Senior Research Specialist

Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU); Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic health institution in Dubai is seeking a Senior Research Specialist to enhance research output through expert medical writing and support. In this role, you will guide researchers in developing manuscripts and grant applications, advise on research strategies, and contribute to training initiatives. The ideal candidate holds an MBBS, Master's, or PhD and has significant experience in academic medical writing. Join us to shape the future of health research in Dubai.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in research support or academic medical writing.
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and successful funding applications.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Guide researchers in developing high-quality manuscripts and grant applications.
• Act as lead advisor for researchers on project planning.
• Design and deliver workshops on scientific writing and publication ethics.

Skills

Medical writing expertise

Research support

Strong communication skills

Knowledge of clinical research methodology

Education

MBBS or Master’s degree or PhD

Tools

Reference management tools

Research databases

Job description

Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU; www.mbru.ac.ae) is part of the newly established Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC). DAHC seeks to strengthen Dubai as a global leader in health care, medical education, research, and scientific innovation, to enhance the capabilities of Dubai’s healthcare sector. DAHC is managing and operating all Dubai public hospitals, primary healthcare centers, specialized care centers, Dubai Dental Hospital; Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, MBRU and Al Jalila Research Foundation.

Job Title: Senior Research Specialist – Medical Writing Support

Department:

Research and Graduate Studies-MBRU

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Research Specialist with a focus on medical writing to support and strengthen Dubai Health research output. This role combines advanced medical writing expertise with strategic research support responsibilities to guide investigators in the development of manuscripts, grant applications, and research proposals, while also contributing to the broader development and implementation of the Dubai Health Discovery Strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Medical Writing and Editorial Support

• Guide researchers in developing high-quality manuscripts, grant applications, protocols, and research proposals.
• Provide in-depth scientific and editorial review, ensuring clarity, logic, coherence, and adherence to target journal or funding body requirements.
• Edit and proofread research outputs for language, formatting, referencing, and compliance.
• Advise on journal selection and manuscript submission strategies.
• Stay updated with trends in scientific publishing, funder priorities, and ethical writing practices.

1. Senior-Level Research Support

• Act as a lead advisor for researchers, offering strategic guidance on research design and project planning.
• Review and provide feedback on study protocols, IRB submissions, and ethics documentation as needed.
• Support grant strategy development, helping researchers align their work with institutional and funding priorities.
• Provide one-on-one consultations, coaching, and mentoring for junior researchers or research assistants.

1. Capacity Building and Leadership

• Design and deliver workshops, seminars, and training modules on scientific writing, grant preparation, publication ethics, and effective communication of research.
• Develop writing toolkits, templates, and institutional resources to improve efficiency and quality in research outputs.
• Contribute to the formulation of institutional policies and guidelines related to research writing and publication.
• Promote a culture of research integrity and continuous professional development.

1. Project and Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support multidisciplinary research initiatives.
• Lead or support special projects aimed at enhancing institutional research capacity and output.
• Track, analyze, and report on KPIs related to research writing support.

Qualifications:

• MBBS or Master’s degree or PhD in a biomedical, health sciences, or scientific writing-related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in research support or academic medical writing.
• Proven track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications and successful research funding applications.
• Strong knowledge of clinical research methodology, research ethics, and publication standards.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in reference management tools, research databases, and manuscript submission systems.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

• Certification in medical writing or grant writing.
• Experience in leading research support services within an academic or hospital setting.
• Familiarity with clinical trial regulations, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and IRB processes.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional collaborations.
• Experience with digital tools for remote collaboration and delivering virtual training
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment
• Experience and knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI tools in research, with the ability to provide training on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance research efficiency, literature review, and medical writing processes, staying abreast of emerging AI applications in scientific communication