Biotechnologist – Research Associate

Biotechnologist – Research Associate oppurtunity in UAE ‘s leading University to support a flagship multidisciplinary genomics project

The successful candidate will play a central role in coordinating fieldwork, laboratory genomics, bioinformatics analysis, data management, and team collaboration. By integrating PacBio HiFi sequencing, Illumina whole-genome sequencing (WGS), GWAS, and marker-assisted breeding, the project aims to generate a comprehensive catalog of polymorphic markers and develop custom genotyping chips to support sustainable agricultural innovation in the region.

Job Responsibilities

Scientific

• Contribute to study design, experimental planning, and protocol development for genomics-driven breeding programs.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary research activities across field sampling, molecular laboratories, and computational analysis.
• Prepare technical reports, project updates, scientific manuscripts, and research publications for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the long-term strategic goals of the Biotechnology Center through high-quality research outputs.

Biotechnology –

• Conduct field sampling and collection of date palm and alfalfa plant materials, ensuring accurate labeling, traceability, and documentation.
• Perform DNA extraction, quality control, and library preparation for PacBio HiFi and Illumina sequencing platforms.
• Support the design, optimization, and validation of SNP arrays for high-resolution genotyping.
• Execute genome-wide association studies (GWAS), including data preprocessing, statistical analysis, and visualization of trait–marker relationships.
• Assist in building a catalog of polymorphic genomic markers linked to economically important traits.
• Contribute to the development and validation of custom genotyping chips for marker-assisted breeding.
• Support the establishment and refinement of marker-assisted selection (MAS) workflows and breeding strategies.
• Document and curate phenotypic and genomic data from UAE germplasm collections, ensuring proper metadata and data integrity.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks, sequencing logs, sample inventories, and digital data management systems in line with institutional standards.
• Troubleshoot laboratory and bioinformatics workflows and participate in continuous protocol optimization.
• Prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs), data summaries, and technical documentation.
• Support the training and capacity building of junior researchers, interns, and students.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety regulations, data governance policies, and institutional quality assurance standards.

Research

• Supervise and mentor research assistants, laboratory technicians, and graduate students involved in field and laboratory activities.
• Oversee daily laboratory and field operations, ensuring strict adherence to approved SOPs and research protocols.
• Organize and lead team meetings, progress reviews, and coordination sessions.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality standards across all research activities.

Job Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Plant Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Master’s degree obtained from and/or professional experience at a Top 200 QS or THE ranked university.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible research experience in academia, research institutes, or biotechnology/agricultural industry.

• Hands-on experience with NGS technologies, including PacBio HiFi and Illumina sequencing.
• Demonstrated experience in GWAS, SNP discovery, and genomic data analysis.
• Strong understanding of plant genomics, marker-assisted breeding, and crop improvement strategies.
• Experience managing large genomic datasets, laboratory workflows, and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools, statistical analysis, and data visualization.
• Strong scientific writing and documentation skills.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.

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