Research Assistant – Fisheries and Coastal Communities Research (Kawader Program)

About the Role

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is inviting applications for the Kawader Research Assistant Fellow position in Fisheries and Coastal Communities Research, hosted by the Burt Marine Biology Lab and the Mubadala Arabian Center for Climate and Environmental Sciences (ACCESS). This opportunity is designed for motivated Emirati graduates eager to contribute to a multidisciplinary project focused on analyzing fisheries productivity and promoting sustainable fisheries management in the UAE.

The position offers the chance to collaborate closely with NYUAD researchers and Emirates Nature–WWF experts, investigating environmental, social, and economic influences on fishing ground productivity and fisheries sustainability.

What the Program Offers

• Paid full-time research appointment lasting up to three years.
• Mentorship from internationally recognized NYUAD faculty and researchers.
• Professional development and opportunities for academic training.
• Exposure to interdisciplinary and collaborative research initiatives.
• Support for graduate school application preparation.
• Experience in fisheries sustainability, environmental conservation, and coastal community studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate stakeholder engagement including interactions with fishers, governmental bodies, industry stakeholders, and conservation organizations.
• Assist in the planning and execution of interviews, surveys, and social science research methodologies.
• Participate in field visits, meetings, and workshops across the UAE, especially within Abu Dhabi and Umm Al Quwain.
• Manage and organize data collection with involvement in basic quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Contribute to literature reviews, report writing, presentation preparation, and summarizing research findings.
• Support coordination and communication among project team members and external stakeholders.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, public policy, environmental studies, sustainability, economics, geography, or related disciplines.
• Fluent both in written and spoken Arabic and English.
• Strong interest in environmental conservation, fisheries management, coastal communities, or sustainability topics.
• Experience conducting interviews, surveys, or other social science research activities involving stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of quantitative data analysis and familiarity with statistical software.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal abilities.
• Willingness to travel within UAE locations such as Abu Dhabi and Umm Al Quwain for fieldwork, workshops, and meetings.

Learning Outcomes

This fellowship provides practical experience in applied environmental research methods, mixed-methods social science research, stakeholder engagement, and conservation policy development. Participants work alongside leading researchers and national conservation partners.

Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of interest
• Academic transcripts
• Two reference letters

Additional Information

This position falls under the NYUAD Kawader program, a prestigious, nationally oriented capacity-building research fellowship that supports Emirati graduates interested in pursuing graduate studies or research careers. This three-year, tailored program includes two distinct pathways and offers rigorous academic and professional training. Only UAE nationals are eligible to apply.

For inquiries, candidates may contact the Kawader program email. Please allow up to five working days for responses due to high volume.

Equal Opportunity and Sustainability

NYU Abu Dhabi is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering inclusive hiring regardless of legal protected characteristics. The university is also dedicated to sustainability goals, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2040.