Graduate Research Collaborator – Human Milk Fortification for Preterm & NICU Infants (Master’s / PhD Thesis)

Job title: Graduate Research Collaborator – Human Milk Fortification for Preterm & NICU Infants (Master’s / PhD Thesis)

Company: Mom’s Pure Milk R&D FZ-LLC (MPM)

Workplace type: Hybrid / Remote

Location: United Arab Emirates, Dubai

About MPM

Mom’s Pure Milk (MPM) is a UAE-based R&D company and the first of its kind in the region. We are developing mother’s own milk (MOM) fortification: processing a mother’s own milk into a concentrated human milk powder so that her infant can receive an exclusive human milk diet. Our R&D arm works with hospitals, universities and public-sector bodies in the UAE and abroad. Its main focus is human milk nutrition for preterm and NICU infants.

The opportunity

We’re looking for Master’s and PhD students who want to do their thesis research with MPM on human milk fortification for preterm and NICU infants. MPM is building the evidence base for MOM-based fortification, with the long-term aim of moving on to clinical studies in NICU settings. Your thesis project will contribute directly to this groundwork. You’ll design and run your study with guidance from our team and support from your university supervisor.

Research areas

Laboratory and survey-based studies – open to Master’s and PhD students:

• MOM-based fortification: macronutrient and energy content of MOM fortified with a concentrated MOM powder, compared with preterm nutritional requirements
• Comparison of MOM-based fortification with human milk-based and bovine milk-based fortifiers
• Composition, stability and shelf-life of concentrated (lyophilised) MOM powder under different storage conditions
• Surveys of NICU clinicians (neonatologists, nurses, dietitians) on fortification practices and their views on human milk-based fortifiers
• Surveys of mothers of NICU infants on milk expression, storage and lactation support needs (recruitment usually through a hospital NICU)

Clinical studies involving NICU infants – open to PhD students, or students with existing hospital access:

• Observational studies in NICU settings on current human milk fortification practices, feeding tolerance and growth outcomes in preterm and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants
• PhD candidates interested in contributing to future interventional studies of MOM-based fortification are encouraged to mention this in their application.

You’re welcome to propose your own topic within this focus.

What you’ll do

• Develop a research question and protocol with MPM and your academic supervisor
• Obtain ethics approval through your university and, for clinical studies, the hospital and relevant UAE authority
• Collect and analyse data, and write up findings for your thesis and possible publication
• Share progress with the MPM team at regular check-ins

Who we’re looking for

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme at a recognised university
• Background in a relevant field, such as neonatology/paediatrics, clinical nutrition and dietetics, food science, pharmacy, microbiology, neonatal nursing/midwifery, or public health
• A thesis topic that fits the areas above, or flexibility to shape one
• Support from your academic supervisor for an industry-partnered project
• For clinical studies: an existing affiliation with a hospital NICU, or a realistic route to one
• Solid research methods skills, and strong written and spoken English (Arabic is a plus)
• UAE-based candidates are preferred. International candidates are welcome for laboratory or survey-based studies.

What MPM offers

• Research in an emerging field, with access to relevant process data where approved
• Guidance from an industry co-supervisor at MPM
• Co-authorship or acknowledgement in resulting publications, as agreed in advance
• Chances to present findings at conferences and partner meetings
• Potential involvement in future clinical studies for suitable PhD candidates
• A reference letter when the project is completed successfully
• Flexible, thesis-friendly scheduling

How to apply

Apply through LinkedIn, or email HR@momspuremilk.com, with:

1. Your CV
2. Your university, programme and supervisor’s name
3. A short (half-page to one-page) note on your proposed research area and thesis timeline
4. For clinical studies: details of the hospital or NICU you have access to

All studies follow approved ethics protocols and informed-consent procedures. Data handling, publication and intellectual property terms are agreed in writing before a project starts.