Senior Research Engineer

Description

The Embodied AI and Robotics (AIR) Laboratory in the Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, seeks to recruit a senior research engineer to advance applied research in artificial intelligence and robotics. The successful applicant will contribute to cutting-edge research and development in embodied AI, with a focus on integrating AI-driven perception, reasoning, and action to enable intelligent robotic behavior across diverse real-world environments.

The position involves working on embodied intelligence systems that combine vision-language-action (VLA) modeling, robotic perception and interaction, and autonomous task execution. The senior research engineer will play a key role in bridging algorithmic innovation and robot deployment, leading experimental design, system integration, and evaluation on real robotic platforms.

The Embodied AI and Robotics Lab (AIR) develops intelligent robotic systems capable of understanding, learning, and acting in complex, dynamic settings. The team works at the intersection of computer vision, multimodal learning, and robotics to create next-generation embodied agents that interact naturally and safely with humans and their environments. The lab operates in close collaboration with NYU’s global network, including NYU New York, and provides a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment involving faculty, postdoctoral researchers, engineers, and students.

Applicants must hold a PhD in computer science, robotics, electrical engineering, or a related field, or have equivalent research and development experience. Strong technical expertise in one or more of the following areas is required:

• Embodied AI and robot learning
• Vision-language-action (VLA) modeling
• Perception, control, and interaction for real-world robotic systems
• Deep learning, multimodal learning, or large-scale AI systems

Demonstrated experience in robot deployment, experimentation, and applied AI development is essential. The successful candidate is expected to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to both research innovation and system implementation.

For consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcript, statement of research and technical interests, and three references, all in PDF format.

The terms of employment are very competitive and include housing and educational subsidies for children. Applications will be accepted immediately and candidates will be considered until the position is filled. To be considered, all applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcript of degree, a one-page summary of research accomplishments and interests, and at least two letters of recommendation, all in PDF format.

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.

NYUAD 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.

UAE nationals are encouraged to apply.