Research Assistant

About This Role

Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU; www.mbru.ac.ae) is part of Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in the UAE. Dubai Health seeks to strengthen Dubai as a global leader in health care, medical education, research, and scientific innovation, to enhance the capabilities of Dubai’s healthcare sector. Dubai Health is managing and operating 54 sites, including 6 government hospitals, 26 ambulatory health centers, 20 medical fitness centers, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), and Al Jalila Foundation.

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Research Assistant will conduct ongoing research activities focused on cell-based therapeutic development, with emphasis on antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and related platforms.

The role involves performing mammalian cell culture, molecular biology experiments, and functional assays, contributing to therapeutic validation workflows, and supporting translational genomics projects. Strong hands-on experience in cell culture and laboratory techniques is essential.

Strategic Responsibilities:

• Support execution of research projects aligned with CATG therapeutic programs
• Assist in implementation of experimental plans and protocols
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics)
• Contribute to maintaining high standards of laboratory practice and research quality

Core Responsibilities:

• Perform and maintain cell culture under sterile conditions
• Conduct cell-based assays including viability, proliferation, and cytotoxicity studies
• Assist in ASO transfection experiments and therapeutic validation workflows
• Perform molecular biology techniques such as:
• RNA/DNA extraction
• qPCR / RT-PCR
• Gel electrophoresis
• Record, organize, and maintain accurate experimental data
• Assist in basic data analysis and result interpretation
• Support assay development and optimization activities
• Maintain laboratory inventory, reagents, and consumables
• Ensure compliance with biosafety and laboratory protocols

Community Service

• Seeks and develops relationship with suitable external partners to raise the profile of the College and the University.
• Provides opportunities for assisting professional colleagues to maintain and enhance their skills by offering Continuing Professional development in their specialty.

Self-Management Responsibilities:

• Defines performance goals at the start of the year in discussion with the reporting manager and ensures that the goals are monitored and achieved during the year.
• Takes ownership of his/her own learning agenda by identifying development needs in consultation with the reporting manager and working towards bridging the gaps through various means which go beyond just training.
• Understands the competencies relevant to his/her role and works towards displaying as well as developing these effectively.
• Keeps abreast of relevant professional/industry developments, new techniques and current issues through continued education and professional networks.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or related field
• 2-3 years of laboratory experience (academic or research setting)
• Strong hands-on experience in:
• Cell culture and various cell lines (MANDATORY)
• Aseptic techniques
• Basic molecular biology workflows

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in therapeutic research environments (ASO, RNA therapeutics, drug discovery, etc.)
• Familiarity with cell-based assays and transfection techniques
• Exposure to basic data analysis (qPCR, experimental data interpretation)
• Experience working in multidisciplinary research teams
• Written and spoken English is essential, Arabic is preferred

Years of Experience:

Bachelors/Masters in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field from an accredited institute/college/university.

Minimum 2 to 3 years of experience in related field.