Head of Research

JOB TITLE: Head of Research - Research and Scientific Support Department 

Role Purpose: 

Provide strategic leadership and direction for all researchers and support personnel hired within the Research department. Together with the Executive Director of Research and Scientific Support play an essential role in the supervision and achievement of the hospital’s research objectives. The role is important for internal (e.g. other hospital departments), local (e.g. other Qatari institution) and overseas research collaborations (e.g., International Olympic Committee Research Centre).

Develop, implement and supervise the research projects for the departments and guide other departments in their research activities. Critical for mentoring the academic development of the research staff. Play an essential mission critical role in developing with the Director of research a relevant and high-quality research strategy. This strategy will utilise the hospital’s unique facilities to contribute to the knowledge base, and in so doing, enhance the hospital’s international reputation and assist in reaching the hospital’s aims and objectives of assisting athlete to achieve their maximal potential. 

Key Accountabilities & Activities:

• Identify and develop pertinent areas of research based on hospital capabilities and expertise. 


• Ensure that critical processes such as compliance with Qatar Health Research law, ethics requirements and research safety protocols are implemented (in collaboration with the hospital wide leads for ethics and safety).


• Supervise the implementation and tracks progress of research projects (milestones). Create and maintain a research project progress record.


• Supervise and support the research staff of the Research department. Organise and chair team meetings. Contributes to the professional and continued education of staff.


• Liaise with relevant project leaders to disseminate relevant research findings.


• Strategically initiate, build and manage international research cooperation with world leaders in the respective scientific areas.


• Contribute substantially to the dissemination of research findings, both with internal stakeholders and external international partners. 


• Conduct scheduling, directing, developing, and performance management activities for direct reports.


• Provide guidance and direct input to the development plans and performance management of direct reports to meet the organizational mission and objectives.


• Assume or accept any other responsibilities as assigned by the direct supervisor within the position role and responsibility.


• Patient Safety-Attend and successfully complete competencies which focus on patient safety initiatives implemented within Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital. Patient Safety Training is an annual requirement, to include all organizational leaders, staff, service, and contracted providers.

Necessary knowledge and Experience to be able to do the job:

• Minimum experience of 12-15 years in which 4-7 years should be in a similar position / responsibility, preferably in a similar Industry.


• Demonstrated knowledge and experience to identify pertinent research topics, conduct clinical trials and various research activities and oversee development and management of projects to enhance the capabilities of Aspetar.

Skills and Abilities:

• First rate research track records are essential. Expect the candidate to have an international research reputation in the field of Sports Injuries/illness/sports medicine/science topics in athletic populations


• Experience in scientific team leadership (e.g. laboratory directorship, laboratory health and safety and ethics management).


• Track record in budget development and tracking.


• Experience in competitive sports would be an advantage.


• Professionally groomed to project a positive image. 


• Desire to embrace a culture of excellence, collaboration, and communication. 


• High proficiency in English language is mandatory. Arabic will be a definitive advantage.

Education and Certification requirements:

• PhD or Higher degree in Sports Science / Human Movement / Biological Sciences / Physical Education / Kinesiology (or equivalent)/Sports Medicine. 


• Realization and direction of high-quality research projects.


• Fulfil all licensing requirements if required.