# Managing Director, Center of Excellence in Military Health Research

> Khibraty · Riyadh, Saudi Arabia · — · Posted 2025-07-13

**Workplace:** on_site

## Description

**ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW**

This opportunity is within one of the largest healthcare networks in Saudi Arabia, consisting of 26 hospitals and numerous medical service centers. The system delivers care to active-duty personnel, retirees, dependents, and referred civilian patients.

As part of its long-term vision to improve healthcare outcomes through evidence-based practices, the organization is expanding its current scientific research function into a **Center of Excellence in Health Research (Research CoE)**. This enhanced center will provide expanded capabilities, infrastructure, and leadership to position the organization as a national leader in clinical and applied health research.

The Research CoE will:

-   Serve as the central authority for health research within the organization’s ecosystem and as a national leader in clinical research,
-   Lead the development and governance of clinical research across key national healthcare priorities,
-   Develop the necessary physical and technological infrastructure for research excellence,
-   Drive workforce capacity through specialized training, certification, and fellowship programs,
-   Promote innovation and establish research partnerships both locally and globally,
-   Lead the dissemination and practical translation of research outcomes into clinical practice,
-   Support the formation of national research alliances to advance strategic goals.

**ABOUT THE ROLE**

This is a rare opportunity for a senior, accomplished research and innovation leader to co-found and co-lead a flagship military health research institution in Saudi Arabia. The selected candidate will serve as **Joint Managing Director** of the Research CoE and a senior advisor on health research strategy. They will work in close collaboration with a national counterpart to jointly oversee the design, setup, and long-term operation of a world-class research center.

-   **Location:** Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
-   **Contract Type:** Full-time preferred.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

The selected leader will act as an executive coach to the appointed Managing Director and share joint accountability for the setup and management of the Research CoE. Responsibilities may include:

-   Developing and executing a strategic roadmap aligned with the organization's vision for health research excellence,
-   Assessing and improving the research and innovation infrastructure and performance across the healthcare system,
-   Conducting strategic audits of research-related functions, including planning, budgeting, funding, infrastructure, execution, and results dissemination,
-   Identifying and engaging leading global institutions as strategic research partners,
-   Establishing and monitoring KPIs to ensure continuous improvement and impact,
-   Working with senior leadership to ensure research operations are well integrated across the healthcare system.

**KEY REQUIREMENTS**

The ideal candidate will:

-   Have demonstrated success in establishing and leading reputable health research centers or institutions (experience in military or government-related health research is a plus),
-   Hold an advanced degree such as a PhD, MD, or D.Sc., with extensive research credentials,
-   Possess at least 15 years of progressive experience in health research leadership, including 8 or more years at a senior level,
-   Bring deep research experience in fields such as military medicine, infectious diseases, trauma, or related specialties (preferred),
-   Have held leadership roles in research institutions, academia, or public health agencies, and maintain active membership in relevant professional organizations,
-   Exhibit exceptional leadership, collaboration, and people development skills,
-   Be adept at data-informed decision-making and experienced in managing complex organizations,
-   Show adaptability and commitment to excellence in a fast-evolving healthcare and research environment,
-   Be committed to developing national capabilities through active mentorship and leadership development.

## Apply

[Apply at Khibraty](https://apply.workable.com/khibraty/j/FA51E5D1A4/apply)

---
Powered by [Workable](https://www.workable.com)