Closing Date: 23 AUG 2025

Research Fellow - Neurological Disorders Research Center

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Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 to continue fulfilling QF’s vision of unlocking human potential. HBKU is a homegrown research and graduate studies University that acts as a catalyst for positive transformation in Qatar and the region while having a global impact.

The Neurological Disorders Research Center (NDRC) at QBRI focuses on research in neurological disorders of high prevalence in Qatar and the pan-Arabic region, to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism for diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. These disorders are diverse and range from neurodevelopmental diseases, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and epilepsy, to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

The key vision of the NDRC is to develop an international center of excellence from basic to applied research in neurological disorders and establish strong partnerships with existing academic research groups, government research funding agencies, and the healthcare sector.

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  • Interrogate the drivers of ASD in neural stem cells and their micro-environment using engineered hiPSC-derived organoids and complementary in vivo models.
  • Design and implement novel molecular, cellular, and bioengineering approaches to restore healthy stem-cell-niche interactions in these models.
  • Conduct outstanding research and publish in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
  • Secure competitive external funding and/or fellowships to expand the research portfolio.
  • Supervise, mentor, and train postgraduate and undergraduate researchers.
  • Foster the Centre’s relationships with HBKU partner institutes, industry, government departments, professional bodies, and the wider community.
  • Undertake any other duties as directed by the supervisor.

HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) is inviting applications for the position of Research Fellow for the Neurological Disorders Research Center. The successful candidate will perform top-quality, high-impact research on the cellular and molecular drivers of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in neural stem cells and their niche; engineer in vivo and in vitro hiPSC-based organoid models of ASD; and design innovative therapeutic strategies to ameliorate ASD-associated dysfunction.

  • PhD in Neurobiology, Stem-Cell Biology, or a closely related discipline.
  • Demonstrated expertise in pluripotent/iPSC culture and differentiation, including 3-D neural organoid generation and interrogation.
  • Advanced proficiency with molecular biology techniques and CRISPR-based genome engineering.
  • Hands-on experience with high-resolution microscopy, live-cell imaging, and quantitative image analysis.
  • Evidence of research excellence, including a strong publication record and success in securing competitive grants or fellowships.
  • Ability to build effective collaborations and represent the discipline within academia, industry, government, and professional bodies.
  • Strong motivation and organizational skills with a proven ability to work independently, design experiments, and interpret data.
  • Highly developed teamwork, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

To apply, please follow this link
Additional documents may be solicited from short-listed candidates.

Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

HBKU offers an attractive compensation package that includes a tax-free salary and additional benefits such as an accommodation allowance, annual paid leave, and medical insurance.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University is an equal opportunity educator and employer. We are committed to maintaining a culturally and academically diverse staff of the highest caliber.