Research Associate - Cellular Physics

New York University; Al Ruways Industrial City; On-site; AED 200,880 - 312,480; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive employment terms

Housing support

Educational subsidy benefits for children

Job summary

New York University in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Research Associate specializing in Cellular Physics. The role involves leading advanced research into cellular organization and cytoskeletal transport while collaborating with a diverse team of scientists. Ideal candidates possess a PhD in physics or related fields and a strong interest in biological applications.

The position offers competitive employment terms, housing support, and access to a vast academic network, making it an excellent opportunity for those passionate about interdisciplinary research.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or a related field.
• Strong interest in biological physics and cellular organization.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects on cellular organization and active transport.
• Design and conduct experiments aligned with laboratory objectives.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers on publications.

Skills

Cellular biophysics

Cytoskeletal transport

Cytoskeletal organization

Quantitative imaging

Optical tweezers

Scientific writing

Experimental physics

Research design

Data analysis

Education

PhD in physics or a closely related scientific field

Job description

Research Associate – Cellular Physics

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Experience: PhD in physics or a related field
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: 18,000–28,000 AED (estimated)

Gender: Any
Nationality: Any

Overview

Research Associate – Cellular Physics in Abu Dhabi is an advanced research role focused on cellular organization, active cytoskeletal transport, cytoskeletal structure, and the physical forces involved in macromolecular crowding. Working in the Shubeita laboratory at New York University Abu Dhabi, the successful candidate will collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers in physics, biology, chemistry, and related fields, and contribute to laboratory publications and scientific projects that integrate physics-based methods with biological discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on the physical mechanisms that shape cellular organization and intracellular transport.
• Study the interaction between active cytoskeletal transport, cytoskeletal organization, and macromolecular crowding.
• Design, conduct, analyze, and document research experiments in line with laboratory objectives and scientific standards.
• Collaborate closely with postdoctoral researchers, predoctoral researchers, and academic team members from physics, biology, chemistry, and related disciplines.
• Apply analytical thinking and quantitative methods to interpret complex biological and physical data.
• Contribute to research planning, experiment optimization, data review, and scientific discussion within the Shubeita laboratory.
• Prepare research findings for internal reporting, academic presentations, journal publications, and collaborative projects.
• Support a productive laboratory culture through careful documentation, responsible research practice, and open scientific communication.
• Use advanced research techniques where relevant, including quantitative imaging, optical tweezers, or related experimental methods.
• Stay informed about current developments in biophysics, cellular mechanics, cytoskeletal transport, and molecular-scale biological organization.
• Assist in maintaining high research quality, reproducibility, and compliance with university research standards.

Ideal Profile

• PhD in physics or a closely related scientific field.
• Strong interest in biological physics, cellular organization, cytoskeletal dynamics, or quantitative biological research.
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and scientific problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to lead research tasks independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary academic team.
• Prior exposure to optical tweezers, quantitative imaging, microscopy, cellular biophysics, or experimental soft matter methods is advantageous.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for research documentation, presentations, and publication preparation.
• Ability to work with researchers from physics, biology, chemistry, and related scientific backgrounds.
• Careful attention to experimental design, data accuracy, and scientific integrity.
• Motivation to contribute to advanced research in a globally connected university environment.
• Willingness to submit required application documents, including cover letter, CV, research summary, transcript, and recommendation letters.

Skills Set

• Cellular biophysics
• Cytoskeletal transport
• Cytoskeletal organization
• Macromolecular crowding
• Experimental physics
• Quantitative imaging
• Optical tweezers
• Research design
• Data analysis
• Scientific writing
• Laboratory documentation
• Interdisciplinary research
• Biological physics
• Microscopy methods
• Academic publication support
• Research collaboration
• Analytical modelling
• Experimental troubleshooting
• Physics‑based biological research
• Scientific presentation

Why Join Us

• Competitive employment terms
• Housing support
• Educational subsidy benefits for children
• Access to the wider academic network of New York University Abu Dhabi
• Exposure to advanced research questions and a collaborative laboratory environment