Research Assistant Fellow - Planetary Science
Posted date [2026-06-02]
(ID: 45867)
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New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is a globally recognized institution pioneering a transformative model of higher education. As part of the prestigious NYU global network, NYUAD offers an exceptional liberal arts and sciences education, fostering intercultural understanding and leadership.
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, NYUAD is dedicated to groundbreaking research and graduate education, addressing critical local and global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. It plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable, knowledge-based economy in the UAE and advancing NYU’s mission as a model university for the 21st century. NYUAD maintains the highest standards of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, welcoming students and faculty from around the world. The university provides a dynamic environment for learning, research, and professional development in one of the world’s fastest-growing educational and cultural hubs. For more information on career opportunities at NYU Abu Dhabi, visit the official website: http://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/ You can now provide the first NYU Abu Dhabi job post for improvement.... |
Job Description and Requirements
Research Assistant Fellow - Planetary ScienceJob Snapshot
Role: Research Assistant Fellow - Planetary Science
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Experience: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with strong analytical skills
Job Type: Full-time
Position Overview
Research Assistant Fellow - Planetary Science in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is a unique Higher Education research opportunity supporting the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, a flagship UAE Space Agency deep-space mission focused on planetary exploration and asteroid science. This role is ideal for a motivated early-career researcher who wants hands-on exposure to planetary research, space mission data analysis, laboratory experiments, numerical modelling, and active mission operations within an international academic and scientific environment.
Job Details
Country: United Arab Emirates
City: Abu Dhabi
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Salary: 12000-18000
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
The Research Assistant Fellow - Planetary Science will support New York University Abu Dhabi’s scientific contribution to the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt. As part of the NYUAD Kawader program, the position provides a paid research pathway for outstanding graduates seeking advanced academic training, mission-focused research experience, and preparation for graduate study or a future career in research. The selected fellow will work under the supervision of Prof. Andrea Macciò and Dr. Dimitra Atri, contributing to scientific analysis, laboratory development, modelling activities, public outreach, and mission-related coordination with UAE Space Agency partners and international collaborators.
Key Responsibilities
* Conduct research and data analysis linked to the scientific objectives of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt.
* Support planetary science projects focused on asteroids, deep-space environments, mission data, and space exploration.
* Collaborate with NYUAD faculty, UAE Space Agency mission teams, and international scientific partners.
* Assist in developing laboratory experiments relevant to asteroid materials, planetary environments, and mission research questions.
* Contribute to numerical modelling activities that support deep-space mission analysis and scientific interpretation.
* Participate in mission-related operations, planning discussions, coordination meetings, and technical research updates.
* Help prepare scientific outputs, research summaries, reports, presentations, and outreach materials.
* Build research capability through academic training, professional development, conference participation, and scientific writing.
* Engage in multidisciplinary collaboration across physics, astronomy, planetary science, geology, engineering, and related research areas.
* Support public outreach efforts that promote the UAE’s role in planetary science and deep-space exploration.
* Work independently on assigned research tasks while remaining actively involved in team-based mission activities.
* Maintain accurate research records, data files, experiment notes, analysis outputs, and project documentation.
Ideal Profile
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Astronomy, Planetary Science, Geology, Engineering, or a closely related field.
* Strong analytical ability with interest in scientific research, data interpretation, and problem solving.
* Demonstrated interest in planetary exploration, asteroid science, deep-space missions, and national research capability building.
* Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
* Prior research, laboratory, modelling, or data analysis experience is desirable but not required.
* Good academic writing and communication skills for reports, presentations, outreach, and research documentation.
* Motivation to participate in UAE Space Agency mission operations and collaborative scientific projects.
* Interest in preparing for graduate school or building a long-term research career.
* UAE nationals are encouraged to apply.
* Ability to submit required application documents, including CV, one-page statement of interest, academic transcripts, and two recommendation letters or academic referee contact details.
Skills Set
* Planetary science
* Asteroid research
* Deep-space mission support
* Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt
* Scientific data analysis
* Laboratory experiments
* Numerical modelling
* Physics research
* Astronomy research
* Geology research
* Engineering research
* Space science
* Mission operations
* Research documentation
* Scientific writing
* Conference participation
* Public outreach
* Multidisciplinary teamwork
* Academic training
* Graduate school preparation
* Data interpretation
* Research coordination
* National capability development
* UAE Space Agency collaboration
Why Join Us
This fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for an early-career researcher to contribute to the UAE’s flagship deep-space mission while gaining structured research experience in Abu Dhabi. The role provides a full-time paid position for up to three years, mentorship from internationally recognized NYUAD faculty, participation in active mission operations, professional development support, exposure to interdisciplinary projects, and guidance for future graduate school applications. It is a strong pathway for graduates who want to grow in planetary science, space research, and mission-driven academic work.
About the Company
New York University Abu Dhabi is a leading research university in the UAE, supporting advanced scholarship across science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Through the Kawader research fellowship program and its partnership with the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, NYU Abu Dhabi helps develop national research capability, strengthen scientific collaboration, and support the UAE’s growing leadership in planetary exploration and space science.
