Executive Director -Qatar Computing Research Institute
Job Description
A homegrown research university
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 to continue fulfilling QF’s vision of unlocking human potential. Located within Education City, HBKU is dedicated to developing world-class integrated graduate and select undergraduate academic programs, advancing national research capabilities, and cultivating leaders who drive meaningful change.
A global authority in computing research
Founded in 2010, QCRI has rapidly developed into a globally recognized research authority across Arabic Natural Language Processing and Generation, Cybersecurity, Data Management Systems, Health Informatics, and Social Computing. Most recently, QCRI has become known for driving some of Qatar’s sovereign AI initiatives, including the in-house development of Fanar — a leading Arabic-centric multimodal AI model. Several research projects from QCRI have evolved into successful commercial ventures with global footprints.
About the role
QCRI is seeking applications for the position of Executive Director, to provide strategic and visionary leadership in high-priority areas of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. Preference will be given to candidates with a clear, uninterrupted, and active research track record in computing-related disciplines, along with a strong awareness of emerging developments in AI.
The successful candidate will advance QCRI’s research excellence, innovation, and global impact — setting the institute’s strategic research direction, fostering a dynamic and collaborative research environment, securing diverse sources of funding, and strengthening partnerships with leading universities, research centers, industry partners, and global technology companies. The Executive Director will also oversee the institute’s budget, recruitment, and mentorship activities.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement a research strategy aligned with HBKU, Qatar Foundation, national priorities, and global scientific opportunities.
Provide scientific and organizational leadership to advance QCRI’s mission and research excellence.
Lead interdisciplinary, mission-driven research programs that address national and global challenges.
Build strategic partnerships with industry, government, academia, and leading global technology organizations.
Strengthen QCRI’s international reputation through scientific leadership, collaborations, and major research initiatives.
Drive research impact through publications, technologies, platforms, products, and contributions to policy and practice.
Expand external funding and strategic investments to support research growth and sustainability.
Promote and lead collaboration across HBKU, Qatar Foundation, and external partners to maximize research and innovation impact.
Recruit, develop, and retain outstanding researchers, and promote a high-performance research culture.
Mentor and support the development of early-career researchers and emerging scientific leaders, with particular emphasis on building local research talent.
Sharpen your AI and machine learning knowledge
This role calls for a strong awareness of emerging AI developments. Candidates who want a refresher before applying may find this helpful:
Machine Learning Specialization — DeepLearning.AI / Stanford Online, via CourseraThis page contains an affiliate link to Coursera. If you enroll in a course through it, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Computer Science or a closely related field, with an internationally recognized record of research excellence and scientific impact.
- Extensive progressive experience in research and technology development, and in overseeing large-scale programs and teams.
- Demonstrated experience leading and managing research, innovation, and technology development projects.
- Proven ability to build, lead, mentor, and motivate high-performing multidisciplinary research teams.
- Strong understanding of national and international frameworks, policies, and ethical considerations related to computing, AI, and digital technologies.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills; proficiency in Arabic is an advantage.
Compensation
What’s on offer
An attractive compensation package including a tax-free salary and additional benefits such as an accommodation allowance, annual paid leave, and medical insurance.
Equal opportunity
HBKU is an equal opportunity educator and employer, committed to maintaining a culturally and academically diverse staff of the highest caliber.
Ready to lead QCRI’s next chapter?
Applications must include a letter of interest (2 pages or shorter), a current CV, and five professional references. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; the successful candidate should be ready to start in March 2027.
Closing date: 22 September 2026
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