Research Assistant

Research Assistant position available in the laboratory of Prof. Farah Mustafa in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University. Her main research interest lies in the area of molecular basis of replication and pathogenesis by the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV). It is a single stranded RNA virus and a well-known pathogen of mice that causes debilitating diseases such as breast cancer and T-cell lymphomas in mice via insertional mutagenesis. Thus, even though it does not contain any oncogene, it is able to cause neoplastic cell transformation. Specifically, her group is investigating the viral and cellular factors involved in regulation of MMTV gene expression and the ability of MMTV to interact with the host cells to enhance its replication and influence the process of tumorigenesis. This includes MMTV interaction with the host microRNAs (miRNAs) and the miRNA biogenesis machinery, such as Drosha, Dicer, and Argonaut. Her group is also studying how MMTV modifies the transcriptomics and epigenetic profile of the mammary epithelial cells to counteract anti-viral responses and influence these cells to transform. Collaborative projects with faculty at CMHS include projects on RNA transport, packaging and assembly. Knowledge gained from these studies will be crucial not only to understand how this cancer-causing virus replicates and causes disease, but also 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. For more information on the research interests of Prof. Mustafa and publications from her research group, please see: https://tinyurl.com/fmustafa.

Master of Science degree in biology or closely related scientific field.

Master of Science degree in biology or closely related scientific field.

The position requires a background in molecular and cellular biology as well as experience in handling and manipulating eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

Experience with cloning is preferred.

This position is for an enthusiastic, ambitious, and hard-working Research Assistant to work on the various projects in the laboratory.

The salary commensurates with training and experience, and are competitive and tax-free.

before

the closing date.