Core Laboratory Specialist

ORGANIZATION NAME    Khalifa University

ABOUT UNIVERSITY    

Khalifa University is a world-class, research-intensive institution in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The University’s mission is to seamlessly integrate research and education to produce world leaders and critical thinkers in science, engineering, and medicine, and also to be a catalyst towards Abu Dhabi’s 2030 vision for a knowledge-based economy. Khalifa University has two campuses in the city of Abu Dhabi – the KU Main Campus and the Sas Al Nakhl Campus, the latter housing two of KU’s flagship research institutes: Masdar Institute and Petroleum Institute.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION    

The Core Labs Specialist is responsible for providing high-quality instructional support in labs, performing a broad range of duties related to the day-to-day operations of relevant laboratories, which includes equipment management, the maintenance of equipment and research support facilities, the training of users, the compliance of the lab with University Environmental, Health and Safety regulation (EHS), and proper and safe use of equipment and materials. The Core Labs Specialist will promote a culture of continuous improvement in order to ensure the shared laboratories continue to provide excellent levels of research user services.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION    

Operational Responsibilities

Laboratory Safety

• Drive practices and metrics that ensure the laboratories operate in compliance with all aspects of Khalifa University Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) policies.

Laboratory Operations

• Coordinate operational policies and procedures and work with research staff on issues which impact laboratory services.
• Coordinate and supervise the performance of routine and specialized technical procedures in assigned laboratories.
• Assist with laboratory goals and operational procedures for quality, efficiency, and waste reduction.

Technical Support

• Ensure lab equipment is operational to the maximum extent possible and improve operations through efficient use of existing equipment.
• Monitors functionality of new equipment to ensure compliance.
• Improves lab operations through efficient use of existing equipment.
• Coordinate the installation of new equipment and maintaining the inventory of all lab equipment.

Resource Management

• Assist in the determination of fiscal requirements and in the preparation of budgetary recommendations, including recommending capital equipment expenditures, ensure appropriate resource levels, and comply with organizational expenditure requirements.
• Supervise and manage the inventory of commonly used lab supplies, maintenance parts, and any other items related to research lab operations.
• Evaluates technical requirements based on bids received from potential vendors for the purchase of lab equipment.
• Ensure information on the lab website is kept up to date including all training schedules, equipment schedules, and equipment descriptions.
• Guide the faculty and researchers on the purchase of consumables and accessories for equipment.

Research Services

• Contribute to the continued innovation and development of the research program.
• Maintain liaison with investigators, research personnel, and staff to solve specific operating problems and improve technical activities. 

Other Responsibilities

Adhere to the University’s information security and confidentiality policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly. Coordinate with other departments to facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and responsibilities, as and when needed. Perform any other tasks assigned by the Line Manager. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS    

Required Qualification

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science-related field.

Required Experience

• Expats: A minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in research laboratories.
• UAE Nationals: A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in research laboratories.

Required hands-on experience in the following EQUIPMENT:

• Autoclave (Rodwell Phoenix 60)
• Centrifuge (Eppendorf 5810R)
• Conductivity Benchtop Meter (WTW inoLab 7110)
• Thomas Digital Stereo Microscopes (Motic DMW143)
• Fluorescence microscope (Thermo Scientific EVOS Cell Imaging System)Freeze Dryer (Labconco FreeZone -105 C 4.5 L Cascade Benchtop Freeze Dry System)
• Incubator and refrigerator shaker (New Brunswick Innova 42 R)
• Incubator Shaker (New Brunswick Innova 43) #1
• Incubator Shaker (New Brunswick Innova 43) #2
• Inverted Compound Microscope (Jenco CP-2A1)
• Light Microscope (Variscope Compound Light Microscope)
• Molecular Imager (Biorad Gel Doc XR System)
• pH/ION meter (WTW inoLab 7320)
• Real-Time PCR system (Applied Biosystems StepOne)
• Concentrator (Eppendorf Concentrator Plus)
• Sequencer (Illumina MiSeq System)
• Shell Freezer (Labconco FreeZone Benchtop Shell Freezer 79490 series)
• Ceramic Plate Extractor (Soil Moisture Equipment 1500F1 &1600)
• Ultracentrifuge (Thermo Scientific Sorvall MX 150 Plus)
• UV/VIS Spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific Genesys 10S)
• UV/VIS Spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific NanoDrop Nano Drop 2000)
• Well Plate Reader (BMGLABTECH Fluostar Optima)
• Deep Freezer “Thermo Scientific – Revco Value Plus”
• DGGE Gel Apparatus
• Freeze Dryer FreeZone 4.5 Liter -105C Benchtop with Accessories
• Incubator “Thermo Scientific”Incubator “Wise Cube”
• Microwave Digestion System – Mars 6
• Microscope “Zeiss – Primo Star”
• Sonicator – QSonica Q125
• Thermal PCR cycler
• UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Lamda 35
• UV-VIS Spectrophotometer scanning 670 SP/25610

HOW TO APPLY

A complete application includes curriculum vitae, cover letter, photo, and the names and contact information of three references.

Should you require further assistance or if you face any issue with the online application, please feel to contact the Recruitment Team (recruitmentteam@ku.ac.ae).