The New York University Abu Dhabi Water Research Center (NYUAD-WRC) is a newly established research cluster focused on improving the sustainability of desalination and water treatment processes in the Arabian region. The NYUAD-WRC is seeking a Post-doctoral Associate to conduct research on the environmental implications of desalination and water treatment with the goal of using science-based evidence to improve policies and regulations to enhance environmental sustainability in the Gulf region and beyond. This position will fall under the supervision of NYUAD-WRC co-PI Dr. John Burt, Associate Professor of Biology and Program Head for Environmental Studies, as well as PI of the NYUAD Marine Biology Laboratory.

There are two potential positions available under Burt's supervision, and the specifics of the research questions and approach will be decided based on discussions between PI Burt and the candidates (one position will be more biological in focus, the other more physicochemical/hydrodynamic oriented).The candidates will develop desk, field, and/or lab based studies to explore issues related to desalination's environmental impacts (particularly in the marine environment), and use experimental and/or modeling approaches to suggest environmental mitigation strategies. The positions will begin in September 2021 as a two-year contract, renewable depending on performance.

REQUIRED Experience: Candidates for the position must possess a PhD, which may be from one of the following fields: environmental biology/ecology; marine biology; environmental engineering; oceanography/hydrodynamic modeling; or related fields; the PhD must have been completed on or before July 2021. Candidates are required to have first-author publication experience.

DESIRED Experience: Experience in some or all of the following areas would be considered assets: direct research on environmental implications of desalination, particularly around outfalls; marine biology; ecotoxicology or marine chemistry; physical oceanography/hydrodynamics; environmental monitoring; SCUBA and/or boat handling experience. The ideal candidate will already have post-doctoral research experience, with demonstrated research output on multiple first-authored publications.

The position comes with an attractive salary and benefits package, including housing, medical insurance, annual home leave allowance and (if relevant) dependent school fees; salaries are tax free in the UAE. Questions regarding specifics for this environmental sustainability position may be directed to John.Burt@nyu.edu All applications must be submitted through Interfolio. Applications should include a 1-2 page cover letter that responds to the required and desired experiences described above, and a copy of a current CV; copies of publications may also be uploaded. The first round of applicant reviews will occur in early April 2021 and continue until a candidate is identified; the application link will close on 1 May, 2021.

About the NYUAD Water Research Center:

The Water Research Center (NYUAD-WRC) at New York University Abu Dhabi aims to promote innovative research in water desalination, wastewater treatment, environmental policy, and social issues that will lead to water security and sustainability. The center serves as an interdisciplinary innovation hub for water research where scientific knowledge is transformed into practical solutions.

Research at the WRC falls into the following focus areas and/or at the intersection of two or more areas:

• Advanced desalination technologies
• Wastewater treatment and reuse
• Sustainable environmental processes
• Water governance and policy

The WRC is seeking several Post-doctoral Associates and a Research Scientist to develop and conduct research related to desalination and water treatment in several research areas:  1) advanced membrane technology, 2) Porous materials for water treatment, and 4) environmental implications of desalination. A full description of each position and its requirement is available on Interfolio.

About NYUAD:

New York University has established itself as a Global Network University, a multi-site, organically connected network encompassing key global cities and idea capitals. The network has three foundational degree-granting campuses: New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai, complimented by a network of eleven research and study-away sites across five continents. Faculty and students will circulate within this global network in pursuit of common research interests and the promotion of cross-cultural and interdisciplinary solutions for problems both local and global.

Entering its twelfth year, NYU Abu Dhabi has recruited a cohort of faculty who are at once distinguished in their research and teaching. Our students are drawn from around the world and surpass all traditional recruitment benchmarks, both US and global. NYU Abu Dhabi's highly selective liberal arts enterprise is complimented by an institute for advanced research, sponsoring cutting-edge projects across the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, and Engineering.