Director of Advanced Biosciences and Bioengineering Research Center | Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research

The Advanced Biosciences and Bioengineering Research Center (ABSBERC) at American University of Sharjah (AUS), United Arab Emirates, invites applications for a full-time ABSBERC faculty Director position. The successful candidate will have a specialization in a relevant field of biosciences or bioengineering, broadly defined, and will hold a faculty appointment in one of the relevant departments. The Director will report directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and collaborate with the university leadership to align the center’s activities with institutional and national priorities.

The ABSBERC is a pioneering multidisciplinary research initiative at American University of Sharjah. Established to leverage cutting-edge technologies and original research, ABSBERC addresses critical regional and global healthcare challenges. The center aims to contribute to the UAE’s strategic objectives in biosciences and bioengineering, focusing on areas such as healthcare analytics, drug delivery systems and biomedical devices. ABSBERC builds on established academic programs at AUS, including the PhD in Biosciences and Bioengineering, the PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, the Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering, the Bachelor of Science in Biology, the Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering, and the Minor in Biomedical Engineering. These foundational academic programs ensure that the center’s research enhances educational excellence and fosters the training of future scientists and engineers. By promoting impactful research and knowledge dissemination, ABSBERC generates scientific advancements and practical solutions that benefit the UAE and the international community through robust collaborative networks and resources.

Striving to become a recognized leader in biosciences and bioengineering in the UAE and globally, ABSBERC is dedicated to producing transformative scientific knowledge and innovative solutions that bridge the gap between science and application, addressing complex real-world healthcare challenges. The center’s objectives include partnering with academic institutions, government agencies and industry organizations locally and globally. A particularly strong partnership is being developed with the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), which is located next to AUS in Sharjah’s University City. ABSBERC is developing research clusters that are aligned with the strategic goals of AUS, Sharjah and the UAE, and it is actively disseminating findings through publications, patents, conferences and engagement with the local community. By serving as a hub for healthcare research and innovation, ABSBERC empowers faculty, researchers and students to drive scientific progress and address pressing societal challenges, shaping the future of healthcare and biosciences research.

To achieve its mission, ABSBERC seeks a Director who will provide the leadership necessary to establish a long-term strategy, define clear priorities, and foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and impact. The successful candidate is expected to deliver measurable outcomes, including securing significant research funding, publishing in high-impact journals, building strategic partnerships with industry and academia, and mentoring faculty and students to strengthen the center's research and educational ecosystem. The Director will oversee administrative operations, including budgetary management, resource allocation, staff supervision and policy development. In addition, they will ensure compliance with institutional and external funding regulations while enabling an environment of operational efficiency and excellence. The Director may be expected to teach courses in their area of expertise and contribute to curriculum development in relevant programs. They will also mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, guiding them in their academic and professional growth.

Faculty Director candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent in a relevant field at the time of appointment. The candidate must demonstrate a record of excellent academic and research leadership, and ideally possess significant administrative experience in managing interdisciplinary research centers or academic units. Strong interpersonal skills and experience in strategic planning are essential to effectively lead the center and foster collaboration within and beyond the university. AUS is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in its research and educational ecosystem. Candidates from underrepresented groups and those with a demonstrated commitment to building and sustaining an inclusive environment are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

As an institution based on the American model of higher education and with English as the medium of instruction and the workplace, AUS prioritizes candidates with significant experience in similar educational systems. Interested applicants should fill out the form

The complete application will include the following documents, uploaded in separate files: a letter of application, curriculum vitae, a research statement, a teaching statement, and evidence of prior research leadership experience.

The deadline for submitting applications for this position is March 1, 2025.

Situated near Sharjah International Airport in the expansive University City area, and only 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport, AUS is located in a dynamic and cosmopolitan area that includes abundant opportunities for travel, entertainment, cultural experiences and natural beauty. Salary and benefits are competitive and include a comprehensive package that covers housing, healthcare, education allowances for dependents and annual airfare, ensuring a supportive and comfortable relocation experience for the candidate and their family.

American University of Sharjah is a not-for-profit, independent, coeducational institution of higher education formed on American models but thoroughly grounded in Arab culture. AUS offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 6,300 students from approximately 90 nations. AUS has been ranked among the top 10 Arab universities by QS World University Rankings every year for the past 10 consecutive years.

AUS is licensed and its programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Affairs Division in the United Arab Emirates. AUS has been accredited in the United States of America by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801 USA) since June 2004.