Job Overview
Job Title: Lead Researcher
Company: Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Job Type: Full-time, On-site
Posted: Recently
Apply: View on LinkedIn
About Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council’s applied research pillar. Home to over 1,400 scientists from 70+ countries, TII conducts cutting-edge research in AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, cryptography, and autonomous robotics. TII’s Falcon LLM series became one of the most widely used open-source language models globally.
Role Description
TII is seeking a Lead Researcher to drive high-impact AI/ML research within one of its research divisions. This role offers the rare opportunity to publish at top-tier venues, build research teams, and see research translated into real-world applications with national and global impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead an independent research agenda in AI, ML, NLP, or a related field
- Publish research at top-tier conferences (NeurIPS, ICML, ACL, CVPR, etc.)
- Mentor junior researchers and PhD students
- Collaborate with industry and government partners on applied AI projects
- Secure research grants and contribute to TII’s international reputation
- Contribute to strategic research direction and lab growth
Requirements
- PhD in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, or related field
- Strong publication record at tier-1 AI/ML conferences
- 5+ years of post-doctoral or research lab experience
- Experience mentoring junior researchers or managing a research team
- Expertise in one or more AI domains: NLP, computer vision, RL, generative AI
- Strong communication skills and ability to present complex research clearly
What’s On Offer
- World-class research infrastructure and compute resources
- Competitive international salary + Abu Dhabi benefits package (housing, healthcare)
- Publish freely and collaborate globally
- Work alongside top researchers from across the world
How to Apply
Apply via LinkedIn. Include your Google Scholar profile and a research statement.
How to Increase Your Chances
- Publication record: Top-tier venue publications (NeurIPS, ICML, ACL) are essential — list them prominently.
- Open source contributions: TII values researchers who contribute to the broader community.
- Research statement: A clear, compelling 1-page research statement showcasing your vision sets you apart.
- Team leadership: Prior experience mentoring PhD students or managing a research group signals readiness for a lead role.
- Collaboration history: International co-authorship and industry partnerships demonstrate reach and impact.