Dean, Scientific Research and Innovation

Job Posting Number: [UDH270]

About the University of Al Dhaid (UODH):
The UODH is strategically located in the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates a hub of academic excellence and innovation. As the UAE’s “Cultural Capital,” Sharjah offers a vibrant ecosystem of universities and research institutions, fostering intellectual growth and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university was founded with a strategic vision to support the development of vital national sectors and to meet the evolving demands of the local and regional labor markets. The university is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Dean of Scientific Research and Innovation.

Position Summary:
The Dean of Scientific Research and Innovation will lead the UoDH’s research transformation in alignment with the UAE’s National Strategy for Advanced Sciences and Sustainable Development Goals, establishing UoDH as a recognized center for applied, high-impact innovation in the region. The Dean will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive research strategy aligned with the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy, Vision 2031, and Sharjah’s ambitions for a knowledge-based economy. A key focus will be on securing industry grants, promoting joint research initiatives with industrial partners, and fostering innovation in key areas including sustainable agriculture, veterinary medicine, emerging smart information technologies, and entrepreneurship.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership:
   • Develop and implement a comprehensive research and innovation strategy aligned with UODH's mission and industry needs.
   • Drive strategic planning and provide guidance across academic and research programs, fostering new and interdisciplinary research initiatives and collaborations.
   • Manage the research enterprise within the university, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with federal, sponsor, and university policies.
2. Industry Partnerships and Funding:
   • Cultivate strong relationships with industry partners to secure research grants and funding opportunities.
   • Facilitate and promote joint research projects between UODH and industry stakeholders.
   • Develop and maintain a network of industry contacts to support research commercialization and knowledge transfer.
3. Research Alliances:
   • Foster strategic partnerships with global universities and research institutes.
   • Lead applications for international research consortia and funding schemes (e.g., Horizon Europe, UNDP grants).
4. Research Focus Area:
   • Oversee and promote research in agriculture, veterinary medicine, emerging smart information technologies, and entrepreneurship.
   • Ensure high standards in research outputs, external grant income generation, and research impact in these focus areas.
5. Student Research:
   • Enhance research among undergraduate and graduate students.
   • Develop and implement programs to foster student engagement in scientific research projects.
6. Research Capacity Building:
   • Design programs to mentor junior faculty.
   • Establish workshops on grant writing, research design, and publishing.
   • Advocate for policies that support protected time for research.
7. Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
   • Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the university.
   • Facilitate the translation of research outcomes into commercial applications and societal benefits.
8. Research Governance Oversight:
   • Ensure research activities comply with ethical standards and international best practices.
   • Oversee institutional review boards and research ethics committees.
   • Develop policies for research misconduct, authorship, and data governance.
9. Research Infrastructure Development:
   • Develop research infrastructure and facilities that support cutting-edge scientific research and innovation in the focus areas.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

To ensure strategic impact and measurable success, the Dean is expected to meet the following performance benchmarks:

• Annual increase in external research funding and industry-sponsored projects
• Growth in the number of peer-reviewed publications and research citations
• Number of patents filed, licenses issued, or spin-off/startup companies launched
• Number of interdisciplinary and international research collaborations initiated
• Student participation rate in funded research projects
• Research output aligned with UAE strategic priorities (e.g., food security, climate tech)
• Success rate in national or regional grant applications (e.g., ASPIRE, ADEK)

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant scientific field.
• Proven track record of securing industry funding and managing large-scale research projects.
• Demonstrated experience in fostering academia-industry partnerships.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide research teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Comprehensive understanding of research commercialization and knowledge transfer processes.
• Expertise in one or more of the focus areas: agriculture, veterinary medicine, emerging smart information technologies, or entrepreneurship.