Health Initiative Head

Job Description

Position Summary:Under the general direction of the Associate Director of KAUST Smart Health Initiative (SHI), the Health Initiative Head is responsible for identifying and implementing health related projects such as clinical trials and their design, identifying strategic opportunities for multidisciplinary research projects in health, medical innovation/devices, disease diagnostics, disease prevention and clinical data analytics. She/he will also oversee the establishment of a Biobank in collaboration with in-Kingdom partners. In addition to oversee collaborations with institutions in-kingdom and out-of-kingdom.Major Responsibilities:Clinical Trials:* Act as the subject matter expert for identifying potential collaborative clinical trials to promote precision medicine and targeted therapy research.Research Strategic opportunities:* Help SHI leadership and KAUST researchers identify strategic opportunities for multidisciplinary research projects in health, medical innovation and devices, disease diagnostics, disease prevention and clinical data analytics. * Maintain up to date understanding of the current literature in digital health, precision medicine, pharmacogenomics and disease prevention to advise SHI leadership on potential opportunities and areas of growth. * Identify the needs of the in-kingdom healthcare system and the local industry and identify potential collaborators and sponsors of SHI projects in both the academic and industry sectors. * Help deliver research workshops and capacity building training programs with international subject matter experts and national healthcare institutions to promote precision medicine in the Kingdom. * Manage SHI performance indicators and help prepare periodic progress reports to KAUST leadership and national stakeholders. * Interact with KAUST faculty, researchers, local physicians, and entrepreneurs to support and coordinate relevant projects that align with SHI strategic goals. * Work with the SHI leadership and Principal Investigators to ensure that SHI research projects are meeting their targets and to predict and plan any issues that may warrant changes in the study protocol, funding, or time. * Help evaluate start-ups feasibility studies and market entry research in areas relevant to SHI mission. * Aid in the development of intramural and extramural funding applications to assist SHI projects as needed. * Work closely with SHI Head Partnership in marketing the vision of SHI to attract strategic partnerships with medical biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical industry. * Participates in the University and national committees as appointed and required. Lead the establishment of the SHI Biobank in accordance with best practices and international standards and develop it as a national model in the Kingdom. The Biobank activities are including: * Develop SHI Biobank Strategic plan and budget to fulfill its role in supporting SHI vision and mission and help communicate to all relevant stakeholders. * Develop the Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (ELSI) Policy Framework for SHI Biobank in full compliance with local and international human subject research laws and policies. * Develop SHI Biobank Bylaws Manual including relevant policies and standing operating procedures according to international guidelines and in harmony with relevant local rules, regulations, quality standards and good clinical practices. * Work with KAUST facilities and related departments to ensure adequate planning of the Biobank space in accordance with applicable safety and security standards. * Work with KAUST procurement to acquire state of the art equipment for SHI Biobank and with KAUST IT to implement a laboratory information management system to support the Biobank operations and interface with clinical data. * Help recruit, train and retain SHI Biobank staff and monitor their productivity and performance indicators. * Develop KAUST Biobank quality management plan and oversee implementation to ensure adherence to high quality standards for the collection and annotation of biological samples and prepare the facility for the relevant licensing and accreditation. * Work with SHI Head of Partnership to disseminate the value and impact of SHI Biobank on Saudi Health and Society and develop KAUST Biobank role in international biobanking through strategic communication and external partnerships.Other Responsibilities:Attend SHI leadership and team meeting Involvement when needed for SHI activities Other tasks as per the operational needsCompetencies:* Excellent leadership skills and experience in providing process directions and training. * Sound strategic thinking and analytical skills. * Demonstrable organizational and time management skills * Professional project management skills. * Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills. * Ability to work in teams and independently. * Flexible approach to work. * Cross cultural sensitivity and awareness.Qualifications:* PhD in Health field or relevant * Ten years of combined scientific and administrative experience in a similar environment * Experience in collaboration development, life science innovation, and translational research

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