Assistant Professor in Statistics and Data Science – MBZUAI, Abu Dhabi

Job Description

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) invites applications for tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in Statistics and Data Science within its Computing and Mathematical Sciences Division.

The positions are based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Open Date: August 26, 2026
Application Deadline: June 30, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

About the Position

The Statistics and Data Science Area at MBZUAI focuses on the rigorous statistical and probabilistic foundations of machine learning and data science, with particular emphasis on computational methods for large-scale data and scalable inference techniques.

Current research areas include:

• Statistical learning theory
• High-dimensional statistics
• Causal inference
• Uncertainty quantification
• Fairness in artificial intelligence
• Interpretability in AI

The area also encourages interdisciplinary research that combines statistical innovation with fields such as decision sciences, healthcare, climate science, and computational biology.

Faculty members will have opportunities to collaborate with industry partners, government agencies, research institutions, and leading AI researchers to develop AI-driven solutions for real-world challenges.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Delivering high-quality instruction.
• Mentoring students.
• Contributing to curriculum development.
• Advancing research in statistics, data science, machine learning, or related areas.
• Collaborating with researchers across MBZUAI and its wider academic and industry network.

About Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a university dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence as a global force for good.

The university was established by the UAE leadership to educate and develop talent, conduct advanced research, foster an innovation ecosystem, and serve as a strategic think tank for the public and private sectors.

MBZUAI brings together researchers and professionals in computer science, artificial intelligence, bioscience, humanities, and related disciplines, with research initiatives focused on developing technologies and solutions with global impact.

Why Join MBZUAI?

Faculty members at MBZUAI may benefit from:

• Competitive compensation aligned with leading global academic institutions.
• Research funding and academic freedom supporting innovative AI research and independent inquiry.
• Comprehensive health and life insurance.
• Relocation support for international faculty.
• Access to cutting-edge AI laboratories and high-performance computing resources.
• Opportunities for collaboration with leading researchers, technology companies, government organizations, and policymakers.
• The opportunity to live and work in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD in Statistics, Computer Science, or a closely related field, or expect to complete the degree by Fall 2027.

Applications are welcomed from candidates working across all areas of statistics, particularly those conducting research at the intersection of statistics and machine learning.

The ideal candidate will be an innovative scholar who advances both statistical theory and its applications in AI-driven contexts.

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Application Requirements

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Statement of research vision and interests.
• Statement of teaching interests, experience, and philosophy.
• A list of their three most significant publications from the past five years, together with their Google Scholar h-index.
• Reference letters or the names and contact details of three referees.

Referees will be contacted during the recruitment process and asked to upload their reference letters through Interfolio.

Application Review

Review of applications will begin shortly after November 1, 2026.

Applications received by November 1, 2026 will receive full consideration.

Applications submitted after that date will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

Final Application Deadline

June 30, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Applicants should verify all vacancy details and application requirements through the official MBZUAI recruitment system before applying.