About Anant National University

Anant National University, India’s first DesignX university, is dedicated to training students to devise solutions for global problems. The X in Design X is the symbol drawn from mathematics, representing enhancement. This new learning approach multiplies traditional design pedagogy with liberal arts disciplines, emerging technologies and knowledge drawn from hands-on community experiences to help understand our world better and to devise impactful solutions.

Our multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts harness knowledge from various disciplines and traditional practices to integrate it with cutting-edge technology to address diverse challenges. We train our designers to become solutionaries — revolutionary thinkers with a solution-oriented mindset.

About the Department

The Office of Research and Innovation Department serves as a catalyst for academic excellence, fostering a culture of inquiry, creativity and problem-solving. This office plays a crucial role in supporting faculty, researchers and students in conducting high-impact research, securing grants and developing innovative solutions that contribute to both academia and industry.

By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, technological advancements, and entrepreneurial initiatives, the Office of Research and innovation strengthens the University’s position as a hub for knowledge creation and real-world impact. Through state-of-the-art research facilities, funding support, and industry partnerships, it ensures that groundbreaking ideas translate into meaningful contributions to society.

Job Type

Fulltime, On campus

Reporting to

Provost

Term

Three-year, extendable based on performance and institutional needs.

Required Education qualifications

  • Doctoral/Master’s or equivalent in technology, sustainability, architecture, design, urban planning, management, humanities or related disciplines.
  • 15-20 years in senior academic leadership roles in an educational setting in India or abroad with proven experience in securing sponsored research and scholarly publications and allied administration including working with faculty and doctoral scholars to promote research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key Responsibility Areas (KRAs)

Strategic Planning and Leadership:
 

  • Develop and implement a strategic plan for research that aligns with the University’s overall goals.
  • Lead initiatives to enhance the University’s research profile and output.
  • Promote and facilitate interdisciplinary and collaborative funded research efforts across schools and centres.

Research Funding and Resources:
 

  • Identify and secure external funding sources, including grants, contracts and partnerships.
  • Oversee the allocation of internal research funds and resources.
  • Provide guidance and support to faculty and staff in grant writing and management.

Compliance and Ethical Standards:
 

  • Ensure all research activities comply with institutional, national and international regulations and ethical standards.
  • Oversee the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and other compliance committees.
  • Maintain a culture of integrity and accountability in research practices.

Faculty Development and Support:
 

  • Support faculty in their research endeavors through mentoring, professional development, and access to resources.
  • Facilitate the recruitment and retention of top research talent.
  • Recognise and reward research achievements within the institution.

Collaboration and Partnerships:
 

  • Foster relationships with national and international partners across the industry, government and other academic institutions to enhance research opportunities, funding and innovation.
  • Represent the institution in national and international research forums and consortia.
  • Promote community engagement through research initiatives that address societal challenges.

Administrative and Financial Management:
 

  • Oversee departmental budgets that align with institutional goals and long-term research and scholarship strategies to ensure funding is directed towards impactful programmes and services.
  • Draft, review and enforce policies that govern research and innovation, ensuring alignment with the University’s mission and evolving needs.
  • Prepare reports and analyses for senior leadership, accrediting bodies, and other stakeholders.

Innovation and Technology Transfer:
 

  • Encourage and support innovation and commercialization of research outcomes.
  • Oversee the institution’s intellectual property portfolio and technology transfer activities.
  • Promote entrepreneurial activities and the development of research-based start-ups.

Other Responsibilities:
 

  • Undertake any duties and deliver any other responsibilities assigned by the Provost, the President or the Academic Council / Board of Management / Governing Body contributing to the University’s strategic growth plans.

Key Skills

  • Demonstrated experience in promoting research and innovation, educational leadership, higher education administration, managing budgets, optimising resources and related disciplines to advance the Office of Research and Innovation.
  • The successful candidate should have demonstrated ability using higher education policies and data to design, plan, implement and manage funding opportunities to advance the University’s research agenda.
  • Excellent communication skills to engage with students, faculty, management and partner organisations, ensuring a supportive and inclusive research experience.
  • Ability to write quality proposals/policies/reports, and ability to work effectively in teams.

Note

Interested candidates must submit a Statement of Vision for the Office of Research and Innovation at Anant National University. This should be uploaded in the Portfolio section of the Application Form.