Postdoctoral Researcher in Statistics & Machine Learning | MBZUAI

Job Description

The Computing and Mathematical Sciences Division at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) invites applications for a fully funded two-year Postdoctoral Researcher position in Statistics, Machine Learning, or a closely related field.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Souhaib Ben Taieb and conduct original research in modern statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related areas.

Research topics may include probabilistic machine learning, decision-focused uncertainty quantification, conformal prediction, tabular foundation models, and time-series forecasting. Candidates with strong backgrounds in other areas of Statistics and Machine Learning are also encouraged to apply.

Employer: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
Division: Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher – Statistics and Machine Learning
Appointment: Fully funded, two years
Supervisor: Prof. Souhaib Ben Taieb
Open Date: 16 September 2026

Statistics Machine Learning Postdoc – Position Overview

The position offers an opportunity to conduct advanced research across areas including:

• Modern Statistics.
• Machine Learning.
• Artificial Intelligence.
• Data Science.
• Probabilistic Machine Learning.
• Uncertainty Quantification.
• Conformal Prediction.
• Foundation Models.
• Time-Series Forecasting.

The research group collaborates with leading academic and industry partners and supports both theoretical and empirical research.

Key Research Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct original research in modern Statistics, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or related areas.
• Develop new statistical or machine-learning methods.
• Evaluate new methods through theoretical analysis.
• Conduct empirical studies and computational experiments.
• Publish research in top-tier conferences and journals.
• Present findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with research-group members.
• Work with academic and industry partners.
• Contribute to ongoing projects and shared research resources.
• Mentor graduate students and junior researchers as needed.

Probabilistic Machine Learning

The research programme includes opportunities to work on probabilistic machine learning, including methods that model uncertainty and support robust predictive decision-making.

Decision-Focused Uncertainty Quantification

Relevant research may include developing methods for:

• Quantifying predictive uncertainty.
• Connecting uncertainty estimates to downstream decisions.
• Improving reliability in statistical and machine-learning systems.

Conformal Prediction

The position also includes opportunities for research in conformal prediction, with applications to statistically principled uncertainty estimation and predictive inference.

Tabular Foundation Models

Research may include:

• Foundation models for structured data.
• Machine-learning methods for tabular datasets.
• Large-scale predictive modelling.

Time-Series Forecasting

The research programme also includes time-series forecasting, with opportunities to investigate modern statistical and machine-learning methods for temporal prediction.

Research Publications

The successful candidate will be expected to produce and disseminate high-quality research through:

• Top-tier conferences.
• Leading journals.
• Technical presentations.
• Research collaborations.

Research Collaboration

The position involves collaboration with:

• MBZUAI researchers.
• Research-group members.
• Academic partners.
• Industry partners.

Candidates should be comfortable working both independently and within collaborative research environments.

Student and Researcher Mentoring

The Postdoctoral Researcher may also contribute to:

• Mentoring graduate students.
• Supporting junior researchers.
• Contributing to shared research activities.

Required Qualification

Applicants must hold a:

• PhD in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a closely related field.

Research Background

Candidates should demonstrate a strong research background in one or more of the following:

• Statistics.
• Machine Learning.
• Artificial Intelligence.
• Data Science.
• Related quantitative areas.

Programming Skills

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Proficiency in programming, such as Python.
• Experience with commonly used machine-learning and AI tools.

Publication Record

Applicants should have:

• A strong publication record in leading conferences or journals.

Communication Skills

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Excellent written English.
• Excellent spoken English.
• Ability to communicate research effectively.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to collaborate within a research team.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred experience includes:

• Advanced training in modern Statistics.
• Advanced training in Machine Learning.
• Advanced training in Artificial Intelligence.
• Advanced training in Data Science.
• Developing reproducible research software.
• Conducting large-scale computational experiments.
• Working with modern machine-learning frameworks.
• Using scientific-computing tools.
• Using AI-assisted research and development tools.
• Participating in multidisciplinary research collaborations.
• Participating in international research collaborations.

Compensation and Benefits

The two-year postdoctoral position includes:

• Competitive tax-free monthly salary.
• Housing allowance.
• Comprehensive medical insurance.
• Annual return flight to the home country.
• Full visa application support.

Why Join MBZUAI?

MBZUAI offers an international environment focused on advanced Artificial Intelligence research, education, innovation, and collaboration.

Researchers can benefit from:

• Collaboration with leading academics.
• Industry partnerships.
• Interdisciplinary research.
• Professional development.
• Advanced research resources.
• Opportunities to work with technology firms and policymakers.

Recommended Professional Development

🎓 Recommended Course: Bayesian Statistics Specialization

The Bayesian Statistics Specialization from the University of California, Santa Cruz is closely aligned with the statistical foundations behind probabilistic machine learning, predictive modelling, uncertainty quantification, and modern statistical inference.

It may be particularly relevant to postdoctoral researchers, statisticians, machine-learning researchers, data scientists, and doctoral candidates working with probabilistic or uncertainty-aware AI methods.

👉 Explore the Bayesian Statistics Specialization on Coursera

Affiliate disclosure: Arab Academic Jobs may receive a commission if you enroll through this link, at no additional cost to you.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover Letter.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Link to Google Scholar profile.
• A 1–2 page research statement outlining directions the candidate would like to pursue in AI and weather forecasting.
• Names and contact details for three referees.

Referees will be contacted if the candidate progresses to the final stages of the recruitment process.

Job Summary

Employer	Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
Division	Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Location	Abu Dhabi, UAE
Position	Postdoctoral Researcher – Statistics and Machine Learning
Appointment	Fully funded, two years
Supervisor	Prof. Souhaib Ben Taieb
Open Date	16 September 2026
Required Qualification	PhD in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, Data Science, or closely related field
Research Areas	Probabilistic ML, uncertainty quantification, conformal prediction, tabular foundation models, time-series forecasting
Programming	Python and commonly used Machine Learning / AI tools
Publication Requirement	Strong publication record in leading conferences or journals
Preferred Experience	Reproducible research software, large-scale experiments, modern ML frameworks, scientific computing and AI-assisted R&D
Benefits	Tax-free salary, housing allowance, medical insurance, annual return flight and visa support
Application Materials	Cover letter, CV, Google Scholar profile, 1–2 page research statement, three referees
Application Deadline	Not stated