Associate Research Scientist in the Division of Engineering (General Engineering) - Dr. Nidal Hilal

The Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, seeks to recruit Associate Research Scientist to work on advanced sustainable functionalized membranes for desalination and water treatment, under the supervision of Professor Nidal Hilal, Director of the Water Research Center and Global Professor of Engineering.

The successful applicant will drive an exciting project on developing functionalized membrane materials to tailor sustainable antifouling hybrid ultrafiltration membranes and antibacterial nanofiltration or reverse osmosis membranes for desalination and water purification. The candidate will explore advanced membrane fabrication techniques and characterization tools (SEM, AFM, Raman, TEM, DSC, XRD, FTIR, TGA, BET, etc.) to correlate fabrication-structure-property-performance of novel nanomaterials with sustainable membranes for desalination and water purification via separation processes. The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary environment consisting of PhD-level scientists and engineers, graduate students, and undergraduate students.

The successful applicant will manage the project and work closely with post-doctoral researchers, establish deep technical knowledge, and develop transferable skills.

He/she will actively be involved in developing novel concepts and writing research proposals.

He/she will work on solving complex problems with efficiency and creativity.

He/she will be involved in writing progress reports, authoring peer-reviewed publications, drafting patents, and presenting results at national and international conferences.

The successful candidate will have to demonstrate his expertise in assessing antibacterial and antibiofouling properties of nanomaterials, membrane fabrications, sewage water treatment, life cycle assessment, and separation processes.

He/she will be detail-oriented and well-organized and will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

The successful candidate should be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Applicants must have a PhD in materials science and engineering, environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field, along with at least 5 years of relevant post-PhD research experience.

Analytical characterization skills and excellent experimental expertise relevant to assessing the antibacterial and antibiofouling properties of diversified sustainable membranes are required.

Candidates with a history of peer-reviewed publications in a related research area and prior expertise in materials science, environmental chemistry, and water treatment will be preferred.

This position will begin in September 2026 as a two-year contract, renewable depending on performance.

The terms of employment are very competitive and include housing and educational subsidies for children.

Applications will be accepted immediately, and candidates will be considered until the position is filled.

To be considered, all applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a one-page summary of research accomplishments and interests, and at least 2 references, all in PDF format.

If you have any questions, please email: nhh2@nyu.edu.

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.

Students are drawn from among the world’s best.

They are bright, intellectually passionate, and committed to building a campus environment anchored in mutual respect, understanding, and care.

The NYUAD undergraduate student body has garnered an impressive record of scholarships, graduate-school admissions, and other global honors.

Graduate education is an area of growth for the University; the current graduate student population of over 100 students is expected to expand in the next decade as doctoral programs are developed.

Working for NYUAD

At NYUAD, we recognize that Abu Dhabi is more than where you work; it’s your home.

In order for research staff to thrive, we offer a comprehensive benefits package.

This starts with a generous relocation allowance; educational assistance for your dependents; access to health and wellness services; and more.

NYUAD is committed to research staff success throughout the academic trajectory, providing support for ambitious and world-class research projects and innovative, interactive teaching approaches.

Support for dual-career families is a priority.

Visit our website for more information on benefits for you and your dependents.

NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of our academic community.

Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates.

In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.

NYUAD values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the university’s commitment to excellence.

NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to our vibrant, multidisciplinary research and teaching community.

Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a global campus community are hallmarks of the University’s mission.

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NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

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Learn more at nyu.edu/sustainability