Research Technician in the Center for Polymer Chemistry and Materials Characterization - Dr. Shady Amin

Description

The Marine Microbiomics Lab at New York University Abu Dhabi seeks to appoint a Research Technician with a background in chemistry or materials science to work on a collaborative project funded by Emirates Biotech, which is currently constructing the largest poly(lactic acid) (PLA) production facility in the world in Abu Dhabi. This unique partnership aims to assess the abiotic and biotic degradation of PLA under UAE environmental conditions, with direct relevance to sustainable plastics production and circular bioeconomy strategies in the region.

The successful candidate will be responsible for characterizing PLA and other related materials under laboratory and field incubation experiments, applying a range of analytical and imaging techniques to study degradation pathways and kinetics. The technician will play a central role in Phase 1 of the project (abiotic lab simulations) and contribute to subsequent phases (field incubations and microbial enrichment studies).

We Are Looking For Applicants With:

• A Master’s degree in chemistry, materials science, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience with a range of analytical instrumentation, such as Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and related techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, process, and analyze polymer samples.
• Familiarity with experimental design, data analysis, and maintaining laboratory instrumentation.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Primary Responsibilities Will Include:

• Conducting laboratory simulations of PLA degradation under controlled terrestrial and marine conditions.
• Characterizing morphological, chemical, and thermal properties of PLA samples using advanced instrumentation.
• Analyzing degradation products and preparing detailed datasets for kinetics and modeling efforts.
• Conducting field incubations to deploy and retrieve PLA samples in UAE environments.
• Assisting with manuscript preparation, data management, and project reporting to both academic and industry partners.

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced polymer characterization equipment, high-performance computing, metabolomics, and cutting-edge microscopy platforms (NYUAD Core Technology Platforms).The terms of employment are competitive and include housing and educational subsidies for children.

Application Process

The deadline for applying is October 20, with a tentative start date in early January, 2026. To be considered, applicants must submit in PDF format:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact details of three references
• Transcript
• A one-page summary of past research experience and relevant skills

For instructions and information on how to apply, please visit: http://nyuad.nyu.edu/about/careers/faculty-positions.html. For further questions, please contact Prof. Shady Amin at samin@nyu.edu.

About NYU Abu Dhabi
https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/

NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents. 

NYUAD is committed to upholding a culture of non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, and mutual respect; providing equal access and opportunity; and fostering academic excellence in learning, research, and teaching.

UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply.

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