Research Engineer

Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is a publicly funded research institute, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is home to a diverse community of leading scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and researchers from across the globe, transforming problems and roadblocks into pioneering research and technology prototypes that help move society ahead.

Biotechnology Research Center

BRC is established to contribute to UAE research priorities across several emerging fields, utilizing molecular, cellular and digital technologies to develop the human expertise and biotech sovereignty of the emirates. BRC is addressing unmet needs in advanced bio-robotics, in environmental applications such as new desalination and agricultural technologies, and it aims to enable better healthcare outcomes through molecular and genomic strategies, and AI enhanced bioinformatics and biomedicine.

Key Activities

Research & Development

• Responsible for performing scientific experiments in coordination with a Senior Researcher or Lead, for the operation of nanobody engineering.
• Conduct advanced research focused on the identification and screening of nanobodies using phage display technology
• Collaborating on experiment planning and suggesting novel research assays.
• Optimize phage display protocols to enhance the efficiency and specificity of nanobody selection.
• Develop and validate new assays to improve the screening and characterization of nanobodies.
• Responsible for maintaining impeccable lab operation record, with a strict compliance to ISO17025 standard.

Operating Plans and Budget

• Involved in executing research activities that meet the project goals in accordance with defined SOPs.
• Preparing for bench-scale or pilot-scale processes and crucial phases of product development plans and timelines.
• Contribute to timely execution of experiments, with a high capacity for prioritization in coordination with leading scientist.

Operations

• Maintain effective communication with all facility users, to maximize resource allocation.
• Coordinate with the lab team to ensure the seamless operation of phage display experiments and other related activities.
• Assist in the preparation of project reports, data presentations, and progress updates.
• Set up lab equipment and monitor day-to-day laboratory activities.
• Contribute to the design, implementation and analysis of experiment outcomes.
• Prepare, set up, and demonstrate teaching labs, Research support to UG, PG, and Ph.D. students.
• Ensure that all laboratory activities comply with established protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and safety guidelines.
• Contribute to make the lab a friendly and productive environment.

Policies and Procedures

• Comply with regulatory evaluation and external standards sufficiently, particularly in the laboratory settings.
• Ensure that all operations comply with defined Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Suggest streamline and improvements for existing procedures and SOPs.
• Contribute to the continuous refinement and development of SOPs related to phage display and nanobody screening.
• Provide training and guidance to new lab members on phage display techniques and safety procedures.
• Ensure that all lab operation get recorded in the Lab Information Management
• System (LIMS).

Continuous Improvement

• Stay updated with the latest advancements in phage display technology and nanobody research.
• Propose and implement improvements to existing methodologies, contributing to the innovation of the research process
• Support sustainability initiatives for process and technology improvements.
• Maintain a technology watch on emerging biotech trends, related to Biotech Center activities.
• Disseminate relevant science news to the TII Biotech community.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Ensure that all safety measures are in place and followed during all phases of the research process.
• Work closely with the Lab Safety Manager to maintain compliance with Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) policies.
• Promote a culture of safety and ethical research practices within the lab.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in a research setting, with a focus on molecular biology, phage display and monoclonal antibody/nanobody discovery.
• Excellent technical skills and analytical skills.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and various databases and software.
• Strong technical skills in molecular biology, particularly in the areas of phage display, protein engineering, and assay development.
• Proficient in data analysis and scientific software, with a solid understanding of statistical methods used in biological research.
• Experience in maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment related to nanobody screening.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Demonstrable abilities for effective written and oral communication.

Qualifications

• MSc or Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Experience with phage display technology is highly preferred
• BSc Degree in a relevant field preferred.

At TII, we help society to overcome its biggest hurdles through a rigorous approach to scientific discovery and inquiry, using state-of-the-art facilities and collaboration with leading international institutions. Our rigorous discovery and inquiry-based approach helps to forge new and disruptive breakthroughs in advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, digital security, directed energy, quantum computing and secure systems.