Research Associate / Postdoctoral Fellow

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)

Al Ain, UAE

Ref: RP749-817

Job description / Role

Employment: Full Time

Job Description
The Department of Biology at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is seeking applications for a full-time research associate or postdoctoral fellow to investigate Plant-Microbial Interaction in an arid ecosystem. The successful candidate will be offered a one and half year position connected with a research project supported by a UAEU research council. The candidate will be involved in the project investigating microbiome (including bacteria and fungi) diversity and their functionality in arid soil and plant roots. The goal of the project is to understand the responsive dynamics of the arid soil microbiome in relation to extreme drought and salinity conditions as well as changing temperature patterns. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques focusing on metabarcoding/metagenomics analyses, coupled with ecological experimental approaches will be used in the project.

Requirements

Minimum Qualification
Highly motivated candidates with Masters or PhD in Biology, a strong academic track record and relevant experience in microbial ecology (microbiome diversity and functional assessment using molecular tools specifically metabarcoding and/or metagenomics) are highly encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualification
Candidates with experience in ecological experiment design, eDNA extraction, NGS library preparation and bioinformatics as well as statistical analyses (using R) of the big genomic dataset (metabarcoding/metagenomics) is highly preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and the ability to work well in a collaborative environment with skills in networking are highly advantageous.

Expected Skills/Rank/Experience
The selected candidate is expected to:
Conduct fieldwork (soil and root collection) in an arid environment. Process samples for biochemical and molecular lab work. Analyse the genomic dataset using bioinformatics and statistical software. Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Assist in supervising/mentoring undergraduate and graduate students; and obtain externally funded projects.

About the Company

Founded in 1976 by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAEU is a comprehensive, research-intensive university enrolling about 14,000 Emirati and international students. As the UAE’s flagship university, UAEU offers a full range of accredited, high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs through nine Colleges: Business and Economics; Education; Engineering; Food and Agriculture; Humanities and Social Sciences; IT; Law; Medicine and Health Sciences; and Science. With a distinguished international faculty, state-of-the art new campus, and full range of student support services, UAEU offers a living-learning environment that is unmatched in the UAE.

As a research-intensive university of international stature, UAEU works with its partners in industry to provide research solutions to challenges faced by the nation, the region, and the world. The University has established research centers of strategic importance to the country and the region which are advancing knowledge in critical areas ranging from water resources to cancer treatments. UAEU is currently ranked the number one research university in the GCC, number two in the Arab World, and #370 globally.

UAEU’s academic programs have been developed in partnership with employers, so our graduates are in high demand. UAEU alumni hold key positions in industry, commerce, and government throughout the region. Our continuing investments in facilities, services, and staff ensure that UAEU will continue to serve as a model of innovation and excellence.

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Associate salaries in UAE

Average monthly compensation
AED 6,000

Breakdown available for industries, cities and years of experience