CEPT University has initiated an international search process to identify and appoint a Vice-Chairperson, CRDF.

CEPT Research and Development Foundation or CRDF is an independent organization promoted by CEPT University to promote and manage research and advisory activities undertaken by the University and its staff members under its aegis. The organization is registered as a section 8 not-for-profit company of the Companies Act of India (2013). CRDF is stewarded by its Governing Council comprising the Chairman (President of CEPT University) and other members of the council. Primary activities, comprising research and advisory work at CRDF, are conducted by well-functioning and independent research centers. Each center, focused on a thematic areas of research, is headed by an Executive Director supported by full-time coordinator and other research staff. Collectively, the centers are also supported by the secretariat, headed by the Director of CRDF and comprising a core team of accounting, HR and admin staff.

The Vice-Chairperson of CRDF would be a visionary leader who would be responsible for enhancing the profile of organization and developing it further as one of the premier research organizations in the country in the fields of human habitat.

The role of the Vice-Chairperson of CRDF (Chair of Executive Council) shall be:

  • To shape CRDF's strategic research direction and agenda within the framework of CEPT’s overall goals.
  • To support the research agenda and vision of each of it centers and helps synergize the functioning of its centers
  • To facilitate the centers to build on their success and to help them strengthen and enhance a research culture within CRDF community
  • To define and implement, in collaboration with the centers, standards and expectations for research success at CRDF through measurable outcomes.
  • To facilitate, with support from the secretariat, a conducive and nourishing environment for continuous improvement of research centers and researchers
  • To support existing and new centers with assistance in research funding application, resolving research ethics questions, administering post-award financial management, facilitating contact with industry and government, and such other research support services
  • To support the centers in exploring and formalizing partnership and funding opportunities with external agencies such as granting councils, foundations, other universities and research organizations, for the full range of research activities
  • To renew, develop and strengthen relationships among the CRDF Secretariat, CRDF Centers, and external agencies
  • To define in collaboration with the centers, policies addressing various issues related to conducting research including research ethics and intellectual property rights

This opportunity would be attractive for someone with a vision for charting a new path for this high quality research organization. The candidate would have academic background in one of the disciplines in the field of human habitat and would bring significant experience of having led or co-led high quality international or national research center / organization. The candidate would have the ability to tap into an excellent network of researchers and organizations to support the mission of CRDF.

The appointment of the Vice Chairman, full time / part time, is for a three-year period, but may be extended for another three-year term following a review process. The remuneration is competitive and commensurate with qualification and accomplishments of the candidate.

Applications are invited for both fulltime / part-time appointments. Priority consideration will be given to applications and nominations received by January 31, 2017, although the review process will continue until the position is filled. The position is available immediately.

Electronic applications and nominations are preferred and may be submitted to the University Staff Office: uso[at]cept.ac.in
Questions may be directed to: Anu Sutaria, Head, University Staff Office (anu.sutaria[at]cept.ac.in)

Search and Selection Committee for Vice-Chairperson, CRDF

  • Naishadh Parikh, Chairman and MD, Equinox Solutions Ltd.
  • Dr. Dinesh Mehta, Professor Emeritus, CEPT University
  • Dr. Bimal Patel, President, CEPT University & Chair of Committee

The committee will be augmented with additional members later.