ABOUT VINUNIVERSITY

VinUniversity (VinUni) is Vietnam’s first private, not-for-profit university established to international standards, with the vision of becoming one of the world’s top 100 universities. Guided by its core values (EXCEL) of Empathy, Creativity, Leadership Mindset, Exceptional Capability, and Entrepreneurial Spirit, VinUni develops talent equipped to create meaningful impact in Vietnam and globally.

Founded by Vingroup, one of Asia’s largest private conglomerates, VinUni benefits from a dynamic ecosystem spanning Industrials & Technology, Real Estate & Services, Infrastructure, Green Energy, Culture, and Social Enterprises. This ecosystem provides unique opportunities for collaboration and innovation through leading organizations such as VinFast, Vinpearl, Vinmec, Vinschool, and Vinhomes, as well as a vibrant entrepreneurial network including VinVentures, VinMotion, VinRobotics, VinSpace, and VinEnergo, etc.

VinUni comprises four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Management, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and the College of Health Sciences. The University has established strategic partnerships with Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania and Nanyang Technological University to advance excellence in education, research, and innovation.

In 2024, VinUni became the youngest and fastest university globally to achieve QS 5 Stars, earning the highest rating in nine categories: Global Engagement, Good Governance, Program Strength, Academic Development, Teaching, Employability, Facilities, Arts, and Social Impact. The University was also appointed by UNESCO as the first and only UNESCO Chair University, focusing on Environmental Leadership, Cultural Heritage, and Biodiversity.

As a rapidly growing research-intensive university, VinUni is investing in world-class talent, research centers, and cutting-edge facilities to drive breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Science, Environmental Intelligence, Innovations in Health Sciences, Policy Development, and Sustainable Societies.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Center for Environmental Intelligence (CEI) at VinUniversity is an interdisciplinary research center that brings together leading scientists to address Vietnam‘s and the region‘s most pressing environmental and climate challenges. CEI combines artificial intelligence, data science, and advanced sensing technologies with deep expertise in environmental science to develop breakthrough solutions, spanning disaster monitoring and response, climate adaptation, sustainable resource management, and clean energy. With a strong focus on international collaboration, CEI continues to expand its network of academic and industry partners worldwide while driving high-impact, application-oriented research that contributes to a sustainable future for Vietnam and beyond.

The Research Center Manager is responsible for supporting the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) in the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of CEI‘s research operations. The position ensures effective management of the Center‘s research portfolio, funding programs, partnerships, performance monitoring, and operational processes, enabling CEI to achieve its strategic objectives and research excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Strategy & Operations

• Support the Executive Director in implementing CEI‘s strategic plans, annual operational plans, and institutional initiatives.
• Coordinate the overall execution of CEI‘s research strategy and ensure alignment between research activities, operational priorities, and available resources.
• Develop and continuously improve research management processes and operational workflows across the Center.

Research Portfolio Management

• Oversee CEI‘s research project portfolio, including Flagship, Grassroots, externally funded projects, and collaborative research initiatives.
• Monitor project progress, milestones, budget utilization, deliverables, and compliance with institutional policies.
• Identify project risks and recommend mitigation plans to ensure timely and successful project implementation.

Research Performance Management

• Monitor and analyze CEI‘s research KPIs, including:
• Publications and citations
• External research funding
• Patents, technologies and commercialization
• Research impact and project outcomes
• Prepare periodic reports and strategic analyses for CEI leadership and University management.

Financial & Budget Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor the Center‘s annual operating and research budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Ensure transparent and efficient budget utilization following university policies, legal regulations and funding agency requirements.
• Oversee financial planning, budget utilization, forecasting, and expenditure tracking for the Center and its research projects.
• Provide financial guidance to Principal Investigators (PIs) on project budgeting, cost planning, budget revisions, and financial compliance.
• Coordinate with Finance and relevant units to ensure timely budget execution, financial reporting, procurement, and compliance with institutional policies.
• Monitor the financial performance of research programs and recommend budget optimization strategies to maximize research impact and operational efficiency.
• Develop analytical reports evaluating return on investment (ROI) and cost-effectiveness to support informed decision-making by senior leadership.

Funding Programs & Proposal Development

• Lead the coordination and administration of CEI‘s internal funding programs, including proposal calls, peer review, evaluation, funding recommendations, and project monitoring.
• Support researchers in developing competitive external funding proposals with government agencies, industry partners, and international funding organizations.
• Coordinate proposal development, budgeting, compliance, and submission processes.

Research Partnership Development

• Coordinate strategic collaborations with universities, research institutes, industry partners, government agencies, and international organizations.
• Support the establishment and management of research agreements, joint research programs, and collaborative initiatives.
• Maintain relationships with key research stakeholders and funding partners.

Academic Programs & Strategic Initiatives

• Coordinate CEI‘s Distinguished Visiting Professor Program, Scientific Advisory Board, and other strategic academic initiatives.
• Organize advisory board meetings, research reviews, scientific workshops, and major research events.
• Support strategic initiatives that enhance CEI‘s international visibility and research reputation.

Leadership & Cross-functional Coordination

• Coordinate activities among research teams, administrative units, finance, procurement, HR, communications, and external partners.
• Provide guidance to Principal Investigators (PIs) on project management, budgeting, KPI planning, procurement, and institutional procedures.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and research support services.

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

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Education and experience 

• Master‘s degree or above in Engineering, Science, Management, Public Administration, or a related discipline.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Minimum 5 years of experience in research management, higher education administration, R&D management, project management, or research operations.
• Experience managing research grants and funding programs is preferred.
• Experience working in an international university or research institute is an advantage
• Alignment with VinUni’s core values (EXCEL): Empathy, Exceptional Capability, Creativity, Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Leadership Mindset

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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