Director of Center for Futuristic Research and Studies Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University Saudi Arabia

Position                    Director, Center for Futuristic Research & Studies

Department            Research and Graduate Studies

School                     Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University

Reports to             Research and Graduate Studies

 

Introduction

Technological progress and scientific discoveries have made economic activity mostly knowledge-based and have accelerated growth. It is only possible to meet all the challenges thus imposed, through decisions that are mainly based on research and studies that take into consideration the problems but also anticipate future trends and global expectations. Decision makers are in dire need for research and in-depth and futuristic studies that produce enlightened recommendations and help make the most suitable choices, while avoiding risks and overcoming challenges.

Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University strives to develop human intelligence, disseminate knowledge and find solutions based on research and scientific studies of problems experienced by societies. Based on its vision and mission in serving the local and international communities, and with the expertise, potential and facilities supporting scientific research and studies, and outreach activities, the University has established the Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Center for Futuristic Research and Studies and is inviting applications for the position of Director of the Center.

General Description      

The Director of the Center for Futuristic Research and Studies is a highly ranked scholar who will oversee the Center’s activities and operations within the organization. The Director will:

• Lead strategic planning and analysis for complex functions or programs with significant business, regulatory and/or technical challenges requiring subject matter expertise.
• Build investment platforms, and manage the Center’s capabilities and reputation, and grow its assets and portfolio of funds to sustain network growth and impact.
• Provide support and leadership for the development of scholarly activities of the Center.
• Develop networking to build sustainable relationship with peers.
• Promote futuristic studies in every field, in an innovative, cooperative and collaborative approach.
• Conduct multidisciplinary research and studies that explore the impact of scientific discoveries and technological advancement, and makes it possible to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of strategic planning.
• Publish original research or review articles in peer reviewed journals.  
• Participate in conferences and in national and international events and organizations

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct studies that aim at supporting decision making process, by clarifying future implications and repercussions of decisions made today.
• Conduct analytical studies of political agendas adopting misleading ideas that carry potential of destabilization to world security and stability.
• Conduct analytical studies on sources of strategic information whether of political or economic nature.
• Spread awareness of global problems.
• Actively lead on authoring and publishing in the field of futuristic studies.
• Collaborate with scholars to design and analyze prospects of desirable and innovative futures in every filed, particularly relating to technology, science, medicine, education, politics and economy and business.
• Conduct convergent, team-oriented, high impact research, with a substantial portfolio of competitive and center-scale research funds from internal and external sponsors.
• Provide development of program or function from initial concept to
  implementation as required.
• Manage the administration and evaluation of programs or functions.
• Oversee the interpretation, implementation and compliance with policies and regulations.
• Recommend actions and/or resolve complex issues that often span organizational boundaries.
• Represent the center or function at the university level and/or to external/internal stakeholders and constituencies.
• Develop and manage outreach strategy that includes relationship development, communications, and compliance.
• Oversee or supervise staff in the development and implementation of programs or functions.
• Develop and/or oversee budgets; manage finances including monitoring, analyzing, forecasting, and reporting as needed.
• Plan and lead small-group mentoring session with faculty and senior researchers.
• Guiding the Center’s initiatives around active community engagement.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams.
• Other duties assigned by PMU Management.

Qualifications & Experience (Required)

Suitable candidates possess a research-based terminal degree (PhD in Political Sciences, Strategic Management, Sociology or related humanities fields), with a distinguished and active record of sponsored research and a history of excellent peer-reviewed scholarship;

Suitable candidates demonstrate expertise and commitment to graduate teaching; and a strong track record of leadership, mentoring/sponsorship and personnel management, especially as it relates to oversight of multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary research.

Successful candidates are expected to develop a strong internally and externally funded, globally recognized research programs. They should also possess a passion for and be committed to excellence in both graduate and undergraduate education in a highly interdisciplinary, collaborative, diverse, innovative, and entrepreneurial culture at PMU.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Required)

• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to influence and motivate constituencies which could span multiple organizational boundaries.
• Demonstrated record of planning and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound business decisions using good business judgment and innovative and creative problem-solving.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills with the ability to cultivate professional and business partnerships.
• Relevant subject matter expertise.
• Experience managing research projects or research laboratories.
• Enthusiasm, responsibility, and team-building skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Remuneration and Benefits

PMU offers an income tax-free compensation package, commensurate with rank and experience, including 12-month salary, PMU accommodation, annual vacation, and annual round-trip airfare to the home country, medical insurance and end of contract benefits.

How to Apply

Application to this position require a letter of interest, curriculum vita (include a recent photo; state citizenship; and links to Google Scholar & Scopus and  LinkedIn profile), unofficial copy of Ph.D. Diploma, statement of research and teaching interests and a portfolio (no more than 20 pages long) that includes representative professional work depicting evidence of research, teaching activities; a narrative of administrative and leadership philosophy including a statement of past and proposed efforts to enhance diversity as well as the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of at least three professional references who may be contacted, with permission of the candidate, following initial evaluations by the search committee

Positions advertised on our job website and can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled.

• Please mention the name of the source/website where you have seen this advertisement
• Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

For more inquiries about this position, please contact the following: (please mention the name of the source/website where you have seen this advertisement)

Global Engagement:

CC: vacancies@pmu.edu.sa

Disclaimer

PMU reserves the right to alter, amend and add responsibilities to this position in line with the institutional needs. Changes and amendments to this job description shall be within the academic framework and the general employment conditions.

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