Research & Development Director

About This Role

Research & Development (R&D) Director | Horizon Lab

Location: Tech 2 Building, Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), Doha, Qatar

Position Type: Full-Time / Executive Leadership

Industry: Biotechnology, Applied Sciences & Technology Innovation

Position Overview

Horizon Lab is seeking a distinguished Research & Development (R&D) Director to lead our scientific innovation and product development programs from our flagship facility in the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP). Situated in the region’s premier hub for technology development, you will be the primary architect of Horizon Lab’s intellectual property and technical roadmap.

The ideal candidate is a "visionary scientist"—someone who possesses the elite technical depth to oversee complex laboratory operations and the executive acumen to align scientific discovery with commercial viability. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers in a high-velocity environment dedicated to solving the region’s most pressing technical challenges.

Core Responsibilities

• Strategic R&D Roadmap: Design and execute a 5-year innovation strategy that aligns with Qatar’s National Research Strategy and QSTP’s mission for technology commercialization.
• Laboratory Governance: Direct the daily operations of the Tech 2 Building facility, ensuring 100% adherence to international biosafety, ISO standards, and GLP (Good Laboratory Practice).
• IP & Technology Transfer: Oversee the patent application process and collaborate with QSTP stakeholders to transition lab-scale innovations into market-ready products.
• Systems Integration: Lead the deployment of advanced Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and ensure seamless data flow into enterprise platforms like Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365).
• Data-Driven Leadership: Utilize advanced Excel automation (macros, XLOOKUP) and statistical modeling tools to monitor experimental throughput, clinical trial data, and resource allocation.
• Grant & Budget Management: Manage the R&D department’s multi-million dollar budget, including the procurement of high-value laboratory instrumentation and the administration of international research grants.
• Team Mentorship: Recruit, scale, and mentor a world-class team of PhD-level researchers and technical specialists, fostering a culture of authenticity, technical integrity, and "work-hard, play-hard" excellence.
• Global Collaboration: Act as the primary technical liaison for international academic partners and corporate stakeholders, reporting directly to the executive board.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: PhD in Biotechnology, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific field. An MBA or equivalent management qualification is highly preferred.
• Experience: 12+ years of professional experience in R&D, with at least 6 years in a directorial or senior leadership capacity within a high-tech or clinical environment.
• Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of modern laboratory automation, data analytics, and product lifecycle management (PLM). Proficiency in BPO-style process optimization is a plus.
• Language: Professional fluency in English is mandatory. Arabic proficiency is a significant advantage for regional coordination and government relations.
• Compliance Expertise: Thorough understanding of Qatar’s regulatory landscape for research, ethics committee approvals, and environmental standards.
• Mindset: A belief that scientific excellence is the primary funding mechanism for a life of global travel and exploration.

What We Offer

• Premier Location: A world-class executive office in the Tech 2 Building, QSTP—the heart of Qatar’s "Free Zone" for technology and innovation.
• Impact: The opportunity to direct research that shapes the future of health, energy, or environmental sustainability in the Middle East.
• Compensation: Highly competitive tax-free salary, performance-based "Innovation" bonuses, housing allowance, and annual travel passage.
• Culture: A collaborative, results-oriented environment that respects the "slow-burn" of authentic scientific discovery while demanding high-velocity commercial output.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: QAR42,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person