Associate Research Scientist - AI Materials
Posted date [2026-06-02]
(ID: 45874)
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New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is a globally recognized institution pioneering a transformative model of higher education. As part of the prestigious NYU global network, NYUAD offers an exceptional liberal arts and sciences education, fostering intercultural understanding and leadership.
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, NYUAD is dedicated to groundbreaking research and graduate education, addressing critical local and global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. It plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable, knowledge-based economy in the UAE and advancing NYU’s mission as a model university for the 21st century. NYUAD maintains the highest standards of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, welcoming students and faculty from around the world. The university provides a dynamic environment for learning, research, and professional development in one of the world’s fastest-growing educational and cultural hubs. For more information on career opportunities at NYU Abu Dhabi, visit the official website: http://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/ You can now provide the first NYU Abu Dhabi job post for improvement.... |
Job Description and Requirements
Associate Research Scientist - AI MaterialsJob Snapshot
Role: Associate Research Scientist - AI Materials
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Experience: PhD with at least 3 years relevant experience
Job Type: Full-time
Position Overview
Associate Research Scientist - AI Materials in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is a specialized Higher Education research opportunity focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, generative AI, structure-property relationships, materials optimization, and AI-driven materials discovery. This role is suited for an experienced PhD-qualified researcher who can independently lead computational materials research, collaborate with experimental teams, and contribute to high-impact scientific publications within the Smart Materials Lab at New York University Abu Dhabi.
Job Details
Country: United Arab Emirates
City: Abu Dhabi
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Salary: 22000-35000
Estimated salary range based on similar jobs in the job city; please confirm the final offer with the employer.
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Role Context
The Associate Research Scientist - AI Materials will join the Smart Materials Lab within the Panče Naumov Group to develop generative AI models for materials science applications. The role focuses on building computational approaches that connect material structure with performance, behavior, and discovery potential. The selected researcher will work closely with the project team, experimentalists from the Smart Materials Lab, and researchers from the Center for Smart Engineering Materials to support cross-disciplinary research in materials discovery, materials under extreme conditions, and data-driven optimization.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead an independent research project focused on generative AI models for materials discovery.
* Develop AI and machine learning approaches to establish structure-property relationships in materials science.
* Apply computational methods to materials optimization, functional materials analysis, and materials behavior under extreme conditions.
* Design, train, validate, and improve AI models using suitable datasets, scientific inputs, and experimental collaboration.
* Use tools and frameworks such as Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, or related AI and machine learning platforms.
* Collaborate with experimental researchers from the Smart Materials Lab and the Center for Smart Engineering Materials.
* Translate computational findings into testable hypotheses, material design strategies, and experimental research directions.
* Analyze model outputs, evaluate prediction quality, and refine algorithms for improved scientific accuracy.
* Prepare peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, conference papers, technical reports, and research presentations.
* Present findings at prominent scientific conferences, workshops, seminars, and collaborative research events.
* Contribute to scientific workshops, cross-disciplinary activities, and broader research initiatives within the Smart Materials Lab.
* Support other lab projects where AI, machine learning, data analysis, or materials modelling expertise is needed.
* Assist in supervising undergraduate students, PhD students, or junior researchers involved in computational materials research.
* Maintain reproducible code, clear documentation, organized datasets, and reliable research workflows.
* Contribute creative research ideas that strengthen AI-enabled materials discovery at New York University Abu Dhabi.
Ideal Profile
* PhD in materials science, chemistry, physics, computer science, engineering, or a closely related field.
* At least 3 years of relevant experience after or alongside doctoral research.
* Substantial experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning methods.
* Strong expertise in AI-driven materials discovery, machine learning for materials, or generative AI applications in materials science.
* Practical experience with Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, or comparable AI and data science tools.
* Strong interest in materials applications, structure-property relationships, materials optimization, and extreme-condition materials research.
* Proven ability to lead independent research projects from concept development to publication.
* Strong publication record in relevant peer-reviewed journals or conference venues.
* Ability to collaborate effectively with experimentalists and multidisciplinary scientific teams.
* Experience organizing research workflows, presenting results, and contributing to scientific workshops or conferences.
* Strong analytical thinking, scientific creativity, and technical communication skills.
* Ability to assist in supervising undergraduate or PhD students.
* Ability to submit required application documents, including cover letter, curriculum vitae with publication list, research statement, transcript, and three reference letters.
Skills Set
* Artificial intelligence
* Machine learning
* Generative AI
* AI-driven materials discovery
* Machine learning for materials
* Structure-property relationships
* Materials optimization
* Materials under extreme conditions
* Computational materials science
* Python
* PyTorch
* TensorFlow
* Data-driven materials research
* Model development
* Model validation
* Materials informatics
* Scientific computing
* Research data analysis
* Smart materials
* Experimental collaboration
* Scientific publication writing
* Conference presentation
* Workshop participation
* Research documentation
* Student supervision
* Interdisciplinary research
Why Join Us
This position is an excellent opportunity for an Associate Research Scientist - AI Materials who wants to work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and materials science in Abu Dhabi. The role offers a two-year appointment with the possibility of renewal, competitive employment terms, housing support, educational subsidies for children, access to cross-disciplinary collaborations, and opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at leading conferences. It is a strong fit for a researcher seeking to advance generative AI applications for materials discovery while contributing to innovative work in the Higher Education sector.
About the Company
New York University Abu Dhabi is a globally connected research university in the UAE, supporting advanced scholarship across science, mathematics, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Through the Smart Materials Lab and the Center for Smart Engineering Materials, NYU Abu Dhabi provides a strong platform for research in artificial intelligence, smart materials, computational discovery, experimental materials science, and cross-disciplinary scientific innovation from Abu Dhabi.
