Research Section Head / Cultural & Tourism Entity

BLR WORLD; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural and tourism entity in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Research Section Head. In this managerial role, you will develop and manage academic research, oversee staff performance, and collaborate with key stakeholders. We are looking for an experienced curator with a strong background in research, excellent communication skills in Arabic and English, and a passion for museum studies.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in museum-related roles, strong research background.
• Extensive publications and university-level teaching experience needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee research section staff and manage performance.
• Develop and implement research strategies and partnerships.

Skills

Research Management

Communication in English and Arabic

Collaboration

Education

PhD or equivalent in Art History, Archaeology, or Museology

Graduation in Archaeology and Civilizations

Job description

Research Section Head // Cultural & Tourism Entity

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Job Openings: Research Section Head // Cultural & Tourism Entity

About the job: Research Section Head // Cultural & Tourism Entity

REPORTING TO: Director of Curatorial & Collection Management

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Research

INTERNAL LIASIONS: Liaising mainly with curatorial, collection management, education, and marketing/communications departments

EXTERNAL LIASIONS: Liaising with other cultural institutions and authorities, both nationally and internationally, including:

• Other museums or cultural institutions, especially French museum partners
• National institutions
• Academic institutions, local and international
• Third-party vendors and consultants

JOB OBJECTIVE: Working closely with the Director of Curatorial & Collection Management, the Research Section Head develops and manages academic research related to the museum, focusing on collection studies, conservation, museum studies, and translation studies. The role also involves advancing research on artwork material analysis and managing the resource center.

MANAGERIAL ROLE:

• Provide direction and manage the Research Section staff
• Supervise, train, and oversee staff performance in accordance with museum policies
• Ensure tasks are performed effectively and staff conduct aligns with policies
• Communicate decisions from the Museum, Directorate, and Department to staff
• Develop daily, weekly, and monthly plans aligned with departmental objectives
• Manage performance, career development, and KPIs for team members, in coordination with HR
• Define success metrics for research initiatives and analyze data to improve future projects
• Prepare performance reports for the Director of Curatorial & Collection Management
• Develop and manage the Research Section budget

ORGANIZATIONAL ROLE:

• Collaborate with the Director to develop strategic plans aligned with the museum’s vision and goals
• Establish department policies and procedures
• Review project proposals for time and funding requirements
• Foster collaborative relationships among department staff

FUNCTIONAL ROLE:

• Implement research strategies as per CCM Directorate
• Develop partnerships locally and internationally
• Promote research within the museum
• Manage the development and operation of the Resource Center, including the library, collection management system, and archives

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Develop and promote research activities in the museum
• Manage the development and implementation of the Resource Center and Laboratory
• Coordinate activities related to museum collections
• Communicate effectively in English and Arabic, both orally and in writing
• Initiate and conduct research and publication programs

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD or equivalent in Art History, Archaeology, or Museology
• Graduation in Archaeology and Civilizations
• International training or experience related to the field

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 8 years as a curator or in a museum-related role
• Strong research background with international experience
• Extensive publications, including peer-reviewed articles and essays
• Experience delivering public talks, lectures, and presentations internationally
• Several years of university-level teaching experience