Post-Doctoral Associate In the Water Research Center (WRC) - Dr. Nidal Hilal

Employer: New York University Abu Dhabi
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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Faculty Jobs: Engineering & Mathematics, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Science & Technology
Position Type: Postdoc
Employment Type: Full Time
Institution Type: Four-Year Institution

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Description

The Water Research Center at New York University Abu Dhabi seeks to recruit a post-doctoral associate to work on "Application of Membrane Desalination to Treat Water from UAE Feed Sources," under the supervision of Professor Nidal Hilal, Director of the Water Research Center and Global Professor of Engineering and Professor Raed Hashaikeh, Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

The successful applicant will lead an innovative project focused on developing advanced, high-flux membrane technologies tailored to the unique and extreme water conditions of the Arabian Gulf. He/she will tackle challenges related to high salinity (up to 47,000 ppm) and severe biological fouling, driving innovations in high-pressure Reverse Osmosis (RO) processes.

The role involves characterizing local seawater and desalination brine to inform targeted membrane design, as well as advanced membrane fabrication techniques utilizing electrospinning, phase inversion, and additive manufacturing. The researcher will also develop robust pretreatment processes (MF, UF, NF) to protect systems against harsh regional challenges, including harmful algal blooms. Experimental and theoretical investigations of mass transport, compaction, and energy efficiency will be performed to optimize desalination processes for regional sustainability.

The successful applicant will oversee projects, develop extensive technical expertise, and implement innovative solutions. He/she will contribute to the development of novel concepts and proposal writing, while efficiently addressing complex challenges. Responsibilities will include writing reports, authoring publications, drafting patents, and presenting results at conferences. The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated knowledge of membrane fabrication, characterization, and separation processes. Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and exceptional verbal and written communication abilities are essential. The candidate should be capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a team.

Applicants must have a PhD, or equivalent advanced or terminal degree from a recognized institution of higher learning, in materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, or related field, with no more than 5 years post receipt of the PhD. Excellent experimental and analytical skills relevant to the project are required. Candidates with a demonstrated history of peer-reviewed publications in a related area, along with prior expertise in materials science and analytical chemistry 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 transcript or degree copy, a one-page summary of research accomplishments and interests, and at least 2 contact references, all in PDF format. If you have any questions, please email: nhh2@nyu.edu.

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.

@WorkAtNYUAD

NYU's agreement with the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to create NYU Abu Dhabi is the outcome of a shared understanding of the essential roles and challenges of higher education in the 21st century: a common belief in the value of a liberal arts education, concurrence on the benefits a research university brings to the society that sustains it, a conviction that interaction with new ideas and people who are different is valuable and necessary, and a commitment to educating students who are true citizens of the world. As the first comprehensive liberal arts and science campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university, NYU Abu Dhabi has been built on the following principles:

NYU Abu Dhabi is a research university with a fully integrated liberal arts and science college. It draws students from around the world, and prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of our interconnected world.

NYU Abu Dhabi equips students for leadership in all arenas of human endeavor. It fosters curiosity, creativity, and critical reflection. At NYUAD, students extend themselves and the frontiers of knowledge.

The residential life of students is central to the University's academic mission. Learning takes place across the campus, not only in classrooms, but also in residential houses, through participation in clubs and sports, during informal campus gatherings, and being engaged with the wider community.

NYU Abu Dhabi stimulates advanced research. The NYUAD Institute is a major research center. Research is integral to the undergraduate experience at NYU Abu Dhabi, and it will also drive the University's graduate programs.

NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU New York form the backbone of a fully connected global network university. As one of the two major hubs in the global network, NYUAD creates a unique capacity for faculty and students to access the assets of the entire university system.

NYU Abu Dhabi advances the city of Abu Dhabi as a magnetic center of ideas and human talent.

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NYU Abu Dhabi consists of a highly selective liberal arts and sciences college and a world center for advanced research and scholarship — integrated with each other and connected through technology to NYU New York.

Together, NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU New York form the backbone of a unique global network university that equips students for leadership in all arenas of human endeavor by fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical reflection.

NYU Abu Dhabi is a central component of Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a leading world idea capital. For its first four years, the University is located in the heart of downtown Abu Dhabi. In 2014, it will move to its permanent home on Saadiyat Island, where it will be joined by neighbors including the Guggenheim, the Louvre, the Zayed National Museum, and a world-class performing arts center.

In working for NYU Abu Dhabi, you will help to build the world's first truly global university and research institute. The University's faculty and staff come from around the world, and the first class of students, who arrived in the fall of 2010, is one of the most geographically diverse student bodies on the planet. To date, NYU Abu Dhabi's staff alone is comprised of individuals from more than 30 different countries. For NYU Abu Dhabi, creating a culture of inclusion contributes not only to our success, but also to the richness of the talented staff that we can attract. When you join us as an employee, we look forward to learning more about your culture and seeing things from your unique viewpoint.