Director of Research at Research & Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials

Khalifa University is seeking an inspirational, innovative and enterprising academic to strategically lead the research direction of the new Research & Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D) as an established and competitive world leading research and innovation center in Graphene and 2D materials. This is an exciting opportunity in a quickly evolving innovative technology.

This key role will deliver strategic developments and determine, lead and implement the strategy for research in graphene and 2D materials for the center.

Successful candidate is expected to have an outstanding international research track record and an established profile at international level to be an advocate of RIC2D for collaborations, opportunities and commercialization.

Being a director, this role has operational responsibility for the center and will be expected to contribute to the development of research activities, support junior faculty, and evaluate research projects.

The RIC-2D Director of Research (DR) is a leadership position within RIC-2D and supports the Center's Senior Director (SD) with strategic and operational duties. The ADR serves as a thought leader on leading edge science and technology in graphene and 2D materials (G2DM). He/she builds upon a proven track record of research leadership to establish research directions that deliver impactful research within the center. He/she contributes well informed technology insight to the center's Director of Commercialization (DC) to enable sound commercialization and technology transfer decisions.

Strategic Responsibilities

Acts as the focal contact point of RIC-2D on all technical matters related to G2DM

contributes to developing RIC-2D's strategy to ensure RIC-2D achieves high international status

Lead and support the discovery of new knowledge in G2DM field leading to competitive advantage for RIC-2D

In coordination with RIC-2D's Thrust Leads, identify highly impactful research opportunities within RIC-2D's thrust areas and oversee the planning and execution of research activities in those areas.

Engage in the international research arena via formal or de-facto standards bodies, conference organizing committees, professional bodies, etc.

Operational Responsibilities

Initiate, define and manage research projects or programs (both internal to KU and/or with collaborative partners) to ensure alignment and underpinning of RIC-2D's strategic objectives.

Provide line management, mentoring or guidance of researchers, technicians or students (as required).

Build strong relationships with key people in the lines of business of RIC-2D's partners and work with others as necessary inside KU to deliver value from research.

Provide technical leadership by setting the strategy by which recognized specific problems or challenges will be overcome by establishing technical approaches to scientific and/or market analysis challenges.

Provide consultancy and advice to RIC-2D's internal or external partners on new science and/or technologies to support their needs.

Act as the trusted science and technology expert for RIC-2D and its partners.

Contribute to KU's world-class standing in research and innovation through scholarly publication, disclosure and support for the filing of intellectual property based on research results, and other appropriate communication, including internal reports or presentations and external presentations to partners and peers.

Review technical proposals and provide in-depth assessment of their merit.

Review and evaluate periodic progress reports of RIC-2D's projects

Advise RIC-2D's Labs Manager on technical matters related to research labs operation (e.g., new equipment selection).

Support the DC in technology transfer and industry engagement activities by providing scientific and technical advice and analyses.

Support media outreach activities to promote the center as a hub of research excellence in G2DM.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provide coaching, guidance and mentoring as required to enhance the internal capabilities of the designated team and ensure the achievement of established objectives and plans.

Recommend appropriate training courses for subordinates as per the pre-determined training needs, evaluate their effectiveness, and monitor their results.

Carry out performance appraisals for subordinates according to planned schedules and recommend necessary actions as per the applied practices.

Conduct periodic meetings with subordinates to ensure that priorities are clear, and workflow is running smoothly.

Follow-up on employees administrative affairs such as vacations, leaves and other administrative and related affairs.

Required Qualifications

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or related field. Academic qualifications comparable to a professor in academia.

Recognized as a global leader in the area of G2DM

PhD + (12+) years experience in the area of G2DM and proven research record.

Industrial and translational research experience is highly desirable