• Develop and lead a strategic vision for interdisciplinary applied research and innovation under the Multiversity Framework to address local, community, and regional priorities 
• Establish rigorous applied-research frameworks that move projects from problem framing and field research through prototyping, validation, and policy/practice-oriented or materials-based outputs
• Design, curate, and oversee interdisciplinary applied research programs, cohorts, and project cycles that integrate systems thinking, human-centered design, data-informed inquiry, and translational research methodologies
• Build and steward strategic partnerships with local industry, government entities, NGOs, and international organizations to source real-world challenge statements, co-design projects, and support implementation pathways
• Cultivate an active advisory network of industry leaders, policy experts, entrepreneurs, and researchers to inform Lab priorities and ensure market, policy, and societal relevance
• Design student engagement models that embed interdisciplinary teamwork, research mentorship, professional skill development, and innovation practice into all Lab activities
• Serve as a liaison between the Practical Knowledge Practice, Education City Higher Education Institutions (EC-HEIs), and external stakeholders, representing QF effectively in various forums
• Lead, mentor, and inspire staff, interns, and student teams to cultivate a culture of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and applied research within the Practical Knowledge Lab and across academic programming 
• Oversee the planning and administration of Multiversity Grants to encourage cross-institutional research collaborations to address academic matters (e.g. pedagogy, faculty excellence development, internationalization of the curriculum, etc.) with an evidence gap and timely relevance
• Manage the budget allocation for applied research and grants to ensure funds are distributed and utilized according to approved project plans
• Guide project teams through all stages of innovation and research, ensuring timely delivery within scope, resources and budget
• Develop metrics to evaluate the broader impact of funded projects on the academic community and society, ensuring alignment with QF strategic and Qatar’s national priorities
• Lead dissemination strategies including showcases, demo days, applied research publications, innovation briefs, and public engagement initiatives
• Identify emerging trends in applied, hands-on and experiential learning to inform the Practical Knowledge Lab’s programming

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant field or combination of fields. Masters/Ph.D. preferred. 8-10 years of relevant full-time work experience, a minimum of 3 at a supervisory level in innovation management, interdisciplinary research, grant management, or social impact within an academic or industry setting
• Proven experience in managing research grants, including developing, evaluating, and overseeing grant programs, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and applied research
• Experience in applied research development, with the ability to design and implement programs that translate research into real-world applications with societal impact
• Experience in managing interdisciplinary research projects, particularly applied research, including overseeing teams across multiple disciplines and institutions
• Budget management and resource mobilization skills, with experience in effectively allocating resources, monitoring expenditures, and securing external funding for research initiatives
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with proven experience in mentoring, leading diverse teams, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within a lab or research environment
• Advanced project management and organizational skills, with the ability to oversee multiple complex projects, meet deadlines, and deliver within scope and budget
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with experience in identifying research trends and opportunities, addressing real-world problems, and integrating new technologies into program development
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including faculty, students, industry partners, and external collaborators
• Experience in research dissemination, including writing reports, presenting findings, and facilitating the publication of research outcomes through peer-reviewed and practitioner-based journals, conferences, and other platforms
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to draft and edit a variety of written reports and communications and to articulate ideas clearly and concisely; Arabic proficiency is an advantage
• Proficiency in MS Office applications