The United Arab Emirates University is hiring a Research Assistant for the Date Palm Unit in Abu Dhabi. This role involves assisting with a range of horticultural and nursery-related tasks under supervision. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in the cultivation and maintenance of plants—particularly date palms—and must be knowledgeable in modern nursery operations and irrigation systems.

Responsibilities:

• Perform routine horticultural tasks such as watering, weeding, cultivating, pruning, trimming, staking, and harvesting plants, trees, shrubs, and crops.

• Load and unload containers and materials.

• Operate both manual and mechanical farm/nursery equipment.

• Support in hardening tissue culture date plantlets.

• Assist in innovation and improvements in nursery operations.

• Operate automatic irrigation systems adapted for nursery and farm environments.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills and Qualifications:

Minimum Qualification:

• Secondary School Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture

Preferred Qualification:

• Higher Diploma in Horticulture or a related field

Expected Skills:

• Practical knowledge of horticulture and nursery operations

• Experience in handling tissue culture date palm plantlets

• Familiarity with irrigation systems and plant nutrition

• Teamwork and communication skills

• Fluency in Arabic and English

• At least 2 years of experience in the horticulture field

Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: On-site, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Application Deadline: 10 August 2025

About the Company:
The Department of Family Medicine at United Arab Emirates University is dedicated to advancing agricultural research and plant science, especially focusing on sustainable development of local crops such as date palms. The Date Palm Unit plays a vital role in supporting agricultural innovation and food security in the UAE.