Associate Research Scientist - Coral Genomics
Job Snapshot
Role: Associate Research Scientist - Coral Genomics
Location: Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Experience: PhD with advanced field and laboratory research experience
Job Type: Full-time
Position Overview
Associate Research Scientist - Coral Genomics in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates is a high-impact hiring opportunity within the Higher Education sector for professionals specializing in marine biology, molecular ecology, and coral reef resilience research. This role focuses on genomic analysis, heat tolerance studies, and coral conservation strategies to strengthen climate resilience and protect one of the world’s most thermally resilient coral ecosystems.
Job Details
Country: United Arab Emirates
City: Abu Dhabi Emirate
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Salary: 22000-32000
Estimated salary range based on similar jobs in the job city; please confirm the final offer with the employer.
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Role Context
This position supports advanced environmental science research within the Mubadala Arabian Center for Climate and Environmental Sciences by investigating the molecular and genomic basis of coral heat tolerance. The selected researcher will lead major scientific studies that connect molecular biology with applied conservation, helping develop stronger coral populations capable of surviving future climate stressors.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead research on molecular and genomic mechanisms behind heat tolerance in Arabian Gulf corals
* Conduct genomic analysis and gene expression profiling to understand coral thermal resilience
* Perform eco-physiological assays and coral heat-stress experiments under controlled research conditions
* Investigate how individual corals and coral populations respond to elevated temperature stress
* Collaborate closely with selective breeding research teams focused on heat-tolerant coral development
* Support development of conservation strategies for climate-resilient coral reef populations
* Manage field research activities including scientific diving operations and marine sample collection
* Publish first-author scientific papers and present findings at major environmental and marine science conferences
* Supervise students or junior research staff and contribute to broader research development activities
Ideal Profile
* PhD in Biological Sciences, Molecular Ecology, Genetics, or a closely related field
* Degree completion required by January 2024
* Strong expertise in molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis
* Proven experience conducting coral heat-stress assays and marine field research
* Advanced SCUBA certification with demonstrated research diving experience is essential
* Strong first-author publication record in relevant scientific fields
* Experience with omics approaches, epigenetics, and advanced coding in R or Python is highly preferred
Skills Set
* Coral genomics and molecular ecology
* Gene expression profiling
* Molecular biology and genetics
* Bioinformatics and statistical analysis
* Coral heat-stress assays
* Scientific diving and marine field operations
* R and Python programming
* Eco-physiological testing
* Research supervision and laboratory coordination
* Scientific writing and peer-reviewed publication development
Why Join Us
* Work on one of the world’s most important coral climate resilience research programs
* Join a globally recognized research university with advanced marine science and genomics facilities
* Competitive salary package with housing and educational subsidies
* Access to world-class environmental research collaborations and international scientific networks
* Strong opportunities for publication, conservation impact, and scientific leadership
* Help shape future coral restoration strategies in one of the planet’s most extreme marine environments
About the Company
New York University Abu Dhabi is a globally recognized research university delivering excellence across science, environmental research, and higher education. As part of NYU’s international academic network, NYU Abu Dhabi supports transformative discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and world-class scientific innovation while advancing sustainability and environmental leadership across the UAE and beyond.



