Scientific Director and Head of Research Integrity

About the role

The AION Synapse Foundation seeks a senior leader to shape its scientific strategy and ensure the highest standards of research integrity across all programmes. This full‑time, on‑site position in Dubai will guide policy, oversight and ethical practice for the foundation’s grant and research activities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of AION’s scientific strategy and research governance framework.
• Draft and enforce policies on research integrity, ethics, and conflicts of interest.
• Set standards for scientific evaluation, peer review, and project monitoring.
• Coordinate independent evaluators, researchers, and scientific advisers.
• Review the scientific and methodological quality of proposals and funded projects.
• Create procedures to prevent plagiarism, misconduct and ethical breaches.
• Promote open science, responsible data management and transparent research practices.
• Establish and chair the Scientific and Impact Council.
• Build partnerships with universities, research centres, foundations and international funders.
• Advise senior leadership on scientific, academic and ethical matters and represent the foundation at international forums.

Required profile

• Completed PhD in a relevant scientific, engineering, health, social science or policy field.
• Significant experience in scientific research, academic leadership, research management or institutional leadership.
• Proven track record evaluating research projects, publications, grants or scientific programmes.
• Strong knowledge of research integrity, ethics, peer review and conflict‑of‑interest management.
• Ability to develop institutional policies, protocols and scientific procedures.
• Excellent leadership, analytical, communication and academic writing skills.
• Experience collaborating with universities, research centres, funders or international organisations.
• Professional fluency in spoken and written English; Spanish is a plus.

Required skills