Research Assistant
Job Description
De Montfort University Dubai invites applications for a Part-Time Research Assistant to join the School of Engineering, Infrastructure and Sustainability.
The successful candidate will contribute to a funded international research project supported by the Dubai Future Foundation in collaboration with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST).
The project focuses on the development of innovative and sustainable engineering solutions, with particular emphasis on bio-inspired water desalination systems, integrating advanced computational modelling with experimental investigation. The appointed candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality research aimed at addressing critical global sustainability challenges.
Engagement Duration
Approximately 11 Months
Working Pattern- Part-time role
- Approximately 16–20 hours per week
- Typically 4–5 hours per day, across 3–4 days per week
- Primarily on-site at DMU Dubai
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Support the design and development of experimental setups related to bio-inspired water desalination systems
- Conduct laboratory experiments, data collection, and performance evaluation
- Assist with computational modelling and simulation activities
- Perform data analysis, interpretation, and technical reporting
- Contribute to journal papers, conference publications, and dissemination activities
- Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and international research partners
- Support project coordination and milestone delivery
- Assist in related research activities involving undergraduate students where applicable
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate who demonstrates:
- A strong background in water desalination, preferably membrane distillation systems and multiphase flow
- Experience in laboratory-based experimental investigations
- Familiarity with academic research practices and technical writing
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet project deadlines
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
- BSc degree (minimum) in Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related discipline
- Master's degree preferred
- Experience in:
- Water desalination systems
- Experimental setup development
- Data analysis and technical documentation
- Research reporting and/or academic publication preparation
- Familiarity with engineering software/tools such as:
- MATLAB/Simulink
- ANSYS
- Abaqus
- CFD tools or equivalent
- Prior academic or industrial experience in water desalination
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals or conferences
- Experience working on funded research projects or international collaborations
- Ability to support undergraduate student research activities
- This is a research-focused role with no teaching responsibilities
- The successful candidate will benefit from international collaboration opportunities with KAIST, Korea
- Any additional duties will be assigned by the Project Principal Investigator as required