Research Translation Specialist - Biotechnology

Research Translation Specialist - Biotechnology

KAUST - King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Position Summary

Reporting to the manager of research translation, the Biotechnology Research Translation Specialist will provide technical support and research translation guidance to KAUST researchers across a broad range of projects focused on preclinical drug discovery, assay development and biotech for food and agriculture. The job holder will contribute to the early-stage development and deployment of advanced technologies spanning vaccine development, in-vitro assays, NGS workflows, plant genetics and CRISPR plant editing. This role requires working collaboratively alongside researchers, technologists, and industrial partners to convert scientific innovations into functional systems. Activities span early‑stage (TRL 5) research translation, technology scale‑up, field deployment, pilot‑unit engineering, technical assessments, and system performance optimization.

Competencies

• Experience translating biology into screening cascades for preclinical discovery;
• Deep understanding of cell biology techniques, biological assay development, and modern genomics workflows;
• Understanding of microbial or plant biotechnology workflows (strain engineering, functional genomics, CRISPR plant editing, crop improvement, plant assays, or transformation strategies);
• Knowledge of vaccine development, diagnostic assay design and multi-omics analysis;
• Knowledge of the research and development value chain, including technology readiness assessment;
• Knowledge of intellectual property implications for scientific research projects;
• Strategic planning, organization, time management, analytical, and critical thinking skills with the ability to identify and solve problems, make decisions, and implement changes;
• Demonstrated ability to analyze workflows in order to streamline and improve business processes and workflows;
• Ability to work independently using own initiative, handle multiple and complex tasks and prioritize ongoing and new work assignments and deliver high-quality work against tight deadlines;
• Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills;
• Ability to work across multiple projects and interdisciplinary teams;
• Experience preparing technical reports, reviewing grant proposals, or regulatory submissions.

Major Responsibilities

• Lead and provide technical support for drug discovery, vaccine development and gene editing research translation projects;
• Design and optimize cell-based assays, optimize genomic library preparation, and validate experimental protocols for translation into commercial or clinical applications;
• Convert research concepts into Target Product Profiles / Intended Use statements, user needs, and product requirements;
• Run TRL assessments, gap analyses, and maturation roadmaps for biotech/genomics platforms;
• Manage vendor engagements (CROs, sequencing providers): SOWs, timelines, QC and acceptance criteria;
• Establish project governance: milestones, risk register, reporting cadence, and stakeholder alignment;
• Collect and document feedback and identify necessary metrics to measure and optimize various product parameters against functional requirements;
• Contribute to project planning, cost estimation, and technical feasibility studies; track milestones and communicate progress to project leads and stakeholders;
• Participate in project reviews, risk assessment and management.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• A PhD degree (preferred) in Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a highly related field;
• Master’s: 8+ years|PhD: 4+ years’ of industry experience;
• Demonstrated delivery of validated assays or workflows for high throughput screening, gene editing or similar application.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience in molecular biology, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, and cell culture optimization;
• Experience with material & test specs generation, protocol & report writing, process & test development, design verification, and validation;
• Familiarity with quality systems (GLP/GMP) and regulated laboratory practices; experience interfacing with CLIA/CAP labs is a plus;
• Experience in supporting technical (R&D) teams to ensure timely delivery of biological innovations;
• Knowledge of technology readiness levels, prototyping methodologies, and translational research pathways.