Chief Operating Officer

Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY

VinUniversity (VinUni) is an ambitious new university with a mission to become a world-class institution that excels in research, teaching, and innovation. In alignment with this vision, VinUniversity has established several interdisciplinary Research Centers (Innovation in Health Sciences, AI Research, Big Data Research).

We are seeking accomplished and dynamic Chief Operating Officers (COO) who will serve as key members of the leadership team for VinUniversity’s interdisciplinary research centers. The COOs will work in close partnership with the Chief Scientific Officers (CSO) to ensure that each center not only operates efficiently but also fulfills its strategic mission in advancing high-impact, interdisciplinary research aligned with VinUni’s long-term goals.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Strategy and Execution

Oversee the Center’s research strategy, action plan, and performance outcomes, ensuring alignment with VinUni’s Vision to become one of the world’s top 100 universities and the QS100 Master Plan.

- Develop the Research Cluster‘s five-year and annual activity plans, and organize their implementation after approval.

- Support the CSO in both strategic and operational management of the Center, ensuring delivery of results in academic and industry reputation, publications, intellectual property, fundraising, translational research, partnerships, and commercialization.

- Drive flagship research projects and incubate early-stage initiatives to strengthen research capacity.

- Plan and organize conferences, seminars, training programs, and competitions to advance the Center’s profile.

Training and Mentorship

- Mentor and train Postdocs, PhD students, and young researchers, building long-term research capacity for VinUni and Vietnam.

- Develop postgraduate programs in materials science, electronics, and energy.

Operations & Partnerships

- Oversee day-to-day operations, including laboratory construction, facilities management, and research administration.

- Manage the research facility, equipment, certified testing, budget, staff, and resources, ensuring effective and sustainable operations.

- Collaborate with government agencies and industry partners to establish national-level laboratories and industry-focused labs (e.g., EMI/EMC Lab).

- Work closely with Vingroup P&L including VinFast, VinSpeed, VinEnergo, V-Green, VinMotion, VinRobotics VinDynamics to synergize research, innovation, and commercialization efforts.

- Build strong industry and external partnerships to advance collaboration, IP development, licensing, and commercialization.

- Manage and establish mechanisms for the utilization and transfer of inventions and technologies, coordinating with academic and industry partners on commercialization models.

Policy & Impact

- Analyze technology development policies and patent protection mechanisms in regional and global contexts, and propose innovative solutions for technology advancement.

- Promote systemization, standardization, and professionalization of research management within the Center, and collaborate with other VinUni centers on green transition, energy, environment, electronics, AI, robotics, and big data.

- Foster a collaborative and innovative environment for faculty, researchers, and students.

- Other strategic planning tasks as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

- Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

- A minimum of ten years’ experience in planning or project management in a sophisticated, diverse environment.

- Experience with ISO/IEC 17025 and VILAS certification processes for laboratory systems in materials, electronics, and energy.

- Proven experience in research management and leadership, or large-scale project administration.

- Strong track record of building academic–industry partnerships and delivering translational research outcomes.

Skills and Competencies

- Demonstrated ability to mentor and train early-career researchers and students.

- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills in an international, interdisciplinary environment.

- Familiarity with innovation ecosystems, IP management, technology transfer, and commercialization is highly desirable.

- Thorough understanding of higher education and the deep tech industry

- Critical competencies needed: Critical thinking, Strategic thinking, Data analysis, Digital literacy, Organizational skills, Discipline and Resilience, Cultural sensitivity, Communication, Achievement-oriented, Adaptability.

COMPENSATION

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.