The Cornille Laboratory in the Division of Science at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is recruiting a talented Research Assistant to conduct population epigenomics analyses on plants. The successful applicant will work on identifying molecules, genes, and epigenomic features involved in adaptive evolution and stress response, explore associated microbiomes, and have the opportunity to develop an independent research project within the lab’s molecular biology and evolutionary genomics focus. This position is offered under the prestigious NYUAD Kawader Research Assistantship Program — a nationally significant 3-year research fellowship for outstanding graduates.
About the Cornille Laboratory — NYU Abu Dhabi
Lab: Cornille Laboratory, Division of Science — NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)
Supervisor: Dr. Amandine Cornille — contact: amandine.cornille@nyu.edu
Research Focus: Molecular biology, evolutionary genomics, and population epigenomics of plants
Analyses: Adaptive evolution, stress response epigenomics, and plant-associated microbiomes
Opportunity: Successful applicant will develop an independent research project aligned with lab focus areas
The NYUAD Kawader Research Assistantship Program
Program: Kawader — a unique national capacity-building research fellowship for outstanding UAE graduates
Duration: Three-year, individually tailored, intensive research fellowship
Paths: Two distinctive pathways — one for graduates considering a graduate degree, one for those pursuing a research career
Priority: UAE nationals are strongly encouraged to apply — this is a nationally significant program
Environment: Gain experience in a cutting-edge academic research environment at a world-class institution
Position Overview
This Research Assistant position in the Cornille Laboratory at NYU Abu Dhabi is one of the most intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding research opportunities available in the UAE in 2026. You will be embedded in a world-class academic research environment — working at the frontier of population epigenomics, where molecular biology meets evolutionary science to uncover how plants adapt to environmental stress at the genomic level.
The role offers something rare in the Gulf research landscape: the opportunity to conduct original, publishable scientific research under the mentorship of an expert faculty scientist, with the freedom to develop your own independent research project over a 3-year Kawader fellowship. For biology graduates passionate about molecular biology, genomics, and plant science, this is a career-defining opportunity at one of the world’s most innovative universities.
Why This Role Matters: Plants are quietly facing one of science’s most pressing challenges — how to survive and adapt in a rapidly changing world. The Cornille Laboratory’s research into epigenomic stress responses and adaptive evolution directly addresses this challenge, with implications for food security, biodiversity conservation, and our fundamental understanding of how life adapts. As a Research Assistant at NYUAD, you will contribute to knowledge that matters — published in leading international journals, shared across the global scientific community, and potentially shaping the future of plant science research.
Key Research Responsibilities
Population Epigenomics & Molecular Biology
- Conduct population epigenomics analyses on plants under the supervision of Dr. Amandine Cornille — applying cutting-edge molecular and computational methods to characterize epigenomic variation at the population level.
- Identify and characterize molecules, genes, and epigenomic features that have evolved adaptively — contributing to our understanding of how plants have responded to historical selection pressures at the molecular level.
- Investigate epigenomic features that play functional roles in plant stress response — contributing insights that are directly relevant to plant biology, crop science, and environmental adaptation research.
- Explore the microbiomes associated with plants in the study system — characterizing microbial communities and their relationships with plant epigenomic variation.
Laboratory Techniques
- Conduct molecular biology techniques by adapting experimental conditions to specific research needs — applying best laboratory practices and strict health and safety protocols at all times.
- Perform DNA and RNA extraction and sequencing — ensuring high-quality nucleic acid preparations suitable for downstream genomic and epigenomic analyses.
- Maintain laboratory records, protocols, and experimental documentation to the standards required for high-quality, reproducible, and publishable scientific research.
Statistical Analysis & Bioinformatics
- Execute fundamental statistical analyses on epigenomic and population genomics datasets — applying appropriate statistical methods to extract meaningful biological insights from complex data.
- Apply or develop bioinformatics skills to analyze genomic and epigenomic data — candidates with existing bioinformatics experience will be given strong preference, though this skill can also be developed within the role.
- Contribute to the interpretation and communication of research findings — supporting the preparation of manuscripts, presentations, and reports for the scientific community.
Independent Research Development
- Develop and pursue an independent research project aligned with the Cornille Laboratory’s broader focus on molecular biology and/or evolutionary genomics — with mentorship from Dr. Cornille throughout the 3-year fellowship.
- Work collaboratively within the laboratory team and across multidisciplinary teams — contributing scientific creativity, intellectual engagement, and a motivated approach to every research challenge.
Qualifications & What Makes You Successful
Education
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Biology — required; candidates with higher qualifications or relevant specializations in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, or plant science will be given strong preference
- A strong academic record demonstrating intellectual capability, scientific curiosity, and commitment to biological research
Technical Skills
- Substantial experience in molecular biology techniques — particularly DNA and RNA extraction, sequencing, and the ability to adapt experimental conditions to research requirements
- Ability to execute fundamental statistical analyses on biological datasets — skills in bioinformatics analysis are a highly valued advantage
- Familiarity with health and safety rules applicable to molecular biology laboratory environments — mandatory for all laboratory work
Personal Attributes
- Excellent English communication skills — written and verbal — essential for scientific writing, team collaboration, and participation in an international research community
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams — contributing positively to a collaborative research environment across diverse scientific backgrounds
- Scientific creativity — the intellectual curiosity and initiative to develop original research ideas and approaches within the lab’s research framework
- Strong motivation and self-direction — the Kawader fellowship rewards applicants who are genuinely passionate about scientific research and committed to making a meaningful contribution
Why a Research Role at NYU Abu Dhabi Is a Career Game-Changer in 2026
New York University Abu Dhabi is consistently ranked among the world’s premier research universities — and for UAE-based science graduates, it represents an unparalleled opportunity to conduct internationally recognized research without leaving home. The Kawader Research Assistantship Program is one of the most prestigious national science fellowships in the UAE — providing a structured, three-year pathway to either graduate school admission or a professional research career, supported by world-class supervision and facilities.
For UAE nationals in particular, joining the Cornille Laboratory through the Kawader program means becoming part of Abu Dhabi’s mission to build a knowledge-based economy — contributing to frontline research in molecular biology and genomics, publishing in top international journals, and establishing an academic career profile that opens doors at leading research institutions around the world.
Who Should Apply?
- UAE National Biology Graduates: BSc or MSc holders passionate about molecular biology and research — this fellowship is specifically designed as a national capacity-building program for UAE talent
- Molecular Biology Specialists: With hands-on experience in DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing, and molecular laboratory techniques seeking a world-class research environment
- Genomics & Epigenomics Enthusiasts: Graduates with knowledge of or interest in population genomics, epigenomics, or evolutionary biology at the molecular level
- Bioinformatics-Capable Graduates: With statistical analysis or computational biology skills looking to apply them in a prestigious academic research context
- Research-Oriented Science Graduates: Considering a PhD or long-term research career — the Kawader program offers the ideal bridge from undergraduate study to independent scientific research
- Plant Biology Researchers: With interest in plant adaptation, stress biology, or microbiome research in a cutting-edge genomics environment
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