Senior AI Research Scientist / Lead-Researcher
Job Summary
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), Abu Dhabi’s premier publicly funded research institute, is hiring a Lead Researcher -AI Research Center. Operating at the forefront of global technological innovation, this leadership role involves conceptualizing and directing advanced AI research initiatives across machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and generative systems, while translating theoretical breakthroughs into practical, real-world technology prototypes.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Direction & Novel Algorithm Development
- Design and execute original research initiatives in artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision.
- Develop, evaluate, and deploy novel algorithmic models to solve complex real-world challenges across advanced technological domains.
- Incorporate emerging AI advancements including reinforcement learning, generative AI, and multimodal architectures into TII's core research pipeline.
- Present research breakthroughs through technical reports, executive presentations, and high-impact publications in peer-reviewed conferences and journals.
Project Leadership, Mentorship & Collaboration
- Lead research projects from inception to final execution, ensuring alignment with TII's strategic objectives and delivery timelines.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams of software engineers, data scientists, and product developers to transition theoretical models into scalable software prototypes.
- Guide, mentor, and supervise junior researchers, post-doctoral fellows, and research interns on methodology, experimental design, and project execution.
- Uphold strict ethical standards, responsible AI development principles, and regulatory compliance across all research workflows.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related quantitative field.
- Minimum 5+ years of post-doctoral or industrial research experience leading AI/ML initiatives.
- Established track record of scholarly publication in top-tier peer-reviewed AI journals and international conferences.
- Expertise in deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) and high-level programming in Python, R, or Java.
- Familiarity with cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP) and big data processing technologies.
- Strong analytical problem-solving skills, project leadership capabilities, and fluent English communication skills.
Job Overview
| Employer | Technology Innovation Institute (TII) |
|---|---|
| Role Title | Lead Researcher - AI Research Center |
| Job Location | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (Masdar City) |
| Work Model | On-site Advanced Applied R&D Center |
| Employment Type | Full-time Permanent Executive Research Contract |
| Educational Requirement | Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, or Machine Learning |
| Experience Required | 5+ years advanced AI research experience & team leadership |
| Core Competencies | AI Research, PyTorch/TensorFlow, NLP, Generative AI, Cloud ML, Responsible AI |
| Salary | Not Stated |
| Benefits | Not Stated |
| Where to Apply | Official Technology Innovation Institute Careers Portal |
Career Preparation Guide & Candidate Advice
Who this role suits
This senior leadership appointment is tailored for accomplished AI researchers with a Ph.D. who excel at bridging fundamental scientific discovery with practical application. If you have a proven history of publishing in top-tier venues and possess the leadership skills to mentor researchers while managing complex R&D pipelines, TII offers world-class computing facilities and funding in Abu Dhabi.
What to highlight on your CV
- Publication Track Record: Explicitly highlight peer-reviewed conference papers (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR, ACL) along with citation metrics.
- Leadership & Mentorship: Detail your experience managing research projects, supervising Ph.D. interns, or directing cross-functional R&D teams.
- Applied AI Deliverables: Feature instances where your theoretical AI models were successfully translated into deployed software, patents, or industry prototypes.
Topics to Prepare for the Interview
- Research Strategy Presentation: Be ready to present your research achievements and outline a 3-year strategic vision for AI innovation at TII.
- Ethical & Responsible AI: Be prepared to discuss frameworks for AI governance, algorithmic fairness, and safety protocols in generative systems.
Documents to Prepare
- Attested Ph.D. and Master’s Degree Certificates with university transcripts.
- Updated CV detailing full publication history, citations, grants, and patents.
- Research Statement outlining key methodologies in machine learning and generative AI.
- Contact information for three professional academic or industrial references.
Mini Glossary
- TII: Technology Innovation Institute, Abu Dhabi's flagship applied research institution leading global innovation in advanced technologies.
- Lead Researcher: A senior scientist responsible for directing strategic research domains, securing grants, and mentoring research staff.
- Multimodal Systems: AI architectures capable of processing and linking multiple types of data inputs (text, image, audio, sensor data).
Direct Official Link: Apply directly through the official Technology Innovation Institute careers portal. On the careers page, search for this role. NYAGULF JOBS provides career information and never charges fees to job seekers.
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