Assistant Professor in Marine Science – Sharjah Marine Science Research Center (SMSRC) أستاذ مس[...]

University of Khorfakkan; Khor Fakkan; On-site; AED 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in the UAE seeks early-career marine scientists at the Assistant Professor level. The role emphasizes research, teaching, and community engagement with a distribution of 40-50% research, 30-40% teaching, and 20% administration. Applicants should have a PhD in marine science or a related field and 2-5 years of postdoctoral experience and teaching capabilities.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in relevant focus areas.
• Demonstrated teaching ability at undergraduate or postgraduate levels.

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research addressing urgent ocean challenges.
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• Engage with policymakers and stakeholders for real-world impact.

Skills

Independent research project design

Effective teaching

Strong communication skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in Marine Science or related field

Job description

We seek motivated early-career marine scientists at the Assistant Professor level to join the newly established SMSRC at University of Khorfakkan. The successful candidates will conduct innovative research addressing urgent ocean challenges, while contributing to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at the University of Khorfakkan.

Assistant Professors will be active members of interdisciplinary research teams, publish in peer-reviewed journals, attract external funding, and supervise students. They will also engage with policymakers, industry, and society to ensure research is translated into real-world impact.

Key SMSRC Research Areas

• Climate change impacts on marine ecosystems and dependent communities.
• Biodiversity monitoring, conservation, and restoration of marine species and habitats.
• Sources, impacts, and solutions for marine pollution.

This position emphasizes both research and teaching, with an expected workload distribution of 40-50% research, 30-40% teaching, and 20% administration/service.

Key Accountabilities

• Research & Scholarship: Develop and deliver original research within SMSRC priority areas; publish in peer-reviewed journals; present at conferences.
• Fieldwork & Data Collection: Participate in expeditions, surveys, and experimental programs, applying appropriate analytical tools and technologies.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively within SMSRC teams and with external partners (universities, NGOs, government, industry).
• Knowledge Translation: Contribute to policy briefs, reports, and outreach initiatives to enhance Ocean Literacy and support the Blue Economy.
• Teaching & Supervision: Deliver undergraduate and/or postgraduate courses; supervise research projects, dissertations, and internships.
• Service: Support the operational development of SMSRC through committee work, meetings, and student engagement.

Key Interactions

Internal

• Director of SMSRC and Head of Research and Innovation
• SMSRC research and technical staff
• UKF faculty and students
• SMSRC Ocean Literacy, Impact, and Partnerships team
• UKF operational staff (communications, partnerships, finance, procurement)

External

• Academic collaborators and partner institutions
• Governmental and intergovernmental agencies
• NGOs and industry stakeholders
• Media and outreach organizations

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Marine Science, Oceanography, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• 2–5 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in at least one SMSRC focus area.
• Demonstrated teaching ability at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
• Strong communication skills for academic and non-specialist audiences.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Ability to design and conduct independent research projects.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Effective teaching, mentoring, and supervision skills.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to work across disciplines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities

Desirable

• Experience in international or cross-cultural research settings.
• Familiarity with global marine policy frameworks (e.g., UN SDG 14, IPCC, CBD).
• Competence in digital tools (e.g., AI, machine learning, remote sensing, big data, R-programming, coding).
• Interest in public engagement and science communication.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to professional growth.