Post-Doctoral Associate

Required Skills

Nice to have:

Applicants must have a PhD in computer engineering, computer science, or a related field, with extensive knowledge of ML, AI, DNN, LLMs, VLMs, multimodal LLMs, RAG, agentic frameworks, tinyML, and ML frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow. Solid experience in practical AI/ML system development is required. Additional desirable skills include MLOps, robust/secure computing, hallucination and alignment, privacy-preserving ML, and ML security. Strong industrial experience and publications at top ML venues are highly preferred, along with strong organization, problem-solving, analytical, communication, and writing skills.

Job description / Role Job Type Full Time Job Location Abu Dhabi, UAE Nationality Any Nationality Salary Not Specified Gender Not Specified Arabic Fluency Not Specified Job Function Research & Development (R&D) Company Industry Engineering Services Description The eBRAIN Lab in the Division of Engineering at New York University Abu Dhabi invites applications for a post-doctoral associate position to work in the area of research and development (R&D) of next-generation edge-AI and embodied-AI systems with tiny-LLMs, tiny-VLMs, tiny-VLAs; agentic-AI systems; and robust generative AI targeting hallucination, safety, and security issues. Besides robustness, systems should also be optimized for high performance and energy efficiency to realize efficient embodied/edge-AI implementations. A key focus will be on investigating novel methods with strong theoretical foundations as well as their full-system deployment in real-world applications from different fields such as autonomous systems, healthcare, and robotics with cross-validation. Professor Shafique’s lab has many years of R&D experience in cross-layer design and optimization for building energy-efficient and robust brain-inspired, autonomous, and cognitive systems and intelligent vision systems, including efficient learning and inference of complex AI/ML algorithms, specialized neural processing hardware and design tools, ML security, and their applications in resource-constrained embodied-AI systems such as autonomous vehicles, UAVs/UGVs, robotics, smart houses/cities, wearables, and healthcare. The long-term vision of the eBRAIN lab is embedding an energy-efficient and secure electronic brain inside modern cyber-physical systems (CPS) and IoT-edge devices to enable assistive cognitive technologies that care for and serve humanity and the ecosystem in a safe and green way. The successful applicants will join and drive a number of fascinating projects on designing, implementing, optimizing, prototyping, and testing innovative solutions (software, hardware, or both) for the next-generation embodied-AI, GenAI, and agentic-AI systems targeting high performance and energy efficiency, robustness, and trustworthiness. A key focus will be on IP generation, patenting, high-quality publications in top-tier ML/AI, robotics, and systems conferences, and efficient prototyping for real-world use cases. The candidates will work in a multidisciplinary environment consisting of PhD-level scientists, research engineers, graduate research students, and undergraduate students to investigate cutting-edge scientific methods and develop full-system prototypes. The eBRAIN lab offers an excellent working environment with an international team of excellent researchers and engineers, high-tech equipment, and active R&D engagement, thereby providing many development possibilities. The candidates are expected to work in a highly collaborative environment with other lab members and industry collaborators. Requirements Applicants should have a PhD in computer engineering, computer science, or a related field. Extensive and sound knowledge of ML, AI, DNN, LLMs/VLMs, multimodal LLMs, RAG, agentic frameworks, tinyML, ML frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow, and prototyping ML systems is required. The candidate should demonstrate solid experience in practical AI/ML system development. Additional knowledge of MLOps, robust/secure computing, hallucinations and alignment, privacy-preserving ML, and ML security is highly desirable. Applicants with strong industrial experience and/or with publications at top/A* ML venues (conferences and journals) are highly preferred. The candidates are also expected to have strong organization, problem-solving, analytical, communication, and writing skills as well as high motivation to pursue world-class research and development for practical ML/AI systems. Application procedure The terms of employment for these positions include a very competitive salary with additional attractive benefits, including generous housing allowance, medical insurance with access to world-class facilities, annual home leave allowance, and, if applicable, dependent private school fees. Salaries are tax-free in the UAE (for US tax, the foreign earned income exclusion can be used). The researchers will have dedicated funds for traveling, computing, publications, etc., and will have access to excellent world-class research facilities. The preferred starting date is September 2026, but earlier dates are also possible based on the excellence of the candidate and the processing steps. Applications will be accepted immediately and candidates will be considered until the position is filled. Review of applications will start simultaneously and will continue until the position is filled. To be considered, all applicants must submit the following documents, all in PDF format: A cover letter Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) with R&D and programming skillset Full list of professional/industrial experience and scientific publications University degrees and transcripts (with grades), or a letter from supervisor/university officials regarding tentative completion date One-page executive summaries of PhD and MS theses One-page summary of professional experience and future growth plans One-page of R&D accomplishments and interests One-page letter of motivation At least two letters of recommendation with contact information of the referees (can be provided later if slightly more time is required) R&D statement with an envisioned workplan over two years (can be provided after shortlisting) Download links for the PDFs of PhD and MS theses (if available) 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. Apply Now