Junior Research Scientist - AI Blockchain
Job Description and Requirements
Junior Research Scientist - AI BlockchainJob Snapshot
Role: Junior Research Scientist - AI Blockchain
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Experience: Master’s degree with less than 5 years research experience or Bachelor’s degree with research experience
Job Type: Full-time
Position Overview
Junior Research Scientist - AI Blockchain in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is a specialized Higher Education research opportunity focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain-enabled research, mathematical modeling, computational analysis, commodities markets, and economic development. This role is suited for a quantitatively strong researcher who can support algorithmic development, data analysis, coding, formal mathematical work, and interdisciplinary research at the Center for Technology, Economics, and Development at New York University Abu Dhabi.
Job Details
Country: United Arab Emirates
City: Abu Dhabi
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Salary: 14000-22000
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 Junior Research Scientist - AI Blockchain will support advanced research at the Center for Technology, Economics, and Development under the direction of Dr. Yaw Nyarko and Dr. Rasa Karapandza. The position focuses on AI-driven and blockchain-enabled research connected to commodities markets, economic development, emerging markets, computational modeling, and quantitative research design. The selected candidate will work with mathematical proofs, optimization methods, simulation tools, machine learning models, large datasets, literature reviews, research reports, concept notes, and academic publications within a multidisciplinary research environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Support advanced research on artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, commodities markets, and economic development.
* Assist with research design, algorithmic development, mathematical modeling, computational analysis, and data-driven project execution.
* Develop, test, evaluate, and refine machine learning models using programming tools such as Python, MATLAB, JavaScript, or related libraries.
* Review, proofread, and execute formal mathematical proofs linked to research models and project outputs.
* Implement optimization, statistical learning, simulation-based methods, and algorithmic reasoning for quantitative research projects.
* Analyze large and complex datasets to generate research insights and support academic outputs.
* Contribute to AI-driven and blockchain-enabled studies related to technology, markets, development, and applied economics.
* Support experimental and field-based research activities, including work connected to randomized controlled trials where applicable.
* Prepare literature reviews, research summaries, concept notes, reports, technical documentation, and publication-ready materials.
* Translate complex mathematical, AI, and computational findings into clear written outputs for academic and project use.
* Work autonomously on assigned technical tasks while collaborating with the Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigator, and multidisciplinary research team.
* Support coding workflows, data cleaning, model testing, reproducible research practices, and technical troubleshooting.
* Participate in research discussions, project planning, data review, and collaborative analysis.
* Maintain organized records of code, datasets, models, assumptions, proofs, and research documentation.
Ideal Profile
* Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related field.
* Candidates with Economics or another related discipline may be considered if they have a strong mathematics background.
* Master’s degree candidates should have less than 5 years of relevant research experience.
* Bachelor’s degree holders in a relevant field may be considered with any level of research experience.
* Extensive coding experience is required.
* Strong foundation in mathematics, computer science, statistical learning, optimization, simulation, and algorithmic reasoning.
* Experience with Python, JavaScript, MATLAB, or related programming languages is preferred.
* Interest in economic research, quantitative analysis, commodities markets, blockchain, and technology-driven development.
* Experience with field research in emerging countries is preferred.
* Experience with randomized controlled trials is an advantage.
* Knowledge of web development, blockchain systems, commodities markets, or technology and economic development is a plus.
* Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a research team.
* Strong analytical ability, attention to detail, and written communication skills.
* Ability to submit required documents, including cover letter, CV or resume, degree transcript, academic writing sample, and two contact references.
Skills Set
* Artificial intelligence
* Machine learning
* Blockchain research
* Mathematical modeling
* Computational analysis
* Python programming
* MATLAB
* JavaScript
* Statistical learning
* Optimization methods
* Simulation methods
* Algorithmic development
* Data analysis
* Large dataset analysis
* Formal mathematical proofs
* Quantitative research
* Economic development research
* Commodities markets
* Emerging market research
* Randomized controlled trials
* Field research
* Web development
* Research design
* Literature review
* Academic writing
* Concept note preparation
* Research reporting
* Reproducible coding
* Interdisciplinary collaboration
Why Join Us
This position offers a valuable opportunity for a Junior Research Scientist - AI Blockchain who wants to build advanced research experience in Abu Dhabi at the intersection of AI, blockchain, economics, and development. The role provides a competitive employment package, a one-year appointment with possible renewal based on excellent performance, exposure to interdisciplinary research projects, and the chance to work closely with experienced faculty on computationally intensive studies. It is a strong pathway for a researcher seeking to grow technical depth, strengthen publication experience, and contribute to innovative Higher Education research with real-world development relevance.
About the Company
New York University Abu Dhabi is a globally connected research university in the UAE, supporting advanced scholarship across engineering, science, social sciences, humanities, economics, and the arts. Through the Center for Technology, Economics, and Development, NYU Abu Dhabi provides a strong research platform for work on artificial intelligence, blockchain, economic development, emerging markets, commodities, quantitative analysis, and technology-enabled solutions from Abu Dhabi.



