Dean of Research and Faculty Development (FSHC/250925/34)

Role Overview

Dean of Research and Faculty Development at Sharjah Maritime Academy. This is a strategic leadership position responsible for delivering the Academy's research strategy, enhancing research culture, growing research income, and meeting governmental requirements on institutional research.

Role Purpose

Lead the Academy's research agenda by developing research strategy and culture, securing and managing research funding, supporting academic staff development, and building external stakeholder engagement to advance the institution's research profile and innovation activities in alignment with UAE Higher Education standards.

Key Responsibilities

Research Strategy & Leadership

• Lead and manage the Academy's research profile internally and externally.
• Deliver the Academy's research strategy and lead on strategic research initiatives.
• Provide strategic leadership to build a supportive and facilitative research culture among staff and students.
• Foster greater achievements in research and innovation across the Academy.
• Champion the Academy's digital research ecosystem in collaboration with the Librarian and Professional Support Staff.

Financial & Resource Management

• Manage research budget and income generation through research and innovation activities.
• Lead successful development of post graduate research programs.
• Provide support in the development of post graduate taught programs.

Stakeholder Engagement & Profile Building

• Provide leadership in organizing seminars, conferences and symposia to enhance the Academy's research profile.
• Engage with all relevant stakeholders to support research activities.
• Work closely with College Deans, Program Heads, Institutional Effectiveness, and business partners to ensure academic programs benefit from research.
• Build the Academy's external profile through proactive stakeholder engagement.

Faculty Development & Support

• Foster a strong research community through tailored support and professional development for academic staff.
• Enhance academic staff research achievements and capabilities.
• Work closely with the Head of Learning and Teaching to ensure research filters through to classroom teaching in line with global best practices in applied Higher Education.

Governance & Compliance

• Monitor research provisions in accordance with UAE Ministry of Education standards.
• Support year-on-year continuous improvement in research compliance and outcomes.
• Assist the Provost and Vice Chancellor Academic as needed to support strategic goals.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• PhD in an academic field.
• Minimum of 5 years of academic leadership experience in higher education, with evidence of successful change management programs.
• Effective and significant academic leadership on matters related to research and innovation.
• Academic standing and credibility with evidence of success in winning and delivering major grants, internationally excellent or world-leading research outputs, impact case studies, and successful innovation activities.
• Strong understanding of digital learning technologies, including research databases and support facilities.

Preferred

• Recognized qualification for teaching in Higher Education.
• Relevant industry body affiliation or membership.
• Familiarity with the UAE's Higher Education landscape, including CAA initiatives, policies and practices.

Skills & Competencies

• Fluent spoken and written English communication at the highest level of professionalism.
• Team player with an approachable manner and sensitivity towards all cultures.
• Capable of working effectively under pressure with commitment to completing tasks promptly and efficiently.