Research Fellow - Smart Materials
Posted date [2026-06-02]
(ID: 45884)
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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
Research Fellow - Smart MaterialsJob Snapshot
Role: Research Fellow - Smart Materials
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Experience: Background in mechanical engineering, solid-state physics, chemistry, or materials solid-state chemistry
Job Type: Full-time
Position Overview
Research Fellow - Smart Materials in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is a specialized Higher Education research opportunity focused on thermal, mechanical, and electrical characterization of smart materials. This role is suited for a motivated researcher with strong experimental or modeling experience in materials science, solid-state physics, mechanical engineering, or chemistry, with interest in temperature-dependent material behavior, surface and bulk properties, and advanced materials performance within the Center for Smart Engineering Materials and 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: 12000-18000
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 Research Fellow - Smart Materials will work with the Center for Smart Engineering Materials and the Smart Materials Lab under the supervision of Prof. Panče Naumov. The role focuses on preparing, characterizing, testing, and modeling new smart materials at the intersection of materials science, chemistry, solid-state physics, and engineering. The selected fellow will study how temperature affects mechanical properties such as elastic deformation, plastic deformation, surface behavior, and bulk material response, while also contributing to experimental work, data processing, publications, seminars, and student training.
Key Responsibilities
* Prepare, characterize, and test new smart materials for research projects within CSEM and the Smart Materials Lab.
* Conduct experiments related to thermal, mechanical, and electrical characterization of materials.
* Study surface and bulk properties of solids using experimental and modeling approaches.
* Investigate the effects of temperature on mechanical behavior, including elastic deformation and plastic deformation.
* Process experimental and modeling data, interpret results, and prepare findings for academic presentation.
* Contribute to research articles, conference presentations, technical summaries, and internal reports.
* Submit biweekly research reports outlining progress, findings, challenges, and next steps.
* Participate in group seminars, project discussions, and collaborative research activities.
* Work with Core Technology Platforms staff to receive training on available analytical and characterization techniques.
* Support individualized research projects under supervisor mentorship during the fellowship.
* Train capstone students, interns, or other researchers on techniques within the fellow’s research domain.
* Collaborate with researchers across materials science, chemistry, engineering, and solid-state physics.
* Maintain accurate laboratory records, characterization data, modeling files, experiment notes, and research documentation.
* Support a productive and collaborative research environment focused on smart materials and advanced engineering materials.
Ideal Profile
* Background in mechanical engineering, solid-state physics, chemistry, materials solid-state chemistry, or a related field.
* Strong understanding of thermal or mechanical characterization of surface and bulk properties of solids.
* Experimental skills in materials characterization are highly preferred.
* Modeling experience related to thermal and mechanical properties is valuable.
* Knowledge of smart materials, solid-state behavior, mechanical response, and temperature-dependent material performance.
* Strong publication record in engineering or science will be given priority.
* Ability to conduct experiments, analyze data, and prepare results for articles and conferences.
* Good communication skills for seminars, reports, student training, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
* Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to research teams.
* Strong interest in materials science, chemistry, engineering, and smart material functionality.
* UAE nationals are encouraged to apply.
* Ability to submit required documents, including CV, statement of interest, academic transcripts, and two recommendation letters.
Skills Set
* Smart materials
* Materials characterization
* Thermal characterization
* Mechanical characterization
* Electrical characterization
* Surface properties
* Bulk properties
* Solid-state physics
* Mechanical engineering research
* Materials science
* Solid-state chemistry
* Temperature-dependent properties
* Elastic deformation
* Plastic deformation
* Experimental materials testing
* Materials modeling
* Data processing
* Research reporting
* Biweekly report preparation
* Scientific article preparation
* Conference presentation
* Student training
* Core Technology Platforms
* Laboratory documentation
* Interdisciplinary collaboration
Why Join Us
This fellowship offers a strong opportunity for a Research Fellow - Smart Materials who wants to gain advanced research experience in Abu Dhabi while working on experimental and modeling aspects of material behavior. Through the NYUAD Kawader program, the selected candidate can access a cutting-edge academic research environment, collaborate with CSEM and Smart Materials Lab researchers, receive training on analytical techniques, participate in seminars, and build a stronger foundation for graduate study or a research career in smart materials, materials science, and engineering.
About the Company
New York University Abu Dhabi is a globally connected research university in the UAE, supporting advanced scholarship across engineering, science, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Through the Center for Smart Engineering Materials, the Smart Materials Lab, and the Kawader program, NYU Abu Dhabi supports early-career research development in smart materials, solid-state materials, characterization science, engineering materials, and interdisciplinary scientific innovation from Abu Dhabi.
