Manager, Interdisciplinary Applied Research and Innovation

The Manager, Interdisciplinary Applied Research and Innovation will be responsible to lead strategic vision for applied research and innovation development under Qatar Foundation’s Multiversity Framework by advancing initiatives that address grand societal, regional, and global challenges in alignment with the strategic priorities of the QF Higher Education Division

Key Responsibilities:

• 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