Principal Specialist - Research and Development

Responsibilities

• Develop and update research policies, processes, annual plans, and KPIs aligned with RTA strategy.
• Establish governance for R&D centers and proof-of-concept programs, including selection criteria and evaluation protocols.
• Manage strategic research partnerships with universities and academic centers, defining scopes and IP clauses.
• Supervise corporate research projects from concept to delivery, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and quality gates.
• Govern the central database for research outputs, enforcing data standards and publication workflows.
• Mentor early-career researchers and provide guidance on intellectual property registration and protection.
• Review research outcomes to mandate adoption, iteration, or closure and capture lessons learned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or Science.
• 9+ years of relevant experience if holding a Master's degree.
• 11+ years of relevant experience if holding a Bachelor's degree.
• Proven expertise in R&D project design, execution, and research governance.
• Experience managing academic partnerships and large-scale research initiatives.
• Professional certification such as PMP or PRINCE2 (or equivalent).
• Research ethics certification (e.g., CITI).

About the Company

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is responsible for planning and managing the transport and communications systems in Dubai, ensuring a seamless and sustainable mobility experience for all users.