Job Title: Assistant/Associate Professor
Company Name: United Arab Emirates University
Job Location: Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Work Mode: On-site
Job Description / Role:
The Department of Biology at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) invites applications for a faculty position in Plant Community Ecology (Plant Ecologist) at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. We seek an outstanding scholar with expertise in plant ecology and community dynamics who can contribute to teaching, research, and service within the Department and the broader university.
The successful candidate is expected to establish an internationally recognized, externally funded research program addressing fundamental and applied questions in plant ecology, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem functioning, restoration ecology, climate change, or related fields, with relevance to arid and desert ecosystems. A strong background on the impact of Climate Change – at species/community levels – on desert ecosystems would be an advantage. The candidate will also contribute to undergraduate and graduate education and foster interdisciplinary collaborations across UAEU and with national and international partners.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and sustain an internationally competitive research program in plant community ecology.
- Secure external research funding from national and international agencies.
- Publish regularly in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
- Supervise MSc and PhD students and mentor undergraduate research projects.
- Establish collaborations with researchers across UAEU, governmental agencies, conservation organizations, and international institutions.
- Contribute to research initiatives addressing biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, and sustainable land management in arid environments.
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses including Plant Ecology, Community Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation, Plant Diversity, Restoration Ecology, Field Ecology, Environmental Biology, Ecological Data Analysis, and Advanced Topics in Plant Ecology.
- Develop innovative teaching methods and contribute to curriculum development.
- Participate actively in departmental, college, and university committees.
- Engage in outreach activities that promote environmental awareness and biodiversity conservation.
- Build partnerships with governmental and environmental organizations within the UAE.
Experience Required:
- Strong publication record appropriate for career stage.
- Evidence of potential to secure competitive research funding.
- Commitment to excellence in teaching and student mentoring.
Education Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Plant Ecology, Community Ecology, Ecology, Botany, Environmental Biology, or a closely related discipline from a recognized institution.
Skills Required:
- Demonstrated expertise in plant community ecology.
- Expertise in desert and arid-land ecology, plant biodiversity, restoration ecology, ecosystem functioning, climate change impacts, functional ecology, remote sensing, GIS applications, ecological modelling, long-term monitoring, plant-soil interactions, or invasive species ecology.
- Modern ecological techniques: Quantitative ecology, multivariate statistical analysis, spatial ecology, R programming, UAV/drone applications, species distribution modelling, environmental DNA (eDNA), and field-based ecological monitoring.
Languages: Excellent English communication skills.
Employment / Job Type: FULL_TIME
About the Company:
The oldest and most established national university in the country, founded in Al Ain in the mid 1970s. It offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes through colleges covering business, engineering, science, medicine and health sciences, information technology, education, law, humanities, and agriculture, and hosts research centres in water, energy, food security, and health.
Company Industry: Higher Education
Department / Functional Area: Department of Biology
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates may apply by submitting their resume/CV through the official United Arab Emirates University career website.
