Position Summary:

Reporting to the Manager, Integrative Activities, the Translation Officer help formulate and implement the goals and priorities related to assessing the technology readiness levels of KAUST research outcomes, and the expertise, consultancy, engineering and entrepreneurial expertise required to advance knowledge and technology up the translation chain. Plays a key role in monitoring effectiveness of translation activities through project management, data management, analysis, communication and continuous improvement activities by overseeing the establishment, redefinition, and strengthening of relationships between KAUST and international awardees and collaborators.

Major Responsibilities:

• Works closely with the Manager, Integrative Activities, to plan strategic scientific translation activities.
• Assists in the development of technology roadmaps and perform gap analysis for technology maturation.
• Facilitate development of ideas and design an execution strategy for scientific events after working closely with various internal departments.
• Oversees the organization and execution of high profile research translation events to ensure KAUST is represented positively.
• Manages the establishment, redefinition, and strengthening of relationships between KAUST faculty, Saudi Ministries and industry.
• Reviews the analysis of work methods, program functions and processes utilizing qualitative and quantitative techniques to recommend solutions to complex issues related to research translation that have impact on the performance scientific personnel.
• Serves as the primary contact for KAUST faculty and the Research Centers interested in initiating or enhancing collaborative multi-, inter-, transdisciplinary and translational activities with INK stakeholders.
• Supports the Manager, with strategic funding program planning and award reporting to KAUST senior management.
• Actively and effectively participates in Office-wide initiatives and priorities by undertaking planning, development, and implementation of long-range plans for cross-cutting activities.
• Participates in management reviews, risk assessment and issues management.
• Leads the organization and planning of workshops, conferences, and seminars that provide information to KAUST faculty on research trends, collaborative research best practice, and proposal preparation.  

Competencies:

• Knowledge of university-based scientific and engineering research and graduate education, both mission and operations;
• Knowledge of the research and development value chain, including technology readiness assessment;
• Knowledge of intellectual property implications for scientific research projects;
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, organization, time management, analytical, and critical thinking skills with the ability to identify and solve problems, make decisions, and implement changes;
• Demonstrated strong management skills of professional and support level employees in a multi-functional working environment;
• Demonstrated ability to analyze workflows in order to streamline and improve business processes and workflows;
• Ability to work independently using own initiative, handle multiple and complex tasks and prioritize ongoing and new work assignments and deliver high-quality work against tight deadlines;
• Demonstrated negotiation and conflict resolution skills;
• Ability to work collaboratively and foster a cooperative work environment with multi-cultural research faculty, university research administrators, graduate students, colleagues, and others at all levels who are engaged in world-class research;
• Excellent overall computer skills and solid experience in data management software including databases (web-based and local);
• Presentation skills, including experience presenting to senior leadership;
• Demonstrated ability to account for and manage financial information and to review and report on contract award funding and expenditures.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English; Adaptability and stress tolerance.  

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of professional experience, 2 years of which must have been in extension services, consultancy, and contracts management, including equivalent specialized experience which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
• Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to overseeing and managing projects, multi-functional programs and attendant resources; explaining, interpreting and applying complex policies, procedures and guidelines related to contract management and concepts, and terms and conditions of research agreements; direct consultancy experience, and experience drafting policies and procedures; and drafting and negotiating contract agreements and contracts, particularly those with intellectual property provisions supporting collaborative scientific research projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• PH.D. in a science or engineering discipline or equivalent experience
• Experience working in a research university
• Experience working in a funding agency International experience is a plus