Job Description

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

This opportunity is within one of the largest healthcare networks in Saudi Arabia, consisting of 26 hospitals and numerous medical service centers. The system delivers care to active-duty personnel, retirees, dependents, and referred civilian patients.

As part of its long-term vision to improve healthcare outcomes through evidence-based practices, the organization is expanding its current scientific research function into a Center of Excellence in Health Research (Research CoE) This enhanced center will provide expanded capabilities, infrastructure, and leadership to position the organization as a national leader in clinical and applied health research.

The Research CoE will:

• Serve as the central authority for health research within the organization’s ecosystem and as a national leader in clinical research,
• Lead the development and governance of clinical research across key national healthcare priorities,
• Develop the necessary physical and technological infrastructure for research excellence,
• Drive workforce capacity through specialized training, certification, and fellowship programs,
• Promote innovation and establish research partnerships both locally and globally,
• Lead the dissemination and practical translation of research outcomes into clinical practice,
• Support the formation of national research alliances to advance strategic goals.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a rare opportunity for a senior, accomplished research and innovation leader to co-found and co-lead a flagship military health research institution in Saudi Arabia. The selected candidate will serve as Joint Managing Director of the Research CoE and a senior advisor on health research strategy. They will work in close collaboration with a national counterpart to jointly oversee the design, setup, and long-term operation of a world-class research center.

• Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Contract Type: Full-time preferred.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The selected leader will act as an executive coach to the appointed Managing Director and share joint accountability for the setup and management of the Research CoE. Responsibilities may include:

• Developing and executing a strategic roadmap aligned with the organization's vision for health research excellence,
• Assessing and improving the research and innovation infrastructure and performance across the healthcare system,
• Conducting strategic audits of research-related functions, including planning, budgeting, funding, infrastructure, execution, and results dissemination,
• Identifying and engaging leading global institutions as strategic research partners,
• Establishing and monitoring KPIs to ensure continuous improvement and impact,
• Working with senior leadership to ensure research operations are well integrated across the healthcare system.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will:

• Have demonstrated success in establishing and leading reputable health research centers or institutions (experience in military or government-related health research is a plus),
• Hold an advanced degree such as a PhD, MD, or D.Sc., with extensive research credentials,
• Possess at least 15 years of progressive experience in health research leadership, including 8 or more years at a senior level,
• Bring deep research experience in fields such as military medicine, infectious diseases, trauma, or related specialties (preferred),
• Have held leadership roles in research institutions, academia, or public health agencies, and maintain active membership in relevant professional organizations,
• Exhibit exceptional leadership, collaboration, and people development skills,
• Be adept at data-informed decision-making and experienced in managing complex organizations,
• Show adaptability and commitment to excellence in a fast-evolving healthcare and research environment,
• Be committed to developing national capabilities through active mentorship and leadership development.