Path Kawader: Research Assistant – Fisheries and Coastal Communities Research

NYU Abu Dhabi invites applications for a Kawader Research Assistant Fellow position in Fisheries and Coastal Communities Research within the Burt Marine Biology Lab and the Mubadala Arabian Center for Climate and Environmental Sciences (ACCESS).

The Burt Marine Biology Lab and Mubadala Arabian Center for Climate and Environmental Sciences (ACCESS) at New York University Abu Dhabi are seeking a motivated Emirati Kawader Research Assistant to support a multidisciplinary research project focused on fisheries productivity and sustainable fisheries management in the UAE.

The successful candidate will work closely with researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi and Emirates Nature–WWF to investigate the environmental, social, and economic factors influencing fishing ground productivity and fisheries sustainability.

• Full-time paid research position for up to 3 years.
• Mentorship by internationally recognized NYUAD faculty members and researchers.
• Professional development and academic training opportunities.
• Exposure to interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects.
• Support in preparing for graduate school applications.
• Research experience in fisheries sustainability, environmental conservation, and coastal community studies.

• Assist with stakeholder engagement activities involving fishers, government agencies, industry representatives, and conservation organizations.
• Support the design and implementation of interviews, surveys, and other social science research activities.
• Participate in field visits, meetings, and workshops across the UAE, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Umm Al Quwain.
• Assist with data collection, organization, management, and basic quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Contribute to literature reviews, report preparation, presentations, and research summaries.
• Support communication and coordination between project partners and stakeholders.

This position is supervised by the Burt Marine Biology Lab and ACCESS research team at NYU Abu Dhabi.

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, public policy, environmental studies, sustainability, economics, geography, or a related field.
• Fluency in both Arabic and English (written and spoken).
• Interest in environmental conservation, fisheries, coastal communities, or sustainability issues.
• Experience with interviews, surveys, stakeholder engagement, or social science research methods.
• Familiarity with quantitative data analysis or statistical software.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel within the UAE for meetings, workshops, and field activities.

The Kawader Research Assistant will gain hands‑on experience in applied environmental research, stakeholder engagement, mixed‑methods social science research, and conservation policy while working alongside leading researchers and national conservation partners.

• CV
• Statement of interest
• Transcripts
• Two reference letters

For questions regarding the position, please contact nyuad.kawader
.

UAE nationals are encouraged to apply.

This position is under the NYUAD Kawader program. For details regarding the program, open dates, specific program requirements, and FAQs please refer to our NYUAD Kawader webpage: .html

NYUAD Kawader is a unique, national capacity‑building research fellowship program that allows outstanding graduates to gain experience in a cutting‑edge academic research environment. This three‑year, individually tailored, intensive program has two distinctive paths designed for Emirati graduates considering a graduate degree or a career in research.

For further information or questions regarding the position/program please contact nyuad.kawader (due to the high volume of emails received, please allow 5 working days for a response).

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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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