Junior Research Scientist

Description

The Social Machines and Robotics (SMART) Lab at New York University Abu Dhabi focuses on the development of socially intelligent machines (computer applications, robots, virtual agents) that are capable of interacting and communicating in a natural way with humans, expressing through their figure a high degree of social intelligence, with a focus on applications in education and healthcare.

The SMART Lab seeks to recruit a motivated and passionate junior research scientist to work under the supervision of Dr. Hanan Salam on topics including: (i) human-machine interaction, (ii) social robotics, (iii) artificial intelligence for diagnosis and therapy of individuals affected by neurodevelopmental disorders, (iv) bias in AI.

Key responsibilities:

Design, develop, and evaluate human-centered AI systems for SMART Lab research projects.

Support data collection and experimental pipelines involving human participants, multimodal data, or robotic platforms.

Publish research findings in high-impact journals and conferences.

Communicate and present research findings at international academic conferences.

Create, maintain, and document high-quality research code for reproducibility.

Collaborate with PhD and post-doc researchers in the lab.

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor’s or preferred master’s degree in computer science, engineering, data science, human-computer interaction, robotics, cognitive science, psychology, or a related field.

Strong programming skills, preferably in Python, with experience in machine learning and data analysis.

Familiarity with one or more of the following areas: artificial intelligence, natural language processing, computer vision, multimodal learning, affective computing, human-robot interaction, social robotics, or human-centered AI.

Experience with machine learning frameworks, data processing libraries, APIs, web development, robotics platforms, or experimental research methods is desirable.

Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written communication).

Willingness and capacity to work in a multidisciplinary environment consisting of PhD-level scientists, graduate students, and undergraduate students.

Self-motivated with an ability to work independently and in a team to get the work done.

Willingness to learn and confront new challenges.

For consideration, applicants need to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcript of degree, one-page summary of research accomplishments and interests, and at least two letters of reference, all in PDF format.

Appointment details

The appointment will be for one year, with the option to renew further depending on performance. The terms of employment are very competitive and include housing and educational subsidies for children, together with full health insurance and retirement contributions. The UAE does not levy income tax.

About NYU Abu Dhabi

NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.

NYU Abu Dhabi is committed to upholding a culture of non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, and mutual respect; providing equal access and opportunity; and fostering academic excellence in learning, research, and teaching.

Students are drawn from among the world’s best. They are bright, intellectually passionate, and committed to building a campus environment anchored in mutual respect, understanding, and care. The NYU Abu Dhabi undergraduate student body has garnered an impressive record of scholarships, graduate-school admissions, and other global honors. Graduate education is an area of growth for the university; the current graduate student population of over 100 students is expected to expand in the next decade as doctoral programs are developed.

Working for NYU Abu Dhabi

At NYU Abu Dhabi, we recognize that Abu Dhabi is more than where you work; it’s your home. In order for research staff to thrive, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. This starts with a generous relocation allowance; educational assistance for your dependents; access to health and wellness services; and more. NYU Abu Dhabi is committed to research staff success throughout the academic trajectory, providing support for ambitious and world-class research projects and innovative, interactive teaching approaches. Support for dual-career families is a priority.

NYU Abu Dhabi is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of our academic community.

Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.

NYU Abu Dhabi values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the university’s commitment to excellence. NYU Abu Dhabi is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to our vibrant, multidisciplinary research and teaching community. Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a global campus community are hallmarks of the university’s mission.