Research Affairs Specialist

Overview:
University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) is the first national applied University in the State of Qatar, offering applied Bachelors and Master’s degrees in addition to certificates and diplomas in various fields. UDST has over 50 programs in the fields of Engineering Technology and Industrial Trades, Business Management, Computing and Information Technology, Health Sciences, Continuing and Professional Education and more.

With more than 600 staff and over 7,000 students, UDST is the destination for top-notch applied and experiential learning. The University is recognized for its student-centered learning and state-of-the-art facilities. Our faculty are committed to delivering pedagogically-sound learning experiences with incorporation of innovative technological interventions, to further enhance students’ skills and help develop talented graduates that can effectively contribute to a knowledge-based economy and make Qatar’s National Vision 2030 a reality.

**Responsibilities**:
**Duties & Responsibilities**:
**Operational**

Assist faculty staff with proposal development, review and submission process for pre-award agreements to ensure alignment with UDST’s policies and procedures.

Collaborate with the Applied Research and Innovation (ARI), Academic Manager in grant submissions, budget preparation and track payments of all research grants.

Act as liaison between faculty staff, funding institutions and government bodies and review and update sponsor agreements as recommended by the Applied Research and Innovation (ARI), Academic Manager.

Coordinate proposal requirements with faculty staff and external participants and review proposals and research initiatives to ensure compliance with regulatory laws, policies and procedures.

Provide written feedback to university faculty regarding necessary changes and suggestions for proposal enhancement.

Maintain positive relationships with pre and post award Stakeholders, and government representatives to promote University applied research initiatives.

Assist faculty with the completion of administrative forms and others’ electronic systems to secure funds for research and other project initiatives.

Prepare reconciliation of actuals to budget variance and analysis for annual audit to contribute to grant audit review activities and to ensure timely closeout of audit recommendations.

Document and communicate pre/post awards outcomes to faculty through reports and presentations to promote and contribute to UDST’s award scheme initiatives.

Maintain up-to-date database, records, and reports relevant to award grants to monitor University proposal activities and to ensure compliance with University guidelines and regulations.

Attend business unit and faculty meetings to obtain information on awards, finance and research related matters and draft minutes as appropriate.

Monitor awards proposal status and advise Principal Investigator on requirements and deadlines associated with research protocols highlighting discrepancies to the Applied Research and Innovation, Academic Manager.

Research best practices and identify trends in relation to award proposal process to assist in the development of tools and training workshops for faculty members.

Create and review budgets for institutional commitments and adherence to institutional policies and draft budget justification text for proposal inclusion.

Maintain up to date knowledge on award-funding bodies’ policies and guidelines and serve as an information resource, disseminating key information to faculty, students, and staff.

Participate in University-wide awards workshops and training sessions as required.

Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
**Education and Certifications**:
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field is required

Master’s degree is preferred

**Experience**:
Minimum 5 years’ experience in grants/ research administration, budget development/management, or grant writing.

Relevant education certifications are required are preferred.

**Language**:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic language required.