Masdar Postdoc

Hi

I'm investigating a position at the Masdar Institute in Abu Dhabi. It's a postdoc position with a basic salary of $70k with healthcare. I'm planning on living in Dubai so I think this is reasonable for rent, but I think I will still negotiate for return flights every year and a travel allowance.

I like the research that is being proposed and there is a seemingly strong collaboration with prestigious faculty at MIT (rather than a vague use of the MIT logo on the letterhead) and of course the work is well funded.

My two concerns are the reputation of this place; I am at an early stage in my career and I am interested in this position as the science proposed is genuinely good and I like the Middle East (and also speak the language) and of course money is a factor but not the only factor. Do you think a position there will be perceived as being purely motivated by money and detrimental to returning to 'mainstream' academia in Europe/North America in a few years time?

Secondly, I see from news reports that the greater Masdar city is behind schedule and I worry that Masdar Institute is simply not ready to be used yet and that this will hinder doing good research. Also there have been some high profile departures from the management and I worry that this is due to a lack of cooperation from the government etc

Any perspectives are welcomed!

Many thanks.

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