Chief Specialist – Research & Development | UAE Nationals Only

Job Overview

Lead research governance, partnerships and development programmes that support the Authority’s strategy and future transport priorities. The specialist oversees research centres, proof-of-concept activity, scientific awards and the quality of studies, helping translate research into usable knowledge and measurable improvements. The role also establishes clear rules for research outputs, intellectual property and collaboration with universities and external centres.

The work requires coordination across departments, delivery partners and technical specialists. Strong governance, accurate records and timely escalation are important because decisions can affect public infrastructure, service reliability and long-term asset performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and update research policies, processes, systems, annual plans and performance indicators.
• Promote a research culture and establish publishing, authorship, review and quality-control arrangements.
• Set governance for research and development centres, including portfolios, annual plans and relevant KPIs.
• Define proof-of-concept selection criteria, testing protocols, evaluation stages and reporting practices.
• Manage the framework and improvement cycle for scientific research awards.
• Build partnerships with universities and research centres, agreeing scopes, benefits, performance measures and intellectual-property terms.

Requirements

• This vacancy is reserved for UAE nationals.
• Applicants should have experience in research, innovation, policy, programme management or knowledge development.
• The role requires the ability to assess research quality and coordinate work among technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience defining performance indicators, research governance or partnership arrangements is beneficial.

Qualifications

• A relevant university degree in research, science, engineering, transport, business or a related discipline is appropriate.
• Further study or specialist experience in research management, innovation or intellectual-property matters may be advantageous.
• Candidates should be comfortable preparing structured plans, evaluation criteria and senior-level recommendations.

Skills

• Research programme governance and evidence-based evaluation.
• Partnership management, intellectual-property awareness and policy writing.
• Strategic thinking, presentation and performance measurement.

Employment Details

• Company: Roads and Transport Authority
• Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Employment Type: Full Time
• Application: Submit your application through the application page linked below.