Senior Scientist, Biotechnology Guided by AI & Engineering

QBRI - Qatar Biomedical Research Institute

Department: NEXUS, Biotechnology Guided by AI & Engineering

About HBKU

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of 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.

About QBRI

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) is a leading research institute under HBKU. The institute addresses the Qatar National Health priorities outlined in the Qatar National Research Strategy through its dedicated research centers:

• Translational Oncology Research Center
• Diabetes Research Center (DRC)
• Neurological Disorders Research Center (NDRC)
• Biotechnology Guided by AI & Engineering within the NEXUS Platform

About QBRI NEXUS

QBRI NEXUS is an interactive portfolio of complementary resources that address the application of AI in project advancement, bioinformatics, structural informatics, biotechnology, and AI-biomedical integration.

It is a QBRI cross-center shared research resource that leverages computational expertise, biomedical knowledge, and investigative needs with biotechnology and bioengineering to invent new biology.

Biotechnology Guided by AI & Engineering Objectives

• Couple scientific insight resident in the QBRI Centers with applied machine learning and advanced biotechnology and bioengineering to advance biomedical knowledge.
• Be an applied scientist that pursues answers to biotechnology-dependent questions by engaging intellectual and practical computational resources with enabling fabrication technologies.
• Be an entity that strengthens collaboration within the Institute while engaging interactions and capabilities from other university entities.
• Develop innovative biotechnologies that may be adopted or commercialized to promote biomedical research nationally and internationally.

Position Summary

As a Senior Scientist, you will provide leadership within the Biotechnology Guided by AI & Engineering component of the QBRI NEXUS to:

• Develop new biotechnologies for QBRI investigators.
• Advance strategic plans for research infrastructure and practical applications.
• Drive scientific investigation and innovation.
• Ensure the highest standards of scientific and biotechnological excellence in areas aligned with the center and institute goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct independent and collaborative original research contributing to institute programs.
• Develop multidisciplinary research programs with synergies to ongoing research agendas.
• Contribute to the development of QBRI's research strategy, business plan, and research execution.
• Lead a team of scientists and researchers to develop new biotechnologies and research solutions.
• Support and implement initiatives for developing center infrastructure to ensure achievement of objectives.
• Ensure compliance with research protocols, safety requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Foster collaborative relationships within HBKU and with national and international research institutions.
• Contribute to research project administration and monitoring activities.
• Supervise Master's and PhD students, research associates, postdoctoral fellows, and research and technical staff.
• Seek and secure external funding to complement HBKU resources.
• Prepare progress reports and recommend improvements to enhance research performance.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with hands-on experience.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience with a demonstrated strong track record of publications, scholarly output, conference papers, reports, and/or professional and technical contributions in the relevant scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing experimental platforms and technologies that enable data acquisition and applied machine learning, integrating sensing, instrumentation, and computational analysis into functional systems.
• Proven ability to work at the interface of engineering and biology, developing technologies driven by biological questions rather than in isolation from them.
• Domain knowledge in technologies relevant to the candidate's field of expertise.
• An independent thinker with the capacity to formulate and execute innovative scientific strategies, laboratory operations, and champion ideas and projects.
• Outstanding contributor to original research with scientific rigor and superior knowledge of scientific research methodologies and evaluation of research outcomes.
• Ability to motivate and lead research teams.
• Competency to initiate collaborations and partnerships while building and maintaining stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to draft and edit a variety of reports and communications and articulate ideas clearly and concisely.

Essential Technical Skills

• Proficiency in a programming language (e.g., Python, C/C++, or MATLAB) for data analysis, instrument control, and automation.
• Working knowledge of electronics, including circuit design, sensors, and microcontroller platforms (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32).
• Experience integrating sensors and instruments via APIs/SDKs into automated or closed-loop systems.

Additional Requirements

• Proficiency in Arabic is an advantage, but not required.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit: Apply on website

Additional documents may be requested from shortlisted candidates.

Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

The successful candidate must be ready to start in Summer 2027.

Remuneration & Benefits

HBKU offers an attractive compensation package that includes:

• Tax-free salary
• Accommodation allowance
• Annual paid leave
• Medical insurance
• Additional competitive benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.