HBKU’s Biomedical Research Institute Doha, Qatar: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has listed two major research and scientific career opportunities in Qatar through its Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI). The openings include Scientific Director – Neurological Disorder Research Center and Senior Scientist. These positions offer opportunities for highly qualified researchers, biomedical science professionals and experienced scientific leaders to contribute to advanced research initiatives in Qatar.
The vacancies are particularly relevant to candidates with strong academic backgrounds, experience in scientific investigation and a commitment to developing innovative research solutions. The Scientific Director position focuses on research leadership, strategic planning and the development of neurological disorder research, while the Senior Scientist role involves advancing research technologies and scientific infrastructure.
According to HBKU’s official careers listing, the closing date for the Scientific Director vacancy is December 10, 2026, while applications for the Senior Scientist position are scheduled to close on December 21, 2026. Interested candidates should review the official job descriptions carefully to confirm the latest requirements and submit their applications before the respective deadlines.
1. Scientific Director – Neurological Disorder Research Center
Employer: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
Research institute: Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI)
Position: Scientific Director – Neurological Disorder Research Center
Location: Doha, Qatar
Closing date: December 10, 2026
Qualification level: PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences or a related discipline
Experience: 15 years of relevant full-time experience, including at least five years in a senior research leadership role
About the Scientific Director opportunity
Hamad Bin Khalifa University is seeking an experienced scientific leader to guide the work of the Neurological Disorders Research Center (NDRC) at Qatar Biomedical Research Institute. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping research priorities, developing long-term plans, strengthening laboratory infrastructure and advancing scientific investigations into neurological disorders.
The role is intended for a senior researcher who can combine scientific expertise with strategic management and the ability to lead multidisciplinary research teams. The appointed professional will be expected to help establish research priorities, encourage collaboration and ensure that the center’s activities contribute to its wider scientific objectives.
Neurological disorders are complex conditions that require coordinated research across biomedical science, clinical investigation, genetics and related disciplines. The center’s work includes research into neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, with the broader aim of improving scientific understanding and supporting the development of better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Key responsibilities
The Scientific Director will be responsible for providing overall leadership for research planning, project management and scientific development at the center.
Major responsibilities include:
- Long-term research planning: Develop and implement five-year and ten-year master plans for neurological disorder research, identifying priority areas and opportunities for scientific advancement.
- Strategic development: Recommend research directions and initiatives that align with the center’s objectives and Qatar’s broader biomedical research priorities.
- Budget and business planning: Lead the preparation and implementation of annual budgets and business plans, ensuring that available resources support research goals.
- Laboratory infrastructure: Oversee the development of research infrastructure, laboratory facilities and associated projects needed to support scientific work.
- Research team leadership: Lead, recruit, develop and motivate scientists and researchers working on approved research programmes.
- Scientific investigation: Participate in and oversee basic and applied research aimed at developing new methods, demonstrating scientific feasibility and finding solutions to important neurological research challenges.
- Institutional collaboration: Establish and strengthen relationships with other HBKU entities, healthcare organisations, universities and external research partners.
- Funding development: Identify opportunities to secure external research funding and build partnerships that complement the university’s existing resources.
- Research governance: Ensure that research activities follow appropriate scientific protocols, safety requirements and regulatory standards.
- Performance monitoring: Prepare progress reports, assess research performance and recommend improvements to enhance the center’s effectiveness.
- Capacity building: Support the development of a strong scientific team capable of carrying out high-quality research and contributing to the center’s long-term mission.
The position requires a candidate who can oversee both the scientific and operational dimensions of a research institution, from developing a research strategy to managing budgets, facilities, people and external partnerships.
Educational qualifications and experience
Candidates should hold a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences or another relevant field. The university is seeking professionals with at least 15 years of relevant full-time work experience, including a minimum of five years in a senior research leadership position.
Applicants should have substantial knowledge of clinical, medical and biomedical research, particularly in areas related to neurological disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions. A strong record of managing research centers, scientific programmes or multidisciplinary research initiatives is also important.
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Extensive experience in biomedical research and scientific programme management.
- A strong record of research leadership and team development.
- Experience developing strategic plans and translating research priorities into practical programmes.
- Knowledge of research technologies, procedures, protocols and laboratory operations.
- Strong project management skills, including budget planning and resource allocation.
- The ability to build collaborative relationships with researchers and institutions.
- Experience identifying and securing external funding for research activities.
- Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills.
- The ability to work effectively in a diverse, multicultural academic environment.
- Knowledge of biomedical research trends and relevant international standards.
Familiarity with biomedical regulations, medical devices and drug-development standards is also relevant to the position. Arabic-language proficiency is an advantage, but it is not listed as a mandatory requirement in the available job description.
Who should consider applying?
This opportunity is best suited to established researchers and scientific professionals who have progressed into senior leadership roles. Candidates with backgrounds in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, life sciences, clinical research or closely related fields may wish to examine the official criteria.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the required years of experience and the expectation of previous senior-level research leadership. A strong academic qualification alone may not be sufficient without the relevant professional and management background.
Application deadline: December 10, 2026.
Interested candidates can review the complete responsibilities, qualifications and application instructions through the official university vacancy page.
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2. Senior Scientist – Qatar Biomedical Research Institute
Employer: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
Research institute: Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI)
Position: Senior Scientist
Location: Doha, Qatar
Closing date: December 21, 2026
About the Senior Scientist opportunity
Qatar Biomedical Research Institute is also inviting applications for a Senior Scientist position focused on advancing scientific research and developing new research capabilities.
QBRI is a biomedical research institution within HBKU that works to address important health priorities through research in areas including cancer, diabetes and neurological disorders. Its research activities aim to strengthen scientific understanding and translate discoveries into approaches that can ultimately improve healthcare outcomes.
The advertised Senior Scientist role is associated with the development of new biotechnologies through an approach combining artificial intelligence, engineering and biomedical research. The successful candidate is expected to help develop technologies that support QBRI investigators, strengthen research infrastructure and advance scientific investigations.
The role may be particularly relevant to researchers with interdisciplinary expertise who can connect engineering principles, experimental methods and emerging computational technologies to solve practical scientific challenges.
Key responsibilities
The Senior Scientist will contribute to the development of research technologies and scientific capabilities that support the institute’s wider biomedical research activities.
The main areas of work include:
- Technology development: Develop new biotechnology solutions to support scientific investigations and research programmes at QBRI.
- Engineering and biomedical research: Apply engineering approaches to biomedical problems and help translate technical concepts into usable research tools.
- Artificial intelligence and research innovation: Contribute to research approaches that combine emerging technologies with experimental science.
- Research infrastructure: Support the development and implementation of strategic research infrastructure and technology platforms.
- Scientific collaboration: Work with researchers and other specialists to identify research needs and develop suitable technical solutions.
- Experimental development: Help design, develop and assess research tools, methods and technologies that can be used in scientific investigations.
- Practical implementation: Support the translation of new technological concepts into functional research systems and applications.
- Research support: Collaborate with QBRI investigators to improve the capabilities available for scientific experimentation and analysis.
- Research quality: Maintain appropriate standards in scientific work, technical development, documentation and research procedures.
- Interdisciplinary teamwork: Work with professionals from different scientific and technical backgrounds to advance the institute’s research objectives.
The role requires more than conventional laboratory experience. Depending on the specific research assignment, candidates may need to demonstrate an ability to integrate scientific knowledge with technical development, instrumentation, engineering or computational methods.
Qualifications and professional background
Candidates should consult the official HBKU listing for the complete eligibility criteria, as the precise educational and experience requirements must be confirmed against the current vacancy description.
The available recruitment information describes the role as involving biotechnology guided by artificial intelligence and engineering. Related scientific and technical backgrounds may therefore be relevant, depending on the stated requirements.
Applicants should carefully check whether their qualifications and research experience match the position’s expectations, including any requirements relating to:
- Doctoral-level or other advanced qualifications in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.
- Experience in biomedical research, biotechnology development or engineering-led research.
- Research involving instrumentation, experimental systems or technical platforms.
- Experience developing, testing or implementing research technologies.
- The ability to collaborate with scientists and technical specialists.
- A record of research activity, scientific publications or relevant technology-development projects, where required by the official criteria.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
Candidates should not assume that experience in a general laboratory or scientific role automatically meets the requirements. The fit between the applicant’s specific research background and the position’s technical focus will be important.
Why this role may interest research professionals
Biomedical research increasingly relies on collaboration between life sciences, engineering, computing and technology development. Researchers who can work across these disciplines may help develop new experimental methods and improve the tools available for scientific investigation.
A Senior Scientist working in this environment can contribute to the development of research platforms while collaborating with teams pursuing different biomedical objectives. The role offers an opportunity to work within an academic research institute focused on addressing significant health challenges.
Professionals who have worked on interdisciplinary research projects, biomedical technology development or scientific infrastructure may find the position worth exploring, provided they meet the formal requirements.
Application deadline: December 21, 2026.
Applicants should review the official job page for the full description, required qualifications and any supporting documents requested by HBKU.
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About Hamad Bin Khalifa University and QBRI
Hamad Bin Khalifa University is a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. Established in 2010, the university focuses on research, postgraduate education and developing knowledge that can contribute to Qatar and the wider region.
Qatar Biomedical Research Institute operates under HBKU and focuses on biomedical research addressing major health priorities. Its research centers include the Translational Oncology Research Center, Diabetes Research Center and Neurological Disorders Research Center. These centers bring together researchers working across different scientific disciplines to investigate disease mechanisms, explore potential interventions and support advances in healthcare.
For prospective applicants, these vacancies represent two different career pathways within the same research environment. The Scientific Director position is intended for a highly experienced leader capable of shaping a research center’s long-term direction. The Senior Scientist position focuses more directly on scientific and technological development.
How to apply for HBKU jobs in Qatar
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Open the relevant official HBKU vacancy link provided above.
- Read the complete job description, eligibility criteria and experience requirements.
- Prepare an updated CV highlighting relevant qualifications, research experience, leadership responsibilities, publications and technical skills, as applicable.
- Prepare any supporting documents requested in the official application instructions.
- Submit the application through the university’s official recruitment portal.
- Check the closing date and confirm that the application has been successfully submitted.
Candidates should apply for the role that best matches their professional experience and qualifications. The Scientific Director vacancy requires extensive experience in senior research leadership, while applicants for the Senior Scientist position should pay close attention to its specific scientific and technical requirements.
Application links and deadlines at a glance
| Job title | Closing date | Application link |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Director – Neurological Disorder Research Center | December 10, 2026 | APPLY NOW |
| Senior Scientist – Qatar Biomedical Research Institute | December 21, 2026 | APPLY NOW |
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