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The University of Sharjah (UoS) in the United Arab Emirates seeks applications from qualified individuals for the position of the Professor and Director of Space Sciences Department at Sharjah Academy of Astronomy, Space sciences & Technology (SAASST)  to begin in the Academic Year 2024-2025.  ​

UNIVERSITY OVERVIEW

The University of Sharjah (UOS), established in 1997, occupies a distinguished position among the world's prestigious and comprehensive universities, thanks to its excellence in teaching, learning and scientific research, and its sustainable and quality academic and professional programs that provide the community with distinguished services and contribute to achieving its well-being by preparing its students to assume leadership roles in it. It is currently ranked in the top 350 academic institutions worldwide (THE ranking for 2023),.  The University of Sharjah is considered one of the leading institutions of higher education in the Arab Gulf region and Middle East. It offers academic programs in a number of specializations, including arts, humanities and social sciences, the medical specialties, health sciences, engineering, applied sciences, business administration, communication, law, sharia and Islamic studies, and fine arts and design, and Computing and Informatics. 

The University offers a prime location and state-of-the-art facilities where it is located in Sharjah University City, close to Sharjah City Center and the pristine coastal areas of Sharjah and the Emirates of Dubai and Ajman.  The University of Sharjah attracts outstanding students from the UAE, GCC countries and a number of other Arab and foreign countries.

UOS is a comprehensive university, the largest in the UAE, with 15 academic colleges, 127 accredited degrees, over 18,500 students, and about 40,000 alumni. There are over 100 nationalities represented in the community of faculty, students and staff.

The Sharjah Academy of Astronomy, Space Sciences & Technology

The Sharjah Academy of Astronomy, Space sciences & Technology was inaugurated on May 2015 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah, to crown the celebrations of Sharjah as the Capital of Islamic Culture. The Center aims at developing and promoting education about astronomy and space sciences in the Arab World in general and the UAE in particular in order to be a destination for science, research, heritage, and education.

The Academy has many attractions, most important of which are: Planetarium, Astronomy Exhibition, Space Exhibition, Exhibition of the Universe in the Holy Qur'an, Astronomical Observatory and a Cosmic Park.

CITY OF SHARJAH

Sharjah is the third largest city in the UAE and is its cultural capital. Under the rule of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and first President of the University of Sharjah, Sharjah has received numerous regional and international accolades, including from the UNESCO, including:

• World Book Capital (2016)
• Islamic Cultural Capital (2014)
• Arab World Cultural Capital (1998)

SCOPE OF WORK

Highly skilled and visionary Director to lead our Space Sciences Department at the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology. The Director will be responsible for overseeing the management, supervision, and decision - making processes of seven research laboratories within the space exploration domain the laboratories are:

1)         CubeSat Laboratory.

2)         Meteorite Center.

3)         Radio Astronomy Laboratory.

4)         Space Weather and Ionospheric Laboratory.

5)         High Energy Astrophysics Laboratory.

6)         Space Artificial Intelligence Laboratory

7)         Rocket Propulsion and Exhaust Systems Laboratory.

This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in space research, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to drive innovation and collaboration among a diverse team of scientists and engineers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1- Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for the Space Research Laboratory aligned with the organization's overall mission and objectives.
• Provide leadership in identifying new research opportunities, partnerships with local and international space research laboratories, industries, and agencies, and finding and/or managing funding sources to advance the laboratory's goals.

2- Management and Supervision:

• Directly manage and supervise seven research laboratories, ensuring efficient and effective operation.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative research environment, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration among scientist s, engineers, and researchers.
• Manage and supervise researchers in writing scientific publications and manuscripts from initial research phase to final publication.
• Help organize weekly events, workshops, lectures from internal and exte rnal researchers, engineers, scientists and subject matter experts.
• Oversee existing research facilities, assets, instruments, and resources on campus and locally

3- Decision Making:

• Make critical decisions related to resource allocation, research priorities, and project timelines to ensure the success of ongoing and future initiatives.
• Evaluate research proposals, results, and progress reports to guide the direction of the laboratory's projects.

4- Team Development:

• Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of scientists, engineers, and support staff.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and diversity and inclusion within the laboratory.

5- Communication and collaboration:

• Communicate effectively with all SAASST/ UoS staff, departments and administration, government agencies, industry partners, media, and other academic institutions.
• Collaborate with other research organizations and space agencies to enhance the laboratory's capabilities and impact.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1- Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field of space research (e.g., Astrophysics, Engineering, Planetary Science).

2- Experience: 

• Proven experience in a leadership role within a research or space exploration organization.
• Demonstrated success in securing research funding and managing comples projects

3- Skills:

• Strong strategic planning and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to inspire and lead a diverse team.
• Ability to travel and participate in local and international conferences, tradeshows, workshops, and events.
• In-depth knowledge of current trends and developments in space research and technology.
• preferred experience in Space Sciences research, Operation and Mission Design of spacecrafts and Artificial Intelligence.

• Strong strategic planning and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to inspire and lead a diverse team.
• Ability to travel and participate in local and international conferences, tradeshows, workshops, and events.
• In-depth knowledge of current trends and developments in space research and technology.
• preferred experience in Space Sciences research, Operation and Mission Design of spacecrafts and Artificial Intelligence.
  
   

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Interested candidates possessing the required experience and qualifications are invited to apply the University of Sharjah Job Opportunities Portal

 (https://newhr.sharjah.ac.ae/en/Pages/JobOpportunities.aspx)

Please include with your CV the names, phone numbers and email addresses of at least four professional references.

Or by postal mail to:

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

University of Sharjah

P.O. Box 27272

Sharjah - U.A.E.

Review of applications will begin as of 3 of April 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. It is preferred for the successful candidate to commence work on September 1^st, 2024.