Research Partnership Specialist

About the Role

KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) is seeking a Research Partnership Specialist to join its Research Partnerships Team and Research Translation Hub in Thuwal, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This is a full-time position requiring 2-5 years of relevant experience. The specialist will focus on monitoring and evaluating KAUST’s Research Partnerships, working closely with various internal and external stakeholders.

Role Context and Objectives

Reporting to the Research Partnership Manager, the Research Partnership Specialist will play a key role in consolidating and enhancing existing research partnerships. The position also involves identifying new opportunities for KAUST Research to engage with national and international partners. A primary objective is to generate national impact in line with KAUST’s mission-led strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and evaluate KAUST Research Partnerships, including organizing reviews and preparing associated reports.
• Support peer-to-peer strategic partnerships with international university and research institution partners, focusing on excellence and potential for impact.
• Engage with policy makers and the public to help shape KAUST Research directions and promote understanding and use of KAUST’s research findings and expertise.
• Record and analyze KAUST Research partnerships, including details on funding and outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of Research Partnership funding calls and policies.
• Facilitate the delivery of support modes for Research Partnerships, such as formal secondments (in both directions), internships, topical workshops, projects, and extended programs.
• Prepare reports on active Research Partnerships.
• Serve as a primary contact for KAUST faculty, Centers of Excellence, and Academic Divisions interested in initiating new partnerships or expanding existing activities.
• Actively engage in discussions with the KAUST research community and national and global collaborators to stay informed about ongoing and anticipated partnership-related activities.
• Submit output and outcome data for inclusion in management reports within specified timeframes.
• Provide support to the Research Partnership Manager and the Associate Vice President for Research.

Required Experience

Candidates for this role should possess 2-5 years of experience in a relevant field, demonstrating a solid understanding of research partnerships and their evaluation.

Work Environment

This full-time position is based at the KAUST campus in Thuwal, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, within a collaborative research environment focused on national and international partnerships.