Research Scientist - Membrane Desalination Technology

New York University; Al Ruways Industrial City; On-site; AED 279,000 - 390,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Relocation support

Access to state-of-the-art laboratories

Job summary

New York University in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Research Scientist specializing in membrane desalination technology. This role focuses on advancing sustainable water solutions through innovative research on membrane-based systems.

Applicants should hold a PhD, have a minimum of 6 years' experience, and demonstrate strong skills in membrane fabrication and analytical techniques. A competitive salary of 25,000–35,000 AED per month is offered, along with relocation support.

Qualifications

• PhD with minimum 6 years of relevant professional experience excluding PhD study years.
• Strong expertise in membrane fabrication, characterization, and desalination process development.
• Proven publication record with strong first-author research papers.
• Excellent communication skills with strong independent and collaborative research capability.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced experimental and analytical research on membrane-based desalination technologies.
• Develop and optimize membrane systems including reverse osmosis and nanofiltration.
• Design and fabricate novel functional membrane materials for water treatment applications.
• Perform membrane characterization and performance evaluation at bench and pilot scales.
• Plan and execute laboratory studies, pilot testing, and field validation projects.
• Analyze research data and generate technical insights for system optimization.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and scientific conference presentations.

Skills

Membrane desalination technologies

Reverse osmosis and forward osmosis

Nanofiltration and membrane distillation

Functional membrane fabrication

XRD, TGA, DSC, DMA, BET analysis

Porometry and membrane characterization

Sustainable water treatment systems

Pilot-scale process development

Scientific writing and patent development

Multidisciplinary research collaboration

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering

Tools

XRD

TGA

DSC

DMA

BET

Porometry

Job description

Research Scientist - Membrane Desalination Technology

Location: Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates

Function: Research

Industry: Higher Education

Experience: PhD with minimum 6 years of relevant experience

Overview

The Water Research Center at NYU Abu Dhabi seeks a Research Scientist to advance membrane-based desalination technologies, pilot-scale systems, and sustainable water treatment solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced experimental and analytical research on membrane-based desalination technologies
• Develop and optimize membrane systems including reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, nanofiltration, and membrane distillation
• Design and fabricate novel functional membrane materials for sustainable water treatment applications
• Perform membrane characterization and performance evaluation at bench and pilot scales
• Plan and execute laboratory studies, pilot testing, and field validation projects
• Analyze research data and generate technical insights for performance improvement and system optimization
• Contribute to peer‑reviewed publications, patents, and scientific conference presentations
• Collaborate with local and international research partners across engineering and science disciplines
• Support mentoring activities and limited teaching responsibilities where required

Ideal Profile

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Minimum 6 years of relevant professional experience excluding PhD study years
• Strong expertise in membrane fabrication, characterization, and desalination process development
• Proven publication record with strong first‑author research papers
• Familiarity with analytical techniques including XRD, TGA, DSC, DMA, BET, and porometry
• Background in analytical chemistry or organic chemistry is considered a strong advantage
• Excellent communication skills with strong independent and collaborative research capability

Skills Set

• Membrane desalination technologies
• Reverse osmosis and forward osmosis
• Nanofiltration and membrane distillation
• Functional membrane fabrication
• XRD, TGA, DSC, DMA, BET analysis
• Porometry and membrane characterization
• Sustainable water treatment systems
• Pilot‑scale process development
• Scientific writing and patent development
• Multidisciplinary research collaboration

Why Join Us

• Work on critical water sustainability projects with direct environmental and industrial impact
• Join one of the UAE's leading research centers focused on advanced desalination technologies
• Access state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and pilot‑scale research facilities
• Competitive salary package with strong relocation and family support benefits
• Excellent opportunities for publications, patents, and international scientific collaboration
• Be part of transformative innovation supporting future water security solutions across the region

Benefits

Salary: 25,000–35,000 AED per month (subject to confirmation with the employer)