PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR STEM CELL RESEARCH

Job Purpose

To lead and develop a team of scientists and researchers leading to QBRI's growth and address developmental healthcare needs of Qatar. Conceive and establish competitive research programs including conducting translational research in diabetes-related stem cell biology in the Diabetes Research Center.

Key Result Areas

• Develop and manage a diabetes-related stem cell research program to establish recognition and scientific leadership, and accelerate the transfer of technology and know-how 
• Prepare and lead research plans to ensure achievement of QBRI's mission and strategic objectives while contributing actively to advancing HBKU's vision and mission
• Develop multidisciplinary research programs with synergies to an on-going research agenda to achieve an international standard for science and research activities
• Support and implement programs and initiatives for setting up the Center's infrastructure and laboratory facilities to ensure achievement of the Center's objectives and milestones
• Assist senior management team in the development and implementation of QBRI's research strategies, business plans, initiatives, and partnerships
• Maintain expertise and awareness of current technological and scientific developments in the relevant aspects of their discipline
• Prepare and submit research proposals to appropriate national and international agencies in order to secure competitive funding complementing QF resources
• Oversee the financial management of grants, contracts, and agreements. Contribute to research projects’ administrative functions and monitoring requests
• Participate in research conferences and seminars in their field of expertise. Produce conference, seminar papers and publications from research
• Supervise and train scientists, research associates, research fellows, postdoctoral fellows, research-support and technical staff in relevant areas of work
• Ensure proper records and documentation of research experiments, samples and specimens examined or maintained simultaneously ensuring accuracy of laboratory reports. Protect and comply with QF and QBRI' s intellectual property rights
• Recruit research staff in areas that support the Center's research priorities and strategic objectives, in close coordination with other members in compliance with procedures and policies
• Oversee the implementation of policies and procedures related to the safe conduct, compliance and regulatory issues of scientific research within the Center
• Develop and maintain relationships with existing research partners in Education City and The State of Qatar to create joint programs for the benefit of the Research Center
• Establish collaborative relationships with biomedical research, pharmaceutical partners government officials and religious leaders to ensure the Research Center's input on research ethics, policy and regulatory
• Partake in the Center's education, training, and joint faculty activities with HBKU as well as other capacity-building activities
• Ensure compliance with national and governmental agencies' research compliance protocols and procedures
• Other reasonable tasks as assigned by a supervisor

Operating Environment, Framework & Boundaries

Work is performed in a standard office environment. Must comply with QF health, safety, and environment policy as well as legal regulations applicable to areas of responsibility.

Communications and Working Relationships

• Center Director – weekly formal reporting on a regular basis such as projects and discussions about forthcoming and/or planned projects
• Scientific and Research Staff – regular contact to provide training, motivation, and support for all research activities
• HBKU, Research Partners and Stakeholders in Qatar – contact as needed to coordinate the development of research programs relevant to QBRI, QF and Qatar

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• PhD degree in biological sciences or equivalent
• At least 12 years' experience in the field of stem cell research related to disease mechanisms and therapy of diabetes, and related vascular complications - particularly in the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to pancreatic beta-cells or other relevant cell types in the target tissues of insulin
• Strong record of publications, conference papers, reports and/or professional and/or technical contributions in the relevant scientific discipline
• Extensive experience in leading research projects with an outstanding record of research accomplishments
• Record of productive scholarship; mentoring research students and postdoctoral fellows and research assistants
• Solid experience with human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs and hESCs)
• Experience in genome editing technology would be advantageous
• Outstanding domain knowledge in technologies relevant to their field of expertise
• Prior supervising experience of a team of highly capable, motivated scientists is required
• An outstanding contributor to original research. Scientific rigor and superior knowledge in scientific research methods as well as evaluation of research results
• Outstanding ability to lead and educate and train scientists, research associates and technicians
• 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

Deadline

Review of applications is expected to begin soon and will continue until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews.

Remuneration

HBKU offers an attractive compensation package that includes a tax-free salary and additional benefits such as an education allowance, furnished accommodation, annual paid leave, air tickets and medical insurance.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University, as an equal opportunity educator and employer, is committed to maintaining culturally and academically diverse staff of the highest caliber.