End Date: 18 Apr 2025
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 to continue fulfilling QF’s vision of unlocking human potential. HBKU is a homegrown research and graduate studies University that acts as a catalyst for positive transformation in Qatar and the region while having a global impact.
The Neurological Disorders Research Center (NDRC) at QBRI focuses on research in neurological disorders of high prevalence in Qatar and the pan-Arabic region, to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism for diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. These disorders are diverse and range from neurodevelopmental diseases, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and epilepsy, to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).
The key vision of the NDRC is to develop an international center of excellence from basic to applied research in neurological disorders and establish strong partnerships with existing academic research groups, government research funding agencies, and the healthcare sector.
HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) is inviting applications for the position of Scientific Director for the Neurological Disorders Research Center. The successful candidate will provide overall leadership in research project management, infrastructure development, strategic planning, and scientific investigations related to neurological disorder research.
- Develop a master plan and implementation approach for 5 and 10 years and provide recommendations on the niche areas of Neurological disorder research for QBRI.
- Prepare and lead the implementation of the annual budget and business plan for the Neurological Disorder Research Centre at QBRI to ensure the achievement of its strategic objectives.
- Develop and implement Project Management activities, programs, and initiatives for setting up the Centre's infrastructure and laboratory facilities to ensure the achievement of set project targets.
- Lead and develop a team of scientists and researchers to conceive new methods, demonstrate clinical feasibility, and help deliver new and relevant solutions to high-priority areas in Neurological Disorder research.
- Liaise with HBKU entities on required support, including but not limited to budget and other project resources to ensure timelines, quality, and budget targets are met to deliver program objectives.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for the safe conduct, compliance, and regulatory issues of scientific research in biomedical research.
- Develop research communication and multidisciplinary research programs with synergies to ongoing research to achieve an international standard for science and research activities.
- Provide support and advice to other researchers at the Neurological Disorder Research Centre to ensure they achieve their research potential.
- Proactively develop collaborative relationships with existing research partners in Education City, other research institutions, pharmaceutical partners, government officials, and religious leaders to ensure the Neurological Disorder Research Centre's input on research ethics, policy, and local regulations.
- Establish relationships with international research institutions to perform an independent assessment of the Neurological Disorder Research Centre's scientific research activities.
- Identify, recruit, develop, and motivate a team of Scientists to carry out research for approved programs by the QBRI vision and mission.
- Oversee and/or actively participate in basic and applied research at the Neurological Disorder Research Centre to ensure the Centre achieves its mandate and capacity-building program targets.
- Conceptualize and undertake activities to seek and secure external funding for research activities to complement resources and funding by HBKU.
- Prepare progress reports to update HBKU Research Division and cross-functional teams on project and Centre performance, activities, etc., and identify and recommend improvements.
- Other reasonable tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
- PhD degree in Biomedical/Life sciences or other relevant field of study.
- 15 years of relevant full-time work experience, 5 of which in a senior research leadership position.
- Strong working knowledge of clinical, medical & biomedical research focusing on Neurological Disorders.
- Proven and internationally recognized track record in managing research Centres, with knowledge of research tools, procedures protocols, and technologies for biomedical research.
- Strategic thinker and ability to conceptualize ideas through detailed master plans.
- Project management experience with the ability to manage budgets and implement change.
- Process-oriented and metrics-driven in managing administrative functions.
- Strong leadership, people management, collaboration, team building, and development skills.
- Philosophy and reputation for thriving in a highly diverse, multicultural environment.
- Ability to raise funds for research work and programs.
- Superior knowledge of biomedical trends and research and development.
- Outstanding knowledge of FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and other local and international regulations for biomedical devices, drug development, and clinical studies.
- 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 an advantage.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications.
To apply, please follow this link
Additional documents may be solicited from short-listed candidates.
Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
HBKU offers an attractive compensation package that includes a tax-free salary and additional benefits such as an accommodation allowance, annual paid leave, and medical insurance.
Hamad Bin Khalifa University is an equal opportunity educator and employer. We are committed to maintaining a culturally and academically diverse staff of the highest caliber.