Research Assistant - Plant Epigenomics
Posted date [2026-06-02]
(ID: 45886)
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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 - Plant EpigenomicsJob Snapshot
Role: Research Assistant - Plant Epigenomics
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Experience: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology
Job Type: Full-time
Position Overview
Research Assistant - Plant Epigenomics in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is a specialized Higher Education research opportunity focused on plant population epigenomics, molecular biology, evolutionary genomics, stress response, adaptive genes, epigenomic features, and associated microbiomes. This role is suited for a motivated biology graduate who wants to gain hands-on research experience in molecular techniques, DNA and RNA work, statistical analysis, and multidisciplinary scientific collaboration within the Cornille Laboratory at New York University Abu Dhabi.
Job Details
Country: United Arab Emirates
City: Abu Dhabi
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Salary: 10000-16000
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 - Plant Epigenomics will support population epigenomics analyses on plants within the Cornille Laboratory in the Division of Science at New York University Abu Dhabi. The role focuses on identifying molecules, genes, and epigenomic features that may have evolved adaptively or contribute to stress responses, while also examining associated microbiomes. Working under the supervision of Dr. Amandine Cornille, the selected researcher will contribute to ongoing molecular biology and evolutionary genomics projects and may develop an independent research project aligned with the laboratory’s scientific direction.
Key Responsibilities
* Conduct research activities related to plant population epigenomics, molecular biology, and evolutionary genomics.
* Support the identification of adaptive molecules, genes, and epigenomic features involved in plant stress response.
* Assist with the analysis of associated microbiomes linked to plant adaptation and environmental response.
* Apply molecular biology techniques while adapting experimental conditions to project needs.
* Extract, prepare, and support sequencing workflows for DNA and RNA samples.
* Follow health and safety rules during laboratory work, sample handling, and experimental procedures.
* Conduct fundamental statistical analyses for biological and genomic research data.
* Support bioinformatics analysis where applicable, including basic processing, organization, or interpretation of genomic datasets.
* Maintain accurate research records, laboratory notes, sample tracking files, data tables, and experiment documentation.
* Contribute to literature reviews, research summaries, internal reports, and publication-related materials.
* Participate in multidisciplinary team discussions and collaborate with researchers across molecular biology, genomics, ecology, and plant science.
* Develop an independent research project aligned with the lab’s focus where suitable.
* Communicate research progress clearly in meetings, written updates, and collaborative discussions.
* Bring scientific creativity and careful analytical thinking to plant adaptation and epigenomics research questions.
Ideal Profile
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology.
* Background in molecular biology is strongly encouraged.
* Substantial experience in molecular biology techniques is highly desirable.
* Experience with DNA extraction, RNA extraction, sequencing preparation, or related laboratory methods is preferred.
* Ability to adapt experimental conditions while following laboratory health and safety standards.
* Understanding of fundamental statistical analysis methods.
* Basic bioinformatics analysis skills are a plus.
* Interest in plant biology, population epigenomics, evolutionary genomics, stress response, microbiomes, or molecular adaptation.
* Excellent communication skills in English.
* Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research teams.
* Scientific creativity and motivation to contribute to independent and collaborative research.
* UAE nationals are encouraged to apply.
* Ability to submit required documents, including cover letter, curriculum vitae with publication list if applicable or research interest statement, and two reference letters.
Skills Set
* Plant epigenomics
* Population epigenomics
* Molecular biology
* Evolutionary genomics
* Plant stress response
* Adaptive gene analysis
* Epigenomic feature analysis
* Microbiome research
* DNA extraction
* RNA extraction
* Sequencing support
* Laboratory safety
* Experimental condition adaptation
* Statistical analysis
* Bioinformatics basics
* Genomic data handling
* Plant biology
* Research documentation
* Literature review
* Scientific writing support
* Multidisciplinary collaboration
* Independent research
* Data organization
* Academic communication
Why Join Us
This position offers a valuable pathway for a Research Assistant - Plant Epigenomics who wants to build practical research experience in Abu Dhabi while working on plant adaptation, molecular biology, and evolutionary genomics. The role provides exposure to modern biological research methods, opportunities to contribute to an independent project, collaboration within a multidisciplinary academic environment, and the chance to strengthen skills for future graduate study or a long-term research career. It is a strong fit for a motivated biology graduate interested in how plants adapt at molecular and epigenomic levels.
About the Company
New York University Abu Dhabi is a globally connected research university in the UAE, supporting advanced scholarship across science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Through the Division of Science and the Cornille Laboratory, NYU Abu Dhabi supports research in molecular biology, plant science, evolutionary genomics, epigenomics, and multidisciplinary scientific discovery from Abu Dhabi.
