Research Assistant – Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA)

About the Position

New York University Abu Dhabi is seeking applicants for the Kawader Research Assistant Fellow role supporting the UAE Space Agency’s Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA), a flagship deep-space exploration initiative with activities extending through 2035. As an official partner of EMA, NYUAD plays a vital role in providing scientific and research contributions. The selected fellow will actively support the UAE’s scientific and strategic aims in planetary exploration.

This full-time role offers practical experience in planetary research, data analysis, and working with active mission operations teams within a diverse and international scientific community.

Program Benefits

• Paid full-time research fellowship lasting up to three years.
• Mentorship from world-renowned NYUAD faculty members.
• Opportunities for professional growth and academic training.
• Participation in mission operations alongside UAE Space Agency personnel.
• Experience working on interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects.
• Support with applying to graduate school programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform research and analyze data aligned with EMA’s scientific goals, collaborating closely with the UAE mission team and international partners.
• Contribute to laboratory experiments and develop numerical models related to asteroid and deep-space environments.
• Assist with mission operations including coordination with UAE Space Agency collaborators and attending team meetings.
• Develop capabilities in scientific communication, conference participation, and public outreach to highlight UAE’s leadership in planetary sciences.

Supervision

The position operates under the guidance of Prof. Andrea Macciò and Dr. Dimitra Atri.

Candidate Profile and Application Requirements

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Astronomy, Planetary Science, Geology, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• A demonstrated passion for planetary exploration, deep-space missions, and contributing to national capability development.
• Previous research or laboratory experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
• Applicants must provide a CV, a one-page statement outlining their motivation and research interests, academic transcript(s), and two recommendations or academic referee contacts.

Additional Program Details

Applicants of Emirati nationality are especially encouraged to apply. This opportunity is part of the NYUAD Kawader program, a national fellowship designed to build research capacity by providing outstanding graduates with hands-on academic research experience. The three-year customized program offers two distinct paths tailored for Emirati graduates aiming to pursue graduate studies or seek a research career.

Equal Opportunity and Sustainability

NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fair treatment and inclusivity regardless of age, citizenship, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or other protected categories. The university also strives for sustainability and carbon neutrality by 2040, aiming to be one of the greenest urban campuses.