Path 1 Kawader: Research Assistant – Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA)

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New York University: NYU - Global: Abu Dhabi

Location

Abu Dhabi

Open Date

Dec 31, 2025

Description

NYU Abu Dhabi invites applications for a Kawader Research Assistant Fellow position to support the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA), the UAE Space Agency’s flagship deep-space mission running through 2035. As an official mission partner, NYUAD provides key scientific and research support to EMA, and the selected Fellow will directly contribute to advancing the UAE’s scientific and strategic goals in planetary exploration.

This position provides hands-on experience in planetary research, data analysis, and participation in active mission-operations teams within an international, multidisciplinary environment.

What the Program Offers:

Full-time paid research position for up to 3 years.
Mentorship by internationally recognized NYUAD faculty members.
Professional development and academic training opportunities.
Participation in active UAE Space Agency mission operations.
Exposure to interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects.
Support in preparing for graduate school applications.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct research and data analysis related to EMA’s scientific objectives, in close collaboration with the mission team in the UAE and international partners.
Support the development of laboratory experiments and numerical modeling relevant to asteroids and deep-space environments.
Assist with mission-related operations, including coordination with UAE Space Agency partners and participation in team meetings.
Engage in capability development through scientific writing, conference participation, and public outreach efforts to promote the UAE’s leadership in planetary science.

This position is supervised by Prof. Andrea Macciò and Dr. Dimitra Atri.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Astronomy, Planetary Science, Geology, Engineering, or a closely related field.
Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrated interest in planetary exploration, deep-space missions, and national capability building.
Prior research or laboratory experience is desirable but not required.

Application Instructions

Statement of interest (1 page outlining motivation and research interests)

Transcript(s) of degree(s)

Two letters of recommendation / Contact information of academic referees

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 FAQ's please refer to our NYUAD Kawader webpage: https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/careers/postdoctoral-and-research/kawader-research-assistantship-program.html

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

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

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