Job Description

Head of Research - Addiction Medicine

Rehabilitation Hospital

Free placement
Free placement

Job ID: 623386

17 Apr 2026

Job ID: 623386

17 Apr 2026

Job Location

Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates

Experience

12 to 15 years

Qualification Level

Post Graduate; Doctorate; Medical Professionals

Job Function

Doctor / Medical Research / Dean / Medical Professors
Researchers / Scientists
Top Management

Skillset

Responsible for leading the development and execution of the organization’s research strategy.Develop and implement a 3 to 5 year research roadmap focusing on substance use disorders, dual diagnosis, trauma-informed care, and behavioral addictions. L

Preferred Jobseekers

Jobseekers from any country

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Davidson Management Consultants have been mandated to recruit a Head of Research for their client in UAE which is a specialized addiction rehabilitation hospital delivering evidence-based care across detoxification, inpatient and outpatient services. We are looking for candidates with an MD in Psychiatry (with Addiction specialization) or a PhD in Addiction, Clinical Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline, with a strong track record in addiction or substance use disorder (SUD) research. Candidates must have demonstrated experience in clinical research, outcomes measurement, and research governance including ethics (IRB) processes and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Western training (UK, USA, Canada, Australia) is preferred and prior experience within addiction rehabilitation hospitals or behavioral health institutions would be highly advantageous. Arabic language skills are desirable.

The Head of Research will be responsible for leading the development and execution of the organization’s research strategy.Develop and implement a 3 to 5 year research roadmap focusing on substance use disorders, dual diagnosis, trauma-informed care, and behavioral addictions. Lead the design and execution of clinical trials, observational studies, and outcomes-based research programs aligned with regulatory standards in UAE including DHA, DOH, and MOH.Oversee ethics submissions, patient consent processes, and ensure full compliance with clinical research governance frameworks. Design and implement outcomes measurement systems including relapse rates, treatment retention, readmission rates, and patient-reported outcome measures. Collaborate with IT and data teams to build dashboards, analytics frameworks, and reporting systems to support data-driven clinical decision making.

Translate research findings into clinical practice by developing and standardizing evidence-based treatment protocols. Work closely with Medical Director, Clinical Director, and therapy teams to integrate research into detox protocols, therapy models such as CBT, DBT, and trauma-focused interventions, and structured aftercare programs.Establish academic collaborations with universities, international research institutions, and addiction centers. Lead development of fellowship programs, joint research initiatives, and publication strategies. Evaluate and introduce innovative treatment approaches including digital therapeutics, neuromodulation, and emerging evidence-based therapies where applicable.

Lead and build the research function including research fellows, clinical research leads, data analysts, and coordinators. Mentor junior researchers and clinical teams, and contribute to institutional branding through publications, conference presentations, and evidence-based positioning of the organization. Work closely with Chief Medical Officer, Clinical Director, Quality, Compliance, and Data teams to ensure alignment of research strategy with clinical operations and organizational goals.

Salary : Aed 60,000 per month plus family benefits (Salary mentioned in the advertisement is indicative. The final offer lies at the discretion of the client and will be made after completion of interviews).

Company Profile

Davidson Management Consultants is a Dubai-based boutique healthcare executive search and physician recruitment firm specializing in hospital leadership recruitment, C-suite healthcare hiring, and international physician placement across the GCC and Middle East. With more than 13 years of experience in healthcare recruitment, life sciences recruitment, and pharmaceutical executive search, Davidson has become one of the region’s most trusted recruitment partners for multispecialty hospitals, tertiary care medical centers, healthcare groups, medical universities, and pharmaceutical companies across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Davidson is widely recognized for its expertise in healthcare executive search in Dubai and the Middle East, supporting hospitals and healthcare organizations with the recruitment of Hospital CEOs, COOs, CFOs, Chief Medical Officers, Medical Directors, and senior healthcare leadership teams. The firm also specializes in international physician recruitment, sourcing highly qualified Consultant Physicians, Specialist Doctors, Surgeons, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Allied Health professionals for leading hospitals and healthcare institutions across the GCC. Through a strong global candidate network spanning the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and South Africa, Davidson provides access to board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians and internationally experienced healthcare executives. Davidson Management Consultants is also a trusted resource for physicians searching for doctor jobs in UAE hospitals, consultant doctor jobs in Dubai, psychiatrist jobs in UAE, and physician career opportunities across the GCC. Our executive search methodology includes global leadership mapping, international talent sourcing, competency-based interviews, psychometric assessment, and comprehensive reference checks, ensuring the highest standards of recruitment for critical leadership and clinical roles. In addition to recruitment, Davidson supports physicians with UAE medical licensing services including DHA, DOH, MOH, and CDA licensing, assisting international doctors in successfully transitioning to healthcare careers in the UAE and the GCC. Today, Davidson Management Consultants is recognized as a leading healthcare executive search firm in Dubai and physician recruitment consultancy in the GCC, connecting world-class healthcare professionals with outstanding hospital and healthcare leadership opportunities across the Middle East.

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