Job Opening for Joint Executive Director for a Research Center in Saudi Arabia

Job Title

Joint Executive Director for a Research Center in Saudi Arabia

Overview

SRI International seeks candidates for an anticipated position to serve as a Joint Executive Director for a new, independent research center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The individual serving in this position will be responsible for the launch, build up and operation of the new research center. While operating collaboratively and sharing responsibilities with the Executive Director, the individual will provide expert advice and support to the Board of Directors on all facets of establishment and management of the center.

Responsibilities

• Start up and co-manage a research center located in Saudi Arabia.
• Provide expert advice on industry best practice in all areas of initiating, implementing, and managing a research center, including setting up of physical facilities, policies and procedures for human capital, development of research agendas, establishment of financial management processes, and facilitation of industry collaboration and any associated activity.
• Facilitate the physical facility build-up, including working with laboratory designers, physical facility contractors, internal fit-out providers, research equipment suppliers, and any associated authorities to develop a world-class laboratory.
• Conduct day-to-day operations of the research center with multiple coordinated research thrusts.
• Interact with and guide the management of the center, research staff, and all related human capital to meet programmatic performance goals.
• Apply industry best practice and intercultural competence to realize successful research agendas, including initiating and developing industry-driven research projects.
• Develop, adhere to, recommend and communicate reporting and operational requirements.
• Establish mutually beneficial partnerships between the research center and its funders, and other important stakeholders.
• Identify and initiate industrial partnerships to develop sustainable long-term funding sources.
• Identify and initiate academic and technology partnerships to expedite technology transfer to Saudi Arabia in areas relevant to the mission of the center.

Desired Experience

Eight years or more of experience in research center management activities required.  Fifteen years of total experience required, preferably related to research or research-related activities.  Experience/knowledge of research centers including industry partnerships and alternative funding streams, technology transfer and intellectual property rights and research faculty/staff interaction and management.

Must have research center/research-based business administration experience including business development, team leadership, strategic planning, center/business start up, data management, budgeting, human capital management, project management, marketing, performance benchmarking (KPIs), writing and public speaking.  

Excellent English language skills are required. 

Educational Qualifications

Masters or higher degree in any physical science, engineering, or technology management discipline preferred.  MBA w/ bachelor degree in any physical science, engineering, or technology management discipline accepted.  Exemptions will be made for exceptionally qualified applicants.

How to Apply

Candidates should send (i) a cover letter describing relevant experience, (ii) curriculum vitae, (iii) expected salary and benefits package to Michael Davis at michael.davis@sri.com    Applications close after a qualified individual has been hired.