Executive Director

Employment; Doha; On-site; QAR 910,000 - 1,311,000; Full time

Job summary

The Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership in computer science and artificial intelligence, guiding research direction and global impact for Qatar and the region. Preference will be given to candidates with an uninterrupted research track record.

The role oversees the institute’s budget, recruitment, and mentorship, and builds partnerships with HBKU, Qatar Foundation, universities, industry partners, and global tech collaborators to

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science or related field with international record of research excellence.
• Extensive progressive experience in research, tech development and large programs.
• Proven ability to build, lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of national/international AI policies and ethics.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement; Arabic is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic research direction aligned with national priorities.
• Provide scientific and organizational leadership to advance QCRI's mission.
• Lead interdisciplinary, mission-driven programs addressing global challenges.
• Build partnerships with industry, government, academia and tech organizations.
• Expand external funding and drive research impact.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor researchers; foster local talent.

Skills

Leadership

Research leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Arabic language

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Job Purpose QCRI is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic and visionary leadership in high-priority areas of computer science and artificial intelligence. Preference will be given to candidates with a clear, uninterrupted, and active research track record in computing-related disciplines, along with a strong awareness of emerging developments in AI. The Executive Director is responsible for advancing QCRI’s research excellence, innovation, and global impact. This includes setting the institute’s strategic research direction, fostering a dynamic and collaborative research environment, securing diverse funding sources, and strengthening partnerships with leading universities, research centers, industry partners, and global technology companies. The Executive Director oversees the institute’s budget, recruitment, and mentorship activities.

Job Description The Executive Director should articulate a clear and compelling vision that leverages emerging global trends while capitalizing on strategic opportunities in Qatar and the broader region. The Executive Director is expected to:

• Develop and implement a research strategy aligned with HBKU, Qatar Foundation, national priorities, and global scientific opportunities.
• Provide scientific and organizational leadership to advance QCRI’s mission and research excellence.
• Lead interdisciplinary, mission-driven research programs that address national and global challenges.
• Build strategic partnerships with industry, government, academia, and leading global technology organizations.
• Strengthen QCRI’s international reputation through scientific leadership, collaborations, and major research initiatives.
• Drive research impact through publications, technologies, platforms, products, and contributions to policy and practice.
• Expand external funding and strategic investments to support research growth and sustainability.
• Promote and lead collaboration across HBKU, Qatar Foundation, and external partners to maximize research and innovation impact.
• Recruit, develop, and retain outstanding researchers and promote a high-performance research culture.
• Mentor and support the development of early-career researchers and emerging scientific leaders, with particular emphasis on building local research talent.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience Ph. D. in Computer Science or a closely related field, with an internationally recognized record of research excellence and scientific impact. Extensive progressive experience in research and technology development and in overseeing large-scale programs and teams. Demonstrated experience in leading and managing research, innovation, and technology development projects. Proven ability to build, lead, mentor, and motivate high-performing multidisciplinary research teams. Strong understanding of national and international frameworks, policies, and ethical considerations related to computing, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills; proficiency in Arabic is an advantage.