Biological and Life Sciences Division – Research Appointment Positions

Location

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Open Date

Jul 09, 2026

Description

The Biological and Life Sciences Division at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of research at the intersection of Genomics, Multi-Omics, Personalized Medicine, Precision Therapeutics,Epidemiology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).  A key initiative within the division is the Human Phenotype Project—a groundbreaking, large-scale longitudinal cohort and biobank designed to identify novel molecular markers with diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value. This project involves deep profiling of participants through comprehensive data collection on medical history, lifestyle and nutritional habits, vitals, anthropometrics, blood tests, continuous glucose and sleep monitoring, and multi-omic molecular profiling, including genetics, transcriptomics, microbiomics, metabolomics, and immune system markers. The division leverages this data and advanced AI, medical, and computational models to generate insights into disease mechanisms, identifying novel biomarkers and developing state-of-the-art predictive models for disease onset and progression. These models are translated into personalized prevention strategies and innovative therapeutic interventions.  Research areas of interest include, but not limited to:

• Computational and Systems Biology
• Medical and Health Informatics
• Personalized Medicine
• Foundation AI Models
• Agentic and robotic workflow management systems
• Multi-omics and Integrative Data Analysis
• Population-level Cohort and EHR Analysis
• Epidemiology
• Pandemics
• Biomedical Imaging

The Biological and Life Sciences Division is recruiting for our interdisciplinary team of researchers to advance work on projects such as Human Phenotype Project and Emirati Genome Project data.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct high-quality research in the field of AI, focusing on multi-omics data analysis and fusion for precision medicine
• Design and implement innovative AI algorithms and models to solve complex problems
• Collaborate with team members and contribute to ongoing research projects
• Analyze and interpret research data, and present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Write and publish research papers in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and conferences
• Present research at national and international conferences and meetings
• Collaborate with various research groups across the world
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements and trends in the field
• Help supervise PhD and MSc students and Research Engineers, as needed
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of our lab’s AI research infrastructure
• Participate in grant writing and organizational activities
• Participate in educational and outreach activities

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence(MBZUAI) is a world-leading university dedicated to advancing AI as a global force for good. The UAE’s visionary leaders established MBZUAI to educate and develop top talent, conduct advanced research, foster an innovation ecosystem, and act as a strategic think tank for the public and private sectors.

The University attracts world-class thinkers and doers in computer science, AI, bioscience, humanities and beyond. Our groundbreaking academic research initiatives are working on developing future solutions that will impact the world and change the way we imagine things.

Why Join MBZUAI?

• Top-Tier Compensation: Competitive salaries aligned with leading global academic institutions
• Exceptional Benefits:
  • Comprehensive health & life insurance
  • Relocation support for international hires
• Live in Abu Dhabi: World’s safest city, year-round sunshine, rich culture, and modern amenities
• Industry & Government Collaborations: Work with top AI researchers, leading tech firms, and policymakers

Qualifications

This position requires a PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Bioinformatics, or a related quantitative field

• Strong background and expertise in data science, bioinformatics, network science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, or related areas.
• Solid understanding of AI algorithms, models, and frameworks.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics and AI research (e.g., Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Nextflow).
• Record of publications in top-tier conferences or journals in bioinformatics, AI, or related fields.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please submit the following items:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (including a list of publications, dates when you completed all degrees, including BSc, MSc, and PhD, the areas/subjects in which degrees were completed (e.g., Computer Science), and the names of the supervisors of these)
• Transcripts of all Higher Education degrees/certificates 
• Statement of teaching interests, experience, and philosophy
• Name and contact details for three referees (Referees will be contacted during the recruitment process to upload their reference letter via Interfolio)