Postdoctoral Fellow

Job Description

A postdoctoral research associate position is available at the newly funded Abu Dhabi Precision Medicine Virtual Research Institute (VRI) at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University.

The arrival of genetic engineering has heralded the possibility of using gene therapy for the cure of innumerable human diseases into the dominion of reality. Retroviruses have the unique ability to integrate the gene of interest into the host DNA to provide long-term gene expression. This makes retroviral vectors a valuable tool for approximately a quarter of all human gene therapy trials. Employing retroviruses such as human, simian, and feline immunodeficiency viruses (HIV, SIV, & FIV), Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV), and mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), the research program in Prof. Rizvi’s laboratory is directed towards understanding molecular steps involved in retroviral replication. Knowledge gained from these studies is being used towards the development of safe and efficient gene transfer systems for human gene therapy that can correct genetic disorders caused by the mutation and/or deletion of a gene.

Requirements

Minimum Qualification
A PhD degree in biology or closely related scientific field.

Expected Skills/Rank/Experience
Applicants must have a strong background in molecular and cellular biology as well as experience in retrovirus biology. Individuals having additional experience in handling and manipulating eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and small animals will be preferred. These positions are for enthusiastic, ambitious, and hard-working individuals to work on various aspects of the project in the laboratory.

We are looking for an individual who will interact broadly, both within the lab and with other research groups and faculty members at the VRI who share a spirit of interaction and collaboration. In our group, we value independent critical thinking, candid discussion of all aspects of science, rigorous experimental work, and creative approaches to scientific problems.

About the Company

Founded in 1976 by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAEU is a comprehensive, research-intensive university enrolling about 14,000 Emirati and international students. As the UAE’s flagship university, UAEU offers a full range of accredited, high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs through nine Colleges: Business and Economics; Education; Engineering; Food and Agriculture; Humanities and Social Sciences; IT; Law; Medicine and Health Sciences; and Science. With a distinguished international faculty, state-of-the art new campus, and full range of student support services, UAEU offers a living-learning environment that is unmatched in the UAE.

As a research-intensive university of international stature, UAEU works with its partners in industry to provide research solutions to challenges faced by the nation, the region, and the world. The University has established research centers of strategic importance to the country and the region which are advancing knowledge in critical areas ranging from water resources to cancer treatments. UAEU is currently ranked the number one research university in the GCC, number two in the Arab World, and #370 globally.

UAEU’s academic programs have been developed in partnership with employers, so our graduates are in high demand. UAEU alumni hold key positions in industry, commerce, and government throughout the region. Our continuing investments in facilities, services, and staff ensure that UAEU will continue to serve as a model of innovation and excellence.