Research Unit Lead

Position Purpose:

To ensure efficient planning, coordination, and execution of research operations, events, conferences, financial management, and academic support activities within the Research Unit at SDSB.

Key Accountabilities

:Conference Managemen

• tEnd-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of two international research conferences hosted by the Research Unit
• .Develop conference plans in consultation with the Associate Dean Research and the conference committee
• .Finalise conference themes, timelines, budgets, and Calls for Papers (CFP)
• .Manage and update conference websites, paper/case submission systems, and registration portals
• .Identify and finalise suitable venues; coordinate catering, technical, and logistical arrangements
• .Organise travel and accommodation for speakers and guests, including events held outside LUMS
• .Prepare post-conference reports, including expense summaries, participation statistics, and key learnings

.Website Management (RU, IFBBE, AMRC

• )Ensure timely updates, content accuracy, and smooth functioning of all research-related websites
• .Coordinate with IT for development and maintenance of the RU website; handle ongoing updates once developed
• .Update AMRC and IFBBE websites regularly with relevant, accurate, and timely content

.Research Budget Preparation and Financial Monitorin

• gOversee all financial aspects related to research operations and conferences
• .Prepare the annual Research Unit budget, including budgets for international conferences and overhead grant funding
• .Manage disbursement, utilisation, and reimbursement of overhead grants
• .Process administrative and financial approvals, ensuring timely submission and tracking of purchase requisitions (PRs)
• .Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget heads and institutional guidelines

.Research Seminars and Workshop

• sCoordinate research seminars, visiting scholar sessions, and capacity-building workshops
• .Plan semester-wise seminar and workshop schedules in consultation with the ADR
• .Manage event announcements, logistics, and technical arrangements
• .Facilitate participation of faculty, PhD scholars, and external attendees
• .Maintain event records, photos, and other media for documentation and communication

.Research and Scholarship Suppor

• tProvide comprehensive administrative and operational support to faculty research and RA activities
• .Maintain updated databases of faculty publications, research outputs, and related metrics
• .Provide data for faculty workload calculations and institutional reporting
• .Support the management of research grants (FIF, FTG, Startup grants, etc.) in coordination with the Office of Research
• .Schedule Research Committee (RC) meetings, prepare agendas, record minutes, and manage follow-ups on approvals
• .Manage Research Assistant (RA) processes, including contract preparation, smart card issuance, workspace allocation, advertisement of positions, and clearance procedures

.
Behaviour

• s:
  Strong work ethic, especially in terms of punctuality, reliability, and responsivene
• ss.Good with teamwork, collaborative projects and even
• ts.Strong in multitasking and stress manageme
• nt.Ensures responsible utilisation of research funds and gran

ts.

Knowledge & Sk

• ills:Strong organisational and project management sk
• ills.Excellent written and verbal communication sk
• ills.Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadl
• ines.Proficiency in MS Of
• fice.Familiarity with website manage
• ment.Strong attention to detail and analytical min
• dset.Ability to coordinate with internal and external stakeholders profession

ally.
Educ

ation:Bachelor’s (Hons)/Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, Social Sciences, or a related

field.
Expe

rience:At least 5 years of prior experience in Research Administration, Academic Events, or Higher Education Operations is pre

ferred.