Research Assistant position is available in the laboratory of Prof. Farah Mustafa in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University. Her main research interest lies in the area of molecular basis of replication and pathogenesis by retroviruses. These single stranded RNA viruses are well-known pathogens that cause debilitating diseases such as immunodeficiency syndromes and a variety of cancers in both man and animals. Currently, her group is focusing on the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)--in particular regulation of its gene expression and pathogenesis. This virus causes breast cancer in mice by infecting and transforming the mammary epithelial cells. This project is investigating how MMTV infection perturbs the cellular transcriptional environment of mammary epithelial cells to enhance its replication and tumorigenesis in the host. There is some evidence that other than insertional mutagenesis, other mechanism of tumorigenesis may be evident in MMTV, such as the MMTV-encoded Env gene that may be responsible for the transformation potential of this virus. Thus, it is important to investigate the ability of MMTV to transform these cells, thereby affecting tumorigenesis. What makes MMTV especially important for the study of breast cancer is the presence of the mouse model to study the biological relevance of any factor(s) that may be identified and their significance to virus replication, spread, and tumorigenesis within the host in the future. This project will lay the foundation for how MMTV rewires the host mammary epithelial cells to transformation via dysregulation of the cellular transcriptional profile in a tissue culture as well as mouse model system. For more information on the research interests of Prof. Mustafa, please go to: http://www.cmhs.uaeu.ac.ae/en/profile.shtml?email=fmustafa@uaeu.ac.ae & https://tinyurl.com/fmustafa. The position is supported by a grant and is available for a period of 6-7 months only with the possibility of renewing the contract. The salary commensurate with training and experience, and are competitive and tax-free.

Master of Science degree in biology or closely related scientific field. The position requires a background in molecular and cellular biology as well as experience in handling and manipulating eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. This position is for an enthusiastic, ambitious, and hard-working Research Assistant to work on the various projects in the laboratory.

Preferably a PhD degree in biology or a closely related scientific field.

We are looking for a person who will interact broadly, both within the lab and with other lab groups and faculty members in the department who share a spirit of interaction and collaboration. In our group we value independent critical thinking, candid discussion of all aspects of science, rigorous experimental work, and creative approaches to scientific problems.

31/05/2024