Research Center Manager

ABOUT VINUNIVERSITY

VinUniversity (VinUni: https://vinuni.edu.vn/) is the first private, not-for-profit Vietnamese university established based on international standards. The university integrates the models of excellent international universities with the unique cultural and economic characteristics of Vietnam, to make a breakthrough in Vietnamese higher education and to become a world-class university.

VinUni has strategic collaborations with the worlds leading universities, including Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania. These universities have become close advisors and crucial enablers in establishing the three colleges at VinUni: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Management, College of Engineering and Computer Science, and College of Health Sciences. Every aspect of the University: its curricula, research, faculty, student body, facilities, and campus life, is being developed to meet the highest standards set by the worlds leading accrediting and ranking organizations, such as ABET, AACSB, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and Times Higher Education (THE).

VinUnis founding benefactor Vingroup is one of the biggest private conglomerates in Asia with the largest market capitalization value in Vietnam. As a multisector corporation, Vingroup focuses on three main areas: Technology; Industrials; and Property Services. VinUni is proud to be a part of the Vingroup ecosystem, giving its students opportunities to connect with pioneering industrial enterprises (such as VinFast), and leading Vietnamese companies (such as Vinpearl, Vinmec, and Vinhomes).

In September 2024, VinUni has become the youngest and fastest university in the world to achieve QS 5 stars, earning 5 stars in 9 categories: global engagement, good governance, program strength, academic development, teaching, employability, facilities, arts, and social impact. In October 2024, VinUniversity was appointed by UNESCO as the first and only UNESCO University Chair, focusing on Environmental Leadership, Cultural Heritage, and Biodiversity. In March 2025, VinUniversity became the fastest university in Vietnam to achieve FIBAA accreditation.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Research Centers at VinUniversity (Innovation in Health Sciences, Environmental Intelligence, AI & Robotics, Computing & Data Science) are seeking qualified and experienced candidates for the position of Research Center Manager. This role is responsible for overseeing operations, managing financial and administrative functions, supporting the development of research strategies and promoting domestic and international collaborations. The position acts as a vital link between research teams, administrative units, and strategic partners to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of research activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Management and Resource Coordination

• Support the development of the Centers strategies and action plans in alignment with VinUniversitys overarching goals and strategic direction.
• Formulate strategic plans and initiatives to support key research groups.
• Assist evaluation and review of research proposals to ensure alignment with the Centers strategic objectives, resource availability, and project viability.
• Coordinate and allocate resources including personnel, infrastructure and funding to ensure timely project execution and achievement of committed outcomes.
• Monitor project progress, promptly resolve emerging challenges and assess the efficiency and quality of research outputs.
• Propose programs and initiatives to promote cutting-edge research and foster talent development to meet established goals and KPIs.

Budgeting and Financial Management

• Develop and oversee detailed budgets for the Centers operations, individual research projects and external funding sources.
• Ensure transparent and efficient budget utilization following university policies, legal regulations and funding agency requirements.

Administration and Operations Support

• Manage administrative tasks including contracts, procurements, payments, documentation and data management.
• Propose and organize trainings and capacity building on research project management.

Scientific and Academic Event Coordination

• Coordinate the organization of conferences, scientific workshops, expert seminars, and other academic events.
• Work closely with relevant departments to ensure event quality and effectiveness.

Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support development and management of domestic and international relationships.
• Prepare and monitor Memorandum of Understanding, agreements, research and academic collaborations.
• Identify and oversee funding opportunities, financing solutions and strategic partnerships.
• Collaborate with relevant departments to ensure external funding proposals are comprehensive and compliant with donor requirements.

Process Development and Improvement

• Develop internal guidelines, regulations and procedures on research project management.
• Initiate improvements to enhance operational efficiency and cross-functional coordination.
• Support enforcement and supervise compliance.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Business Administration, Science, Engineering, Economics, Medicine, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum three five years of experience in project management, research coordination or academic administration.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in policy development and compliance.
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency in developing monitoring and evaluation system, tracking tools and data management system.
• Background in universities, research institutes or international organizations will be an advantage.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Proficiency in English (both spoken and written) for communication and work in an international environment.
• Strong planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting skill.
• Good command in communication, coordination and stakeholder engagement in academic and multi-disciplinary settings.
• Ability to work independently with creativity and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent time management and multitasking skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and experience working in diverse and international environments.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Please note that only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.