The Role
The successful candidate will work as Research Assistant in the Abu Dhabi International Virtual Research Institute for Food Security in the Drylands. This institute features a comprehensive and highly interdisciplinary R&D program and provides an international collaboration platform for researchers and stakeholders of the public and private food and agricultural sector. The virtual research institute strives to generate knowledge and technological innovation in support of food security in the UAE and other arid environments of the world. As part of one of its research themes, the institute will investigate the microbiota associated with food matrices. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to this activity. It involves metagenomic sequencing analysis to characterize the association of the microbial population in food matrices and food safety. Though food safety analysis was primarily associated with the golden standard bacteriological isolation techniques, the contemporary application of the whole genome sequencing/metagenomics is widely seen as an option of vast futuristic potential. We will apply the above technologies on selected food matrices to characterize the microbiome associated within. The position is based on a contract over then months that may be renewed on an annual basis. Work is based at the United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain.

Requirements
Minimum Qualification Master degree in veterinary biomedical sciences, biology or any related specialization, with a background in bacteriology. Expected Skills/Rank/Experience Prior laboratory experience in conventional microbiology is mandatory. Demonstrated skills in molecular microbiology, especially in DNA based application, is a definite plus.

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 UAEs 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. UAEUs 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.