Director of Research Management & Innovation

ABOUT VINUNIVERSITY

VinUniversity (VinUni) is the first private, not-for-profit Vietnamese university established based on international standards. The university integrates the models of excellent international universities with the unique cultural and economic characteristics of Vietnam, to make a breakthrough in Vietnamese higher education and to become a world-class university. 

The University has built strategic collaborations with Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania and Nanyang Technological University — a choice that speaks to our commitment to excellence, innovation in research and teaching, and to making a difference in the world. VinUni comprises of College of Arts and Sciences; College of Business and Management; College of Engineering and Computer Science; and College of Health Sciences. 

VinUni’s founding benefactor - Vingroup is one of the biggest private conglomerates in Asia with the largest market capitalization value in Vietnam. As a multisector corporation, Vingroup focuses on six pillars: Industrials & Technology, Real Estate & Services, Infrastructure, Green Energy, Culture and Social Enterprises. VinUni is proud to be a part of the Vingroup ecosystem, giving its students the opportunities to connect with pioneering companies (such as VinFast, Vinpearl, Vinmec, Vinschool, and Vinhomes) and a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem (such as VinVenture, VinMotion, or VinRobotics, VinSpace…).

In September 2024, VinUni became the youngest and fastest university in the world to achieve QS 5 stars, earning 5 stars in 9 categories: global engagement, good governance, program strength, academic development, teaching, employability, facilities, arts, and social impact.  In October 2024, VinUni was appointed by UNESCO as the first and only UNESCO University Chair, focusing on Environmental Leadership, Cultural Heritage, and Biodiversity.

On our journey to become one of the world’s top 100 universities, VinUni is building a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and discovery. Through strategic investments in world-class research centers, state-of-the-art facilities, and transformative technologies, the university empowers collaboration across disciplines, strengthens partnerships with industry and society, and nurtures a thriving global network, who spearheads advancements in AI/Machine Learning, Data Science, Environmental Intelligence, Innovations in Health Sciences, Policy Development and Sustainable Societies.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Research Management & Innovation reports to the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation and plays a key leadership role in advancing VinUniversity’s Vision 2030.

This position leads the development of a strong, efficient, and globally connected research and innovation ecosystem. The Director will lead the Research Office in delivering high-quality research support services, including research data and projects, research funds, infrastructure and core laboratories, research partnerships, intellectual property and commercialization, research capacity building, research policies and ethics, research-based training programs, and innovation support services. Working closely with academic and professional units, the Director ensures that these activities are well coordinated, efficiently managed, and aligned with VinUniversity’s strategic priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Strategy and Performance

• Lead the implementation of VinUniversity’s research and innovation strategy in alignment with Vision 2030, translating strategic goals into clear priorities, programs, and action plans.
• Monitor research performance and provide data-driven reports and recommendations to support institutional planning and decision-making.
• Manage research publications, periodic reports, conference proceedings, journals, newsletters, and communications promoting VinUniversity’s research achievements and impact.

Research Grant Management

• Oversee the full lifecycle of University research projects and grants, from proposal development, budgeting, review, and approval to implementation, monitoring, reporting, and close-out.
• Manage research funding schemes and data systems, ensuring effective allocation, compliance, progress tracking, and accurate institutional reporting.

Research Infrastructure and Core Laboratories

• Support the planning, development, operation, and maintenance of research facilities, equipment, and core laboratories to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable use.
• Establish policies and systems for equipment access, scheduling, utilization, maintenance, cost recovery, compliance, and performance monitoring across the University.

Research Partnerships, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

• Develop and manage strategic research collaboration networks with universities, research institutes, industry, government, and funding organizations.
• Oversee intellectual property, technology transfer, research application, and commercialization.
• Lead entrepreneurship and innovation programs for students, providing opportunities, mentoring, training, and support to develop ideas into practical solutions and ventures.

Research Capacity Development

• Develop research capacity through training, mentoring, workshops, and professional development programs for faculty, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and students.
• Manage research-based training programs, including PhD and Master of Science programs.

Research Governance, Ethics and Compliance

• Develop and maintain clear, efficient, and internationally benchmarked research policies, regulations, and operating procedures.
• Oversee research ethics, integrity, compliance, approvals, documentation, and responsible research practices.
• Ensure research projects comply with approved budgets, funding conditions, timelines, deliverables, and University requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Doctoral degree from a recognized university.
• Significant experience in research management, research development, innovation, technology transfer, or sponsored research.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a university, research institute, funding agency, government organization, or innovation-driven organization.
• Strong experience in research funding, grant management, strategic partnerships, research performance, or commercialization.
• Experience working with senior academic leaders, faculty, researchers, funders, industry, and international partners.
• Prior team management or supervisory experience.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinking with a strong ability to deliver results.
• Strong understanding of the research and innovation lifecycle.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical, planning, budgeting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to manage complex priorities in a fast-moving and evolving environment.
• Proactive, collaborative, highly organized, and solution-oriented.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Vietnamese.
• Respect and appreciation for the core values of VinUni: EXCEL (E: Empathy, X: Exceptional Capability, C: Creativity, E: Entrepreneurial Spirit, L: Leadership Mindset).

COMPENSATION

The salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Please note that only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.