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 focussing on metabarcoding/metagenomics analyses, coupled with ecological experimental approaches will be used in the project.

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. There may be opportunities to obtain additional funding. For further information regarding the position, please contact Dr. Sunil Mundra (e-mail: sunilmundra@uaeu.ac.ae). Evaluation for the position is based on education, experience as well as motivation in terms of the qualification requirements mentioned in the advertisement.

Expected Skills/Rank/Experience

The selected candidate is expected to: 1) Conduct fieldwork (soil and root collection) in an arid environment; 2) Process samples for biochemical and molecular lab work; 3) Analyse the genomic dataset using bioinformatics and statistical software; 4) Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals; 4) Assist in supervising/mentoring undergraduate and graduate students; and 5) obtain externally funded projects.

Special Instructions to Applicant

Applicant must include a cover letter, CV, copies of educational certificates, list of publications and contact details of 3 referees.

Division College of Science - (COS)
Department Biology - (COS)
Job Close Date 31-03-2021
Job Category Academic - Research Assistant
Salary 6000 to 8000 AED