Research Assistant

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated and skilled Research Assistant to join our project exploring the soil microbiomes of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The successful candidate will work at the Department of Integrative Agriculture, CAVM, UAE University, contributing to cutting-edge research on microbial diversity, functions, and applications in arid ecosystems. Key Responsibilities

• Soil sampling and processing: Collect soil samples from field sites, maintain sterile handling, and record associated environmental metadata.
• Microbial cultivation and culturomics: Isolate, grow, and maintain diverse soil microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi.
• DNA/RNA extraction and quality control from soil and microbial isolates for downstream molecular analysis.
• Biochemical and functional assays: Assess microbial enzyme activities, nutrient cycling processes, and stress tolerance traits relevant to soil health.
• Microbial preservation and culture collection maintenance to build long-term repositories.
• Physicochemical analysis of soils (pH, salinity, nutrients, organic matter, etc.) and integration with microbiome data.
• Data analysis and reporting: Compile, analyze, and interpret experimental results; contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and grant reporting.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (soil scientists, agronomists, molecular biologists) to integrate microbiome findings with soil and plant health outcomes.
  
  

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in soil microbiology, microbial cultivation, DNA/RNA extraction, and microbial biochemical analysis.
• Familiarity with soil sampling, laboratory safety, and good documentation practices.
• Strong problem-solving skills, independence in the lab, and ability to work within a team.
  
  

• Knowledge of sustainable agriculture and plant–microbe interactions.
• Basic data analysis skills (e.g., R, Excel, or other statistical tools). This is a unique opportunity to contribute to advancing microbial ecology and sustainable agriculture in desert environments.
  
  

• Soil sampling and processing: Collect soil samples from field sites, maintain sterile handling, and record associated environmental metadata.
• Microbial cultivation and culturomics: Isolate, grow, and maintain diverse soil microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi.
• DNA/RNA extraction and quality control from soil and microbial isolates for downstream molecular analysis.
• Biochemical and functional assays: Assess microbial enzyme activities, nutrient cycling processes, and stress tolerance traits relevant to soil health.
• Microbial preservation and culture collection maintenance to build long-term repositories.
• Physicochemical analysis of soils (pH, salinity, nutrients, organic matter, etc.) and integration with microbiome data.
• Data analysis and reporting: Compile, analyze, and interpret experimental results; contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and grant reporting.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (soil scientists, agronomists, molecular biologists) to integrate microbiome findings with soil and plant health outcomes.