Post-Doctoral Associate – Marine Spatial Ecology & Habitat Mapping

About the role

The Mubadala Arabian Center for Climate and Environmental Sciences (Mubadala ACCESS) at NYU Abu Dhabi seeks a Post‑Doctoral Associate to lead spatial ecology, habitat mapping, and environmental data integration for a multidisciplinary project on productive fishing grounds in the UAE.

Key responsibilities

• Develop habitat characterization workflows using bathymetry, side‑scan sonar, remote sensing, GIS and other spatial datasets.
• Integrate environmental monitoring, fisheries, and field observation data to produce habitat maps, ecological indicators and decision‑support products.
• Design and participate in marine field surveys, including SCUBA sampling and deployment of CTDs and sensor networks.
• Establish data‑management and quality‑assurance procedures, and prepare scientific manuscripts, technical reports and visualisations for stakeholders.
• Engage with Emirates Nature‑WWF, government agencies and other partners to translate research findings into policy and management outcomes.

Required profile

• PhD in Marine Science, Marine Ecology, Oceanography, Environmental Science, Geography, Spatial Ecology or a closely related field.
• No more than five years of experience after PhD receipt.
• Proven record of independent marine spatial analyses and habitat‑mapping publications.
• Experience conducting marine field surveys and holding a valid SCUBA certification.

Required skills

• Proficiency in R, Python or MATLAB for statistical and spatial modelling.
• Advanced GIS skills and experience with side‑scan sonar, multibeam bathymetry, underwater imagery and remote‑sensing data.
• Knowledge of CTD instruments, multiparameter sondes and environmental sensor networks.
• Strong ability to integrate biological, environmental and spatial datasets.

What we offer

• Comprehensive benefits package including relocation allowance and educational assistance for dependents.
• Access to health and wellness services and support for dual‑career families.