Research Assistant

Job Description

Project Title: Bridging the Information Gap on Caseous Lymphadenitis in the UAE: An Economically Important Disease with Limited Research in Camels and No Studies in Sheep and Goats Project Number: G00005455 Funding Scheme: UPAR Duration: Full-time, 24 months (aligned with project period) Location: United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Position Summary The Research Assistant will support a multidisciplinary research project investigating Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA) in sheep, goats, and camels in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. The role involves integrated field, clinical, and laboratory responsibilities. The successful candidate will contribute to sample collection, clinical procedures, laboratory diagnostics, data management, and research reporting while ensuring full compliance with biosafety and ethical standards. Key Responsibilities Field & Clinical Duties Conduct fieldwork and abattoir-based research activities. Collect clinical samples including blood, pus, and abscess-affected tissues following approved biosafety and ethical protocols. Perform minor surgical procedures (e.g., incision and drainage of abscesses) under approved clinical guidelines. Assist in clinical examinations and post-mortem inspections under supervision. Ensure proper animal handling and welfare compliance. Laboratory Responsibilities Perform microbiological procedures including bacterial isolation and identification. Conduct serological assays (e.g., ELISA, IFN-γ assays). Carry out molecular techniques such as PCR and sample preparation for sequencing. Prepare, process, label, store, and document biological samples accurately. Maintain laboratory cleanliness, equipment functionality, and safety standards. Research & Administrative Support Maintain accurate research records, laboratory logs, and reports. Assist in data entry, management, and preliminary analysis. Support manuscript preparation, technical reports, and workshop organization. Ensure compliance with institutional, ethical, and biosafety regulations. Support senior researchers and veterinarians in project implementation.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine (mandatory). Valid veterinary license to practice. Valid driving license. Demonstrated clinical experience in livestock handling and examination. Ability to collect clinical samples, including blood, pus, and tissue specimens. Competence in performing minor surgical procedures (e.g., abscess incision and drainage). Ability to conduct fieldwork and work in farm and abattoir environments. Strong organizational skills with accurate documentation and record-keeping ability. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team. Demonstrated diligence, integrity, reliability, and strong professional work ethic.

Preferred Qualification

Master’s degree in Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Animal Diseases, Microbiology, or a closely related field. Practical laboratory experience in microbiology, serology, and molecular techniques (e.g., bacterial culture, ELISA, PCR). Experience in livestock disease research. Prior involvement in funded research projects. Experience in molecular sample preparation and sequencing workflows. Age preferably not exceeding 35 years, in line with project requirements.

Expected Skills

Rank Research Assistant (Full-Time) Project-based appointment (24 months) Reports to: Principal Investigator Experience Clinical experience in livestock examination and handling (sheep, goats, camels preferred). Experience in field-based veterinary work and sample collection. Hands-on experience in minor surgical procedures (e.g., abscess incision and drainage). Practical laboratory experience in microbiology, serology, and molecular diagnostics (culture, ELISA, PCR). Experience in research data recording, documentation, and basic data management. Previous participation in funded research projects (preferred). Experience in livestock disease research (preferred). Skill Set Proficiency in clinical sample collection (blood, pus, tissue). Competence in microbiological isolation and identification techniques. Ability to perform serological and molecular assays. Strong organizational and documentation skills. Knowledge of biosafety, ethical, and laboratory compliance standards. Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team. Good communication and reporting skills. Strong work ethic, integrity, and attention to detail. Willingness to conduct fieldwork and laboratory duties as required.

Salary Range

6500-7000

Close Date Kindly apply before the closing date.

31/05/2026

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