Research Lead @ Qatar Foundation

Key Result Areas:

• Develop and implement the Center’s research agenda aligned with institutional priorities
• Supervise the research team in organizing and completing research tasks.
• Develop annual planning of research themes, initiatives, and outputs.
• Verify overall quality, relevance, and impact of research initiatives.
• Research and drive original, high-impact research in Islamic studies that deepens Al-Mujadilah’s intellectual mission and builds our local and international intellectual community.
• Adhere to academic rigor, ethical compliance, and publication standards.
• Develop innovative research initiatives, translating Al-Mujadilah’s strategic vision into dynamic programs to benefit our communities.
• Mentor, and coach research staff, fellows, and junior researchers.
• Facilitate a collaborative and high-performance research culture.
• Advise and provide technical and intellectual guidance across projects.
• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions and think tanks worldwide, fostering collaborative inquiry and meaningful knowledge exchange.
• Represent the Centre with distinction at internal and external forums, presenting research findings to academic, professional, and public audiences with clarity and conviction.
• Implement dissemination of research through publications, social media and events.
• Supervise research initiatives, planning, and utilization of non-staff and project funds.
• Follow-up on coordination of research operations, initiatives, events, and logistics.
• Facilitate grant applications and funding opportunities.
• Facilitate Collaboration with internal teams to integrate research outputs into programs and initiatives.
• Advise on evidence-based decision-making and institutional learning.
• Other reasonable tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Islamic Studies, Theology, or Social Sciences, (PhD is preferred).
• 6-8 years of relevant full-time work experience, 2 of which are at a supervisory level. Institutional leadership experience is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and contributions to the scholarly literature in Islamic studies.
• Strong research skills and the ability to work independently.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to produce compelling scholarly outputs, research reports, and presentations for both academic and general audiences.
• Excellent supervisory and mentorship skills, with a genuine commitment to developing early-career researchers and fostering a collaborative, intellectually stimulating research environment.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to draft and edit a variety of written reports and communications and to articulate ideas clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in Arabic is essential; command of classical Arabic is required, Fluency in spoken Arabic is highly desirable..
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, academic research databases, and relevant digital research tools.

About the company

Qatar Foundation coordinates and supports programs in education, science and research, and community development to benefit people in Qatar and beyond. It runs initiatives and partnerships that fund, deliver, and operate programs to develop future leaders and advance human development. Unlike many organizations, it offers an integrated national portfolio focused on leadership, excellence, and knowledge-based growth across three core areas instead of just grants. Its goal is to develop sustainable human capacity and drive social and economic prosperity in Qatar and the region.

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Al Rayyan, Qatar

Founded

2010

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

QF added HBCU partnerships with Hampton, Xavier, and Prairie View A&M on June 2, 2026.
Over 800 students entered Education City for Marhaba 2026, reinforcing enrollment momentum.
Wilton Park cited 70,000 female participants and Circle In projects across 10 countries.

What critics are saying

Texas A&M Regents ended renewal talks in 2024, signaling partner exit risk by 2028.
U.S. lawmakers scrutinized Qatar funding in March 2026, pressuring donor disclosures and partnerships.
Qatar Foundation International wind-down and foreign-funding scrutiny threaten the U.S. university network.

What makes Qatar Foundation unique

Education City hosts eight universities, research centers, and community institutions on one campus.
QF fully funds partner campuses, attracting elite schools without burdening their home budgets.
Its model blends higher education, sport, Arabic, and community programming in Doha.

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Company News

Fact Qatar

Oct 13th, 2026

Check out qf's Ladies Sport Night at oxygen park.

Check out qf's Ladies Sport Night at oxygen park. X October, 2026 Qatar Foundation's Ladies Sport Night, in partnership with ORYX GTL, returns to Oxygen Park in Education City this fall, with a diverse programme of sports, fitness, and community activities for women and girls aged eight and above. Running every Tuesday between October 13 and December 15, from 5pm to 9pm, the programme will bring together Qatar Foundation (QF) entities, Qatar Sports For All Federation (QFSA), and local gyms to offer a broad range of activities throughout the season. Weekly offerings will include team sports, running sessions, fitness classes, tournaments, challenges, and community activities. Participants can register through the Education City App. The fall edition will also introduce a series of monthly themes focused on key areas of women's health, wellbeing, and participation in sport. October will focus on Breast Cancer Awareness, followed by Women's Wellness in November. "Through our exciting Ladies Sport Night programme, we aim to create more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in fitness and sport, while bringing together sports organisations, community partners, and fitness providers to create a welcoming and inclusive environment," said Leena A. Al-Musalmani, Director of Community Engagement at Qatar Foundation. "With everything from competitive tournaments and running activities to fitness classes, challenges, and community sessions, Ladies Sport Night offers a range of ways for participants to stay active, discover new activities, and connect with others. "We hope it will encourage more women and girls to make physical activity a part of their regular routine, while strengthening their connection with the wider sporting community." According to Abdullah Al Dosari, Executive Director of the Qatar Sports For All Federation, the organisation of a weekly Ladies Sport Night reflects QSFA's commitment to building on previous successes and encouraging greater women's participation in sports and community activities. Al Dosari noted that the programme offers fitness classes, sports activities, competitions, and community events led by specialised female coaches, providing a safe and motivating environment that encourages regular physical activity and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Those interested in being part of Ladies Sport Night are encouraged to pre-register in advance at Education City App, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. GO: Follow @qatarfoundation on Instagram for more information. No Comments 2 minutes read

Gulf Times

Oct 6th, 2026

QF's Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum showcased to world at time100 Art event.

QF's Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum showcased to world at time100 Art event. Published on October 06, 2026 | 12:00 AM Qatar Foundation (QF)'s Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum has been showcased to an international audience in New York at TIME's inaugural TIME100 Art event, celebrating influential figures across the global art ecosystem. The event, at which the museum participated as a signature partner, brought together leading figures from across the global art world to celebrate the inaugural TIME100 Art list. As an event partner, Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum was featured in the evening's programme through a video introducing the space, alongside an activation area where guests could explore the museum and its story through photo booths, a calligraphy activity, and interactive displays. As a signature partner of the TIME100 Art event, QF introduced Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum - and the legacy of renowned Indian artist Maqbool Fida Husain, whose work and life story it displays - to a global audience, highlighting the museum's role in advancing cross-cultural dialogue and celebrating art from the region and beyond. "During his long and diverse artistic career, Maqbool Fida Husain displayed his work in many of the world's greatest cities, including New York, where he first exhibited in 1964," said Jowaher al-Marri, operations director at Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum. "We are very proud to be bringing the legacy of this world-renowned artist back to the city at TIME100 Art." "This event is also an amazing opportunity to bring Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum further to the attention of the international art world - introducing the museum, its collections, and the story behind it to people who may be encountering it for the first time, while also helping to amplify the continuing impact of Maqbool Fida Husain's pioneering work on the world," she said. "As we approach the museum's first anniversary, this event has represented a point for reflection on how this cultural landmark has engaged over 12,000 people since its opening, the imaginations it has sparked, and the connections it has enabled," the official added. Located in the QF's Education City, Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum opened in November 2025.

The Peninsula

Sep 24th, 2026

Qatar Foundation appoints Dr. Hend Zainal as President of Higher Education.

Qatar Foundation appoints Dr. Hend Zainal as President of Higher Education. Published: 24 Sep 2026 - 10:45 am | Last Updated: 24 Sep 2026 - 10:50 am The peninsula. Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation has announced the appointment of Dr. Hend Zainal as the organization's President of Higher Education, with effect from January 1, 2027. Dr. Hend began her career in 2005 within the field of higher education through roles at a number of Qatar Foundation (QF) partner universities. She joined QF in 2015, where she has been instrumental in the advancement and execution of the organization's higher education strategy. As President of Higher Education at QF, she will oversee the continued advancement of this strategy, QF's unique higher education model, and its partnerships with international universities, as well as the programs and opportunities that QF's Higher Education Division provides to support students throughout their academic journey.

Qatar News Agency

Sep 20th, 2026

Qatar Media Corporation participates in BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026.

Qatar Media Corporation participates in BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026. Miscellaneous Sep 20, 2026, 10:18 AM Doha, September 20 (QNA) - The Qatar Media Corporation is participating in the second edition of the BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026, one of the initiatives of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. The forum kicked off on Saturday at the Student Center in Education City and will continue for two days under the theme "With Our Ideas, We Build." The Corporation's participation, as a media partner, comes as part of its support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the presence of the Arabic language and promoting its use in the media and knowledge sectors, in addition to contributing to conveying the message and content of the forum to a wider audience, and introducing its goals and initiatives. At the forum, the Corporation has dedicated a pavilion to introduce the "Media Encyclopedia," one of its specialized knowledge projects. The encyclopedia provides Arabic content documenting media concepts, terminology, and theories, as well as prominent figures in the media and influential institutions, following an academic approach that connects media knowledge with its intellectual and historical contexts. Official spokesperson for the Qatar Media Corporation Ali Issa said that the media partnership with the BilAraby Forum stems from the Corporation's interest in initiatives that strengthen the presence of the Arabic language in the media landscape and open broader avenues for its use and for developing its tools across various knowledge-based and professional fields. He emphasized the Corporation's commitment to supporting projects that enrich Arabic media content. He explained that the "Media Encyclopedia" is one of the knowledge projects that reflects the Corporation's interest in documenting media concepts and terminology in Arabic and presenting them within an academic framework that provides a specialized reference for professionals, researchers, and those interested in the field. (QNA)

PR Newswire

Sep 19th, 2026

Qatar Foundation - Wilton Park dialogue calls for global action to drive social development through sport.

Qatar Foundation - Wilton Park dialogue calls for global action to drive social development through sport. Sep 19, 2026, 09:08 ET Three-day UK dialogue emphasizes female empowerment, inclusion, and systemic reform across the Global South. WEST SUSSEX, England, Sept. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - International leaders spanning government, policy, development, and sport convened at Wilton Park for a three-day dialogue hosted with Qatar Foundation (QF), calling for a global coalition to turn sport's potential to support social development into practical action. Held under the theme 'Sport for Development in the Global South: Advancing Female Empowerment, Inclusion, and Accessibility', the event focused on removing structural barriers to sporting opportunity for women and girls, building on UN Resolution 59/17, initiated by Qatar with Indonesia and Morocco and co-sponsored by 71 nations. Wilton Park and QF will now jointly develop an actionable roadmap for action in policy, coaching, and infrastructure. Speaking at the dialogue, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, urged action that goes beyond basic parity, saying: "The barriers girls face are fundamentally different. "Our approach is to close that gap in practice, not just in principle: involving women in the design of facilities, providing coaching tailored to women's needs, and building the scientific research base that, too often, doesn't exist for women's and girls' sport." His Excellency Dr. Khalilur Rahman, President-Elect of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly, told the dialogue that sport "changes how a girl is seen by her family and community, and how she sees herself", saying: "A girl who plays on a team learns to lead, to fail and try again in public - and that confidence follows her into the classroom, workplace, and civic life." Participants in the dialogue included Olympism365, Special Olympics, Laureus Sport for Good, NBA Africa, FIVB, and Olympic athletes Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Ibtihaj Muhammad. QF continues to advance inclusive sport, with over 70,000 female participants participating in tailored sporting activities at the Education City Stadium in the past two years, and its Circle In initiative supporting sport-for-development projects in 10 countries. About Qatar Foundation Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization driving education, research, and community development. Founded in 1995, QF operates an interconnected ecosystem at Education City in Doha, Qatar, empowering individuals and driving positive social change. Visit www.qf.org.qa. SOURCE Qatar Foundation

Qatar Foundation

Research Lead