"Associate Research Scientist in Mubadala Arabian Center for Climate and Environmental Sciences – Dr. John Burt"

Posted: 25-Nov-25

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Categories: Academic/Faculty

Internal Number: 178224

Mubadala Arabian Center for Climate and Environmental Sciences (ACCESS) at New York University Abu Dhabi, seeks to recruit an Associate Research Scientist to investigate the molecular and genomic mechanisms underpinning the extraordinary heat tolerance of Arabian Gulf corals, the most thermally resilient corals on Earth.

The successful candidate will lead an ambitious research program focused on understanding how individual corals and populations vary in their responses to heat stress. This work will involve the application of genomic and gene expression profiling, as well as eco-physiological assays, to reveal the mechanistic basis of thermal resilience. The position is uniquely placed to bridge fundamental molecular research with applied conservation through close collaboration with another postdoctoral researcher who is leading a selective breeding program for heat-tolerant corals. Together, these efforts will support the development of robust coral populations capable of withstanding intensifying climate-related stressors.

Applicants must hold a PhD in biological sciences, molecular ecology, genetics, or a related field, completed by January 2024. They must also possess advanced SCUBA certification with demonstrated research-diving experience, as well as strong proficiency in molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis. Experience conducting coral heat-stress assays and a record of first-author publications relevant to the field are essential. Preferred qualifications include a driver’s license in the applicant’s home country, boat-operator certification, and scientific diver credentials such as AAUS certification. Additional assets include experience with other omics approaches or epigenetics, advanced coding skills in R or Python, and prior supervisory experience with students or research staff.

For consideration, applicants need to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae with full publication list, transcript, statement of research interests and three letters of reference, all in PDF format. If you have any questions, please email Kelly Bradham at kelly.bradham@nyu.edu.

The terms of employment are very competitive and include housing and educational subsidies for children. Applications will be accepted immediately and candidates will be considered until the position is filled. To be considered, all applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcript of degree, a one-page summary of research accomplishments and interests, and at least 2 letters of recommendation, all in PDF format. Please visit our website at http://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/careers/faculty-positions.html for instructions and information on how to apply. If you have any questions, please email: mrasras@nyu.edu.

About NYU Abu Dhabi

NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.