100000005517.Research Lead

Qatar Foundation International; Doha; On-site; QAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Qatar Foundation International is seeking a senior research leader to guide the Center’s agenda in Islamic studies. You will supervise a research team, plan annual themes, ensure high-quality outputs, and build global academic partnerships.

The role requires strong English writing, Arabic proficiency, and a track record of scholarly publications. You will mentor junior researchers and represent the center at international and local forums, promoting rigor and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Islamic Studies, Theology or Social Sciences; PhD preferred.
• 6–8 years of full-time work experience, with at least 2 in supervision.
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals and scholarly activity.
• Strong independent research and writing skills.
• Excellent English writing and verbal communication for diverse audiences.
• Arabic proficiency is essential; classical Arabic preferred; spoken Arabic desirable.
• Proficiency with MS Office, databases, and digital research tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Center’s research agenda aligned with priorities.
• Supervise the research team and organize research tasks.
• Plan annual research themes, initiatives, and outputs.
• Ensure quality, relevance, and impact of research efforts.
• Drive high-impact Islamic studies research and scholarly contributions.
• Mentor research staff, fellows, and junior researchers.
• Foster collaborative, high-performance research culture.
• Provide guidance across projects and strategic partnerships.
• Represent the Centre at forums and disseminate findings.
• Seek and manage partnerships with universities and think tanks.
• Support grant applications and funding opportunities.
• Coordinate with internal teams to integrate outputs into programs.
• Ensure ethical compliance and publication standards.

Skills

Research Leadership

Academic Writing

Public Speaking

Mentoring

Arabic Proficiency

MS Office

Digital Research Tools

Education

Bachelor in Islamic Studies

PhD preferred

Tools

MS Office

Academic databases

Research tools

Job description

Key Result Areas:

• Develop and implement the Center’s research agenda aligned with institutional priorities
• Supervise the research team in organizing and completing research tasks.
• Develop annual planning of research themes, initiatives, and outputs.
• Verify overall quality, relevance, and impact of research initiatives.
• Research and drive original, high-impact research in Islamic studies that deepens Al-Mujadilah’s intellectual mission and builds our local and international intellectual community.
• Adhere to academic rigor, ethical compliance, and publication standards.
• Develop innovative research initiatives, translating Al-Mujadilah’s strategic vision into dynamic programs to benefit our communities.
• Mentor, and coach research staff, fellows, and junior researchers.
• Facilitate a collaborative and high-performance research culture.
• Advise and provide technical and intellectual guidance across projects.
• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions and think tanks worldwide, fostering collaborative inquiry and meaningful knowledge exchange.
• Represent the Centre with distinction at internal and external forums, presenting research findings to academic, professional, and public audiences with clarity and conviction.
• Implement dissemination of research through publications, social media and events.
• Supervise research initiatives, planning, and utilization of non-staff and project funds.
• Follow-up on coordination of research operations, initiatives, events, and logistics.
• Facilitate grant applications and funding opportunities.
• Facilitate Collaboration with internal teams to integrate research outputs into programs and initiatives.
• Advise on evidence-based decision-making and institutional learning.
• Other reasonable tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Islamic Studies, Theology, or Social Sciences, (PhD is preferred).
• 6-8 years of relevant full-time work experience, 2 of which are at a supervisory level. Institutional leadership experience is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and contributions to the scholarly literature in Islamic studies.
• Strong research skills and the ability to work independently.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to produce compelling scholarly outputs, research reports, and presentations for both academic and general audiences.
• Excellent supervisory and mentorship skills, with a genuine commitment to developing early-career researchers and fostering a collaborative, intellectually stimulating research environment.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to draft and edit a variety of written reports and communications and to articulate ideas clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in Arabic is essential; command of classical Arabic is required, Fluency in spoken Arabic is highly desirable..
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, academic research databases, and relevant digital research tools.