage with government officials and external partners.

The role requires a Master’s degree or higher and 5+ years in research, with a strong track record in academic writing and policy analysis. This on-site role is based in Dubai, UAE.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a related field.
• 5+ years' experience in research.
• Experience in academic research and publications.
• Experience in policy advisory and government-facing work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage original research projects by preparing, setting up, conducting primary fieldwork.
• Plan research projects and monitoring progress – organize project meetings, document progress, ensure ethical research conduct, and timely progress reports.
• Collect data, analyze results, conduct policy mapping, extract policy recommendations and author research reports and publications.
• Formulate policy recommendations and write policy briefs and reports.
• Supervise junior researchers and assist students' research under supervision of senior researchers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners and stakeholders.
• Present research findings at internal and external events and conferences.
• Co-organize research events and contribute to policy discussions with government officials.

Skills

Research management

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Academic writing

Education

Master's degree or higher in a related field

Job description

Job Description

Key Duties and Responsibility

• Develop and manage original research projects by preparing, setting up, conducting primary fieldwork.
• Plan research projects and monitoring progress - organize project meetings, document progress, ensure the implementation or proper ethical research conduct, and ensure timely progress reports.
• Collect data, analyze and interpret the results of own research, conduct policy mapping, extract policy recommendations and author a spectrum of research reports and academic publications.
• Formulate policy recommendations and write policy briefs, research reports and other publications.
• Supervise junior research staff and assist students' research in academic degrees where relevant, under supervision of senior researchers.
• Support in identifying sources for research funding, in coordination with head of the department.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners and stakeholders.
• Present research findings at internal and external conferences, seminars, and other events.
• Co-organize and run research events and forums related to area of expertise.
• Contribute to issue-focused meetings and policy discussions with government officials, policy makers, and/or academics in their area of expertise.
• Contribute to academic and executive education, content development and delivery, as well as taking part in policy advisory.
• Assist with content development and delivery on the post-graduate programs, as appropriate.
• Make positive contributions to their professional field and the wider community.

Qualifications

Master's degree or higher in a related field.

Experience

5+ years' experience in research and possessing sufficient knowledge in discipline.

Job Category

Educational

Advertiser

Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government

Required Nationality

UAE Only

Monthly Salary

Unspecified

Schedule-Time

Full time

Job Posting

07/09/2026

Unposting Date

31/10/2026