Job Title

Director – Research and Innovation, Muscat University

Job Summary

The Director of Research and Innovation is a key leadership position responsible for driving the research and innovation agenda of the university. The Director will be responsible for overseeing the entire research enterprise at the university, including the development and implementation of strategies to increase research funding, the support of faculty research and creative activity, the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of partnerships with external organizations.

The Director will work closely with the university’s research community to identify areas of strategic importance and to foster an environment that supports and encourages innovative research. The Director will also be responsible for promoting the university’s research and innovation capabilities to external stakeholders, including government agencies, industry partners, and other funding organizations.

The Director will be responsible for managing the budget and resources of the university’s research and innovation activities, including the development of new funding proposals and the oversight of grant awards. The Director will also work with the university’s research community to develop and implement policies and procedures that support the responsible conduct of research and the protection of intellectual property.

The Director will be expected to have a strong track record of research and leadership experience, with a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant field. The Director will be an excellent communicator and will be able to work effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and external partners. The Director will be expected to serve as a spokesperson for the university’s research and innovation efforts and will be responsible for representing the university at local, regional, national, and international conferences and meetings.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The University Director of Research and Innovation is responsible for leading and managing the research and innovation efforts at a university. They work to promote a culture of research and innovation within the university and to facilitate the development of new technologies, products, and services that have the potential to benefit society.

• Develop and implement strategies and policies related to research and innovation at the university
• Foster partnerships with external organizations, including industry, government agencies, and other universities, to support research and innovation initiatives
• Promote the university’s research and innovation capabilities to external stakeholders and facilitate the transfer of technology and knowledge to the marketplace
• Support faculty and students in their research and innovation activities, including providing guidance on grant-writing and funding opportunities
• Oversee the administration of research and innovation funding and resources, including budgeting and financial planning
• Collaborate with other departments and divisions within the university to ensure that research and innovation efforts are aligned with the university’s overall mission and goals
• Establish of and Lead the University Research Center and provide oversight over future Faculty/field-specific Research Centers.
• Lead on the preparedness and planning of the University’s portfolio of requirements to be listed in the QS ranking.

Person specification:

• Demonstrated experience in research and innovation, including a strong track record of publications and grant funding
• Experience in Administrative duties and responsibilities at a Senior Level.
• Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to oversee and motivate teams of researchers and innovators
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and implement effective strategies and policies.

Education/Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field