Associate Research Scientist - AI and Blockchain
Job Description and Requirements
Associate Research Scientist - AI and BlockchainJob Snapshot
Role: Associate Research Scientist - AI and Blockchain
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Experience: Not specified
Job Type: Full Time
Position Overview
New York University Abu Dhabi is seeking an Associate Research Scientist - AI and Blockchain to join the Center for Technology, Economics, and Development (CTED) within the Division of Social Science in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This quantitatively intensive research role focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning, mathematical modeling, computational analysis, and blockchain-enabled research related to commodities markets and economic development. The successful candidate will support research design, algorithm development, advanced data analysis, mathematical methods, and interdisciplinary research under the direction of Principal Investigator Dr. Yaw Nyarko and Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Rasa Karapandza.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Abu Dhabi
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Salary: Not disclosed
Gender: No Preference
Candidate Nationality:
Job Type: Full Time
Work Arrangement: On-site
Research Focus
The Associate Research Scientist will contribute to interdisciplinary CTED projects connecting artificial intelligence and computational methods with economics, blockchain technologies, commodities markets, and economic development.
The position requires strong foundations in mathematics and computer science, particularly statistical learning, optimization, simulation, algorithmic reasoning, and computational analysis. The researcher will work autonomously on assigned activities while collaborating within a multidisciplinary research team.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the design and implementation of advanced quantitative research.
* Develop, test, and evaluate machine learning models.
* Contribute to AI-driven and blockchain-enabled research involving commodities markets and economic development.
* Perform algorithm development and computational analysis.
* Analyze large and complex datasets.
* Implement optimization and simulation-based research methods.
* Review, proofread, and execute formal mathematical proofs.
* Apply mathematical modeling to interdisciplinary research questions.
* Conduct coding and computational research using Python, MATLAB, and related libraries and tools.
* Support experimental and field-based research activities.
* Prepare literature reviews relevant to ongoing research projects.
* Translate complex AI, computational, and mathematical findings into clear written outputs.
* Contribute to research reports, concept notes, and academic publications.
* Collaborate with the Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigator, and multidisciplinary research team.
Required Qualifications
Candidates must hold a PhD in one of the following or a related discipline:
* Computer Science.
* Data Science.
* Mathematics.
* Economics with a strong mathematics background.
* Closely related quantitative fields.
Applicants must have extensive coding experience and strong foundations in mathematics and computer science.
Technical and Quantitative Skills
Relevant expertise includes:
* Artificial intelligence.
* Machine learning.
* Statistical learning.
* Mathematical modeling.
* Optimization.
* Simulation.
* Algorithmic reasoning.
* Computational analysis.
* Large-scale data analysis.
* Python.
* MATLAB.
* Related computational libraries.
Applicants with experience in JavaScript are also encouraged to apply.
Preferred Research Experience
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in areas such as:
* Field research in emerging countries.
* Randomized controlled trials.
* Web development.
* Blockchain technologies.
* Commodities markets.
* Technology and economic development.
Candidates should have a strong interest in economic and quantitative research and a willingness to develop their knowledge of blockchain technologies.
Research Environment
The Associate Research Scientist will work within the Center for Technology, Economics, and Development in a multidisciplinary environment combining quantitative social science, computer science, artificial intelligence, mathematics, and economic development research.
The appointment is initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal conditional on excellent performance.
Employment and Benefits
NYU Abu Dhabi describes the terms of employment as competitive.
Source-listed support for NYU Abu Dhabi research staff includes:
* Relocation allowance.
* Educational assistance for dependents.
* Access to health and wellness services.
* Support for research activities.
* Support for dual-career families.
Application Requirements
Applications are accepted immediately, and candidates will be considered until the position is filled.
Applicants must submit the following materials in PDF format:
* Cover letter.
* Curriculum Vitae or resume.
* Academic transcript.
* One academic writing sample.
Applications are welcomed from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.
About New York University Abu Dhabi
New York University Abu Dhabi is a comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in Abu Dhabi and part of NYU\'s global university network. The university integrates undergraduate education with advanced research and scholarship across science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and the arts.
NYU Abu Dhabi\'s international academic community includes students from more than 120 countries speaking over 100 languages. Together with NYU\'s campuses in New York and Shanghai, the university supports multidisciplinary research, international academic collaboration, and advanced scholarship within a globally connected academic environment.



