Job Title: Research Assistant: Ramadan Sleep Study (Temporary)

Department: Research

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Contract Duration: November 2025 - May 2026

Company Overview

Our purpose is to help people live healthier lives by focusing on the biological process of aging through advanced clinical care and research using precision diagnostics, lifestyle medicines, proven therapeutics to improve health span, performance and lengthen lifespan.

We are at the forefront of Healthy Longevity Medicine by combining advanced diagnostics with AI-driven risk prediction, digitally enabled clinical care with the highest quality of trained professionals in lifestyle and longevity medicine. We are at the frontier of how to keep people healthy, on the population level as well as tailored programs for individuals.

Our clinical practice—along with our research and innovation arms—are shaping the future of Healthy Longevity medicine.

Job Purpose

The Research Assistant will play a key role in supporting the organizations research activities, specifically for the Ramadan Sleep Study and additional support for other research projects. The Ramadan Sleep Study involves both an online population cohort (n=2,000) and an intensive monitoring sub-sample (n=200).

Position Summary

The Temporary Research Assistant will support a two-year multidisciplinary study examining the impact of Ramadan fasting on sleep, meal timing, light exposure, and cardiometabolic health. The study includes both an online population cohort (n=2,000) and an intensive monitoring sub-sample (n=200).

The Research Assistant will primarily assist during the entire phase of the project (November 2025-June 2026), supporting participant recruitment, consent, device deployment, and follow-up visits. The role requires cultural fluency, attention to detail, and excellent coordination skills to ensure smooth execution of all field and participant-facing activities.

Key Responsibilities

Participant Recruitment & Engagement
Assist in the day-to-day coordination of the Ramadan Sleep Study, ensuring smooth execution of all project activities in collaboration with the IHLAD and Harvard research teams.
Support participant recruitment, outreach, and engagement efforts through various channels to achieve study enrolment targets.
Create forms, brochures and templates for screening, data collection and consent forms (virtual and in-person).
Communicate study procedures with different stakeholders clearly in Arabic and English, ensuring understanding and compliance.
Maintain accurate recruitment logs and track enrolment progress in real time.
Data Collection & Participant Monitoring
Coordinate baseline and follow-up appointments for participants in the intensive monitoring sub-sample.
Coordinate distribution and explanation of research devices (e.g., Oura Ring, light spectrometry device, Dexcom CGM).
Conduct checks to ensure participants adherence to study protocols (sleep logs, photo uploads, device usage).
Perform data entry and verification for collected data in Excel/MS Forms, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Communication & Reporting
Provide regular updates to the Research Associate and project management team.
Maintain organized logs for project progression, participant contact, visit attendance, and data completeness.
Assist in preparing interim progress reports and summaries for project meetings.
Communicate any technical or participant-related issues promptly for troubleshooting.
Compliance & Ethics
Ensure all study activities are conducted in accordance with approved ethics protocols and UAE research regulations.
Safeguard participant confidentiality and data privacy at all times.
Adhere to all institutional guidelines for handling biological samples (hair samples, glucose sensors, etc.).

Qualifications & Experience

Essential Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Psychology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.
Muslim candidate, with strong understanding of Ramadan fasting practices and cultural context.
At least 1-2 years of research, clinical, or public health experience in the UAE.
Fluent in Arabic and English (spoken and written).
Completion of ethics training for human subject research (example CITI training/WHO ethics training)

Preferred Experience

Experience in participant recruitment and community engagement
Prior exposure to using health-related devices or mobile apps in research settings or enthusiastic willingness to learn
Basic familiarity with data entry, Excel, MS Forms or similar data management systems.

Competencies & Skills

Cultural Sensitivity: Deep understanding of Ramadan routines in the UAE and their impact on sleep and meal patterns.
Communication Skills: Clear and professional interaction with participants, researchers, and project partners.
Attention to Detail: Ensures accurate data entry, device tracking, and protocol compliance.
Team Collaboration: Works effectively with a multidisciplinary, multicultural team.
Adaptability: Comfortable working flexible hours
Organizational Skills: Manages multiple participant schedules and logistics efficiently.

Contract Terms

Duration: November 2025-May 2026 (with possible renewal for follow-up activities)
Work Location: Primarily Abu Dhabi.

Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi

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Research Assistant: Ramadan Sleep Study (Temporary)