Research and Innovation Director
Job Overview
Post Attachments
Job Description: Director of Research and Innovation
Job Summary
The Director of Research and Innovation is responsible for leading the strategic planning, development, and execution of the organization's research and innovation agenda. This role is pivotal in fostering a culture of innovation, overseeing research initiatives, building external partnerships, and translating innovative ideas into impactful outcomes aligned with organizational goals.
Duties & Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a long-term vision and strategy for research and innovation.
- Align research and innovation priorities with organizational goals and emerging market or policy trends.
- Drive innovation initiatives across departments and lead cross-functional collaboration.
Research Management
- Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of research projects.
- Ensure adherence to ethical guidelines, regulatory standards, and best practices in research.
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based decision-making.
Innovation & Technology Development
- Identify and assess emerging technologies, trends, and opportunities.
- Lead the development of innovative products, processes, or services.
- Manage intellectual property (IP) and commercialization efforts, including patents and licensing.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
- Build strategic relationships with academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies.
- Represent the organization at conferences, advisory panels, and other key forums.
- Facilitate funding and grant opportunities to support innovation and research.
Team & Budget Management
- Lead and mentor a high-performing research and innovation team.
- Oversee budgets, timelines, and resource allocation for research initiatives.
- Monitor performance metrics and provide regular progress reports to executive leadership.
Job Requirements
Education & Experience
- PhD or Master’s degree in a relevant field (Science, Engineering, Business, Innovation Management).
- Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in research and innovation leadership roles.
- Proven track record of managing complex research programs and delivering innovative solutions.
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic thinking and strong leadership capabilities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience in research funding, IP management, and commercialization.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Familiarity with emerging technologies and innovation ecosystems.
Submission Guidelines
All interested and qualified candidates should submit their CVs along with a cover letter to hr@bakhtar.edu.af no later than 30 May 2025. Please mention the position title and vacancy number clearly in the subject line of your email. Applications received without proper subject lines will be disqualified from the process.
Address:
Kart-e-Char Opposite to Ministry of Higher Education
Kabul, Afghanistan
Contact #:
0786-35-35-35
Note: Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Candidates who meet the above criteria will be shortlisted and called for a demonstration.
Bakhtar University (BU) is one of the Afghanistan’s oldest and most prestigious privately held institutions. It was established in 2005 from a small beginning at Kabul Polytechnic University, through its current location at Kart-e-Char. Bakhtar University is now recognized as being an integral part of Kabul. The university has made a significant impact in the field of higher education by reaching out to large section of the population with a range of diverse and relevant programs that are of high quality and affordable. Internationally recognized qualifications enable Bakhtar graduates to pursue rewarding careers Afghanistan’s burgeoning employment market, Because of high quality teaching program, BU students are currently placed in prominent positions in both the public and private sectors across the country and the region.
