Staff Scientist in Molecular Ecology, OIKOS Genomics, UAE
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Organisation: OIKOS Genomics

We are seeking a Staff Scientist in Molecular Ecology to drive the
development and application of molecular tools for biodiversity assessment
and monitoring. This role emphasizes research and development (R&D)
in molecular ecology, including DNA metabarcoding and environmental DNA
(eDNA), across diverse habitats, from arid landscapes to wetlands and
marine environments. The position focuses on development and refining of
laboratory and analytical pipelines that directly support conservation
programmes.

OIKOS Genomics is a member of EKTHAR who leads regional and international
initiatives in wildlife conservation and biodiversity genomics, with
ongoing initiatives in Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and
Kazakhstan, and an expanding footprint across new regions. The position
will be hosted by OIKOS Genomics and will lead R&D initiatives that
advance species detection, biodiversity metrics and molecular ecology
applications, ensuring that new tools and workflows translate into
tangible conservation outcomes.

The role is inherently collaborative, linking Conservation Genomics
with other parts of the organisation (i.e. conservation medicine,
conservation breeding, field ecology, and applied research), as well
as a dynamic global network of partners to ensure that molecular
tools and data are effectively integrated into ongoing conservation
efforts. Research and development in this position will focus on existing
conservation initiatives as well as a newly launched programme to measure
biodiversity. The Staff Scientist will play a critical role in ensuring
the success of new programmes aimed at measuring biodiversity at scale
on both land and sea.

Working closely with laboratory staff and bioinformaticians, the scientist
will identify opportunities to refine workflows, enhance data quality,
and improve operational efficiency; while providing informed feedback to
senior leadership on research progress and technical needs, ensuring that
program-level decisions are grounded in practical laboratory realities
and responsive to emerging challenges.

This role is ideal for a molecular ecologist seeking to pivot from
academia to a career with direct conservation impact, while continuing
to engage and collaborate with a global network of academic researchers.

Key Responsibilities
-       Lead R&D projects in metabarcoding and eDNA for biodiversity
        assessment and ecological monitoring.
-       Develop and refine laboratory and bioinformatics pipelines to
        support species detection, community analyses, biodiversity
        monitoring, and ecological baselines using molecular ecological
        approaches.
-       Contribute to the creation and curation of reference barcoding
        libraries and databases.
-       Work across divisions to integrate molecular tools into broader
        conservation and management programmes.
-       Identify and address technical or operational gaps within lab
        workflows to ensure consistency, reliability, and
        reproducibility.
-       Support capacity building and contribute to technical
        documentation, training, and protocol development.

Required Qualifications
-       PhD in Molecular Ecology, or related field; with 2-4 years of
        postdoctoral experience.
-       Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following:
        o       DNA barcoding, metabarcoding, and eDNA applications.
        o       Development and optimisation of molecular workflows and
        contamination control.
        o       Experience with both short read and Oxford Nanopore
        sequencing technologies.
-       Strong understanding of how molecular data can inform
        conservation practice.
-       Excellent teamwork, communication, and project management
        skills.
-       Fluency in English, both spoken and written; expertise in
        additional languages is a significant advantage.

Application
-       Interested candidates are invited to send at join-us@reneco.org:
        o       A detailed CV
        o       A cover letter describing relevant experience and
        motivation
        o       Contact information for two referees
-       Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

This is a full-time position based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,
reporting to the Head of Conservation Genomics.

For informal enquiries please email Loïc LESOBRE: llesobre@oikosgenomics.org

LESOBRE Loïc <llesobre@reneco.org>

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