Vice President for Research & Innovation

American University of Ras Al Khaimah; Ras Al Khaimah; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UAE is seeking a Vice President for Research & Innovation to enhance research performance and rankings. The ideal candidate will have a doctoral degree and over 15 years of leadership experience in research administration. Key responsibilities include fostering research initiatives, securing funding, and driving innovation strategies. Fluency in English is required, with Arabic proficiency as an asset. Join a dynamic and inclusive environment as a strategic leader.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in research administration or innovation management.
• Proven track record in securing and managing large-scale research funding.
• Experience in global rankings, sustainability strategy, and academic-industry partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Advance AURAK’s research and innovation agenda.
• Foster interdisciplinary research and knowledge transfer.
• Secure research funding and align initiatives with national priorities.

Skills

Strategic planning and execution

Research funding and grant management

Innovation and technology transfer

Global ranking strategy and data analysis

Policy development and governance

Analytical, interpretative, and constructive thinking

Supervising and managing people

Excellent communication and leadership skills

Stakeholder engagement and diplomacy

Education

Earned doctoral degree

Job description

Vice President for Research & Innovation

American University of Ras Al Khaimah

General Information About Institution

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is an independent co-education institution of Higher Education that provides an integrated American-style undergraduate and graduate education. All programs are accredited by the Ministry of Education of the UAE; additionally, it is accredited by the U.S. regional accreditation association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The American model of higher education ensures not only skills in specific academic fields, but also a general education curriculum that exposes students to new ideas and ways of thinking critically about local and global issues. AURAK is a young and rapidly growing university. AURAK is located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the Northern Emirates and a rapidly growing region. The beauty of Ras Al Khaimah is reflected in its traditions and diverse landscapes — its white sandy beaches, the majestic Hajjar Mountains, the expansive desert and its sands dunes, and the many historical sites.

AURAK values diversity, inclusiveness and cultural authenticity where all individuals are treated based on their merits and abilities. AURAK is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all qualified applicants irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age.

Job Purpose & Responsibilities

The Vice President for Research & Innovation serves as a strategic leader responsible for advancing AURAK’s research and innovation agenda, with a primary focus on improving the university’s performance in global rankings. This role drives institutional excellence by fostering interdisciplinary research, promoting innovation and knowledge transfer, securing research funding, and aligning initiatives with national priorities and global trends. Through inclusive leadership and evidence-based policy engagement, the VP ensures that AURAK’s research delivers meaningful societal impact and positions the university as a regional and global hub for innovation.

Minimum Qualifications and Education

Earned doctoral degree in any discipline in which the post-holder may be eligible to have faculty rank at level of full professor at the university.

Work Experience

• Minimum 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in research administration or innovation management in a medium to large public or private university.
• Extensive expertise in research techniques, practices, and governance frameworks.
• Proven track record in securing and managing large-scale research funding.
• Experience in global rankings, sustainability strategy, and academic-industry partnerships.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Strategic planning and execution
• Research funding and grant management
• Innovation and technology transfer
• Global ranking strategy and data analysis
• Policy development and governance
• Analytical, interpretative, and constructive thinking
• Supervising and managing people
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Stakeholder engagement and diplomacy

Language Proficiency Required

• Language proficiency in speaking, reading and writing English.
• Proficiency in speaking, reading and writing Arabic is an asset.

Competencies

• Service Excellence
• Professional Ethics and Integrity
• Problem-solving
• Time Management
• Teamwork

Reporting Line

President