Associate Research Scientist in the Water Research Center (WRC) Dr. Raed Hashaikeh

The Water Research Center (WRC) at NYU Abu Dhabi invites applications for an Associate Research Scientist to contribute to cutting-edge research on membrane fouling and functional membranes including electrically conductive membranes. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Professor Raed Hashaikeh in the Mechanical Engineering Department collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and graduate students. The Associate Research Scientist will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities at NYUAD.

This position supports two interconnected research streams:

• Investigating membrane fouling mechanisms and mitigation strategies in desalination and water treatment processes.
• Developing and optimizing functional membranes including electrically conductive membranes for use in desalination energy generation and electrochemical separations.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on membrane fouling (biofouling scaling organic fouling) diagnostics and control strategies.
• Design fabricate and characterize functional membranes (e.g. conductive anti-fouling electrochemical systems).
• Operate and evaluate membrane systems (RO NF UF) at lab and pilot scales.
• Apply advanced characterization techniques (e.g. SEM AFM FTIR XRD TGA BET EDX EIS CV).
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers in materials science chemical and environmental engineering.
• Contribute to mentorship of students and lab group discussions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering Environmental Engineering Materials Science Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Strong background in membrane science with demonstrated expertise in either membrane fouling or electrochemical membrane technologies.
• Experience with membrane fabrication testing and characterization.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• A strong publication record with first-author articles.

Desired Qualifications:

• Expertise in fouling analysis and mitigation including cleaning protocols and pretreatment strategies.
• Familiarity with conductive membranes carbon-based materials or mixed-matrix systems.
• Experience with electrochemical methods (e.g. EIS CV) and surface functionalization.
• Knowledge of materials for charge transport and ion exchange.
• Prior collaboration with international or multidisciplinary research teams.

This position will begin in March 2026 as a two-year contract renewable depending on performance. The terms of employment are very competitive and include housing. 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 a transcript and at least 2 references all in PDF format.

Applications will be reviewed immediately and the position will remain open until filled.

About NYUAD:

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 humanitys shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabis high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together NYUs 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.