AI in Action – Open Rank Faculty Positions at MBZUAI, UAE22 Views

Introduction: Artificial Intelligence in Action at MBZUAI

The Artificial Intelligence in Action open rank faculty positions at MBZUAI offer a rare chance to build an academic career at a university dedicated entirely to AI. Based in Abu Dhabi, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a fast-rising global hub for research, teaching, and industry collaboration in AI. In this guide, you will find an overview of the role, eligibility, benefits, application process, and practical tips for strong applicants, especially early- and mid-career AI researchers targeting faculty jobs in the UAE and the wider Middle East. 

These open rank roles, under the “Artificial Intelligence in Action” banner, are designed for academics who want to translate cutting-edge AI into real-world impact while teaching the next generation of AI leaders. 

Why Artificial Intelligence in Action Faculty Roles Matter

MBZUAI is among the first universities globally devoted exclusively to artificial intelligence. It already ranks in the global top 10 for AI-related fields by CS Rankings and hosts an international community of faculty and graduate students. 

The Artificial Intelligence in Action – Open Rank Faculty Positions sit at the intersection of:

• • Advanced AI methods (machine learning, computer
    vision, NLP, data science).
  • Practical applications in sectors such as health, sustainability, smart cities, and industry.
  • Teaching and mentoring a highly selected cohort of graduate students who are focused on AI.

For faculty, this combination offers several key advantages:

• • Opportunity to work in a research-intensive, AI-focused environment.
  • Access to state-of-the-art computing infrastructure and a growing ecosystem of labs and centers. 
  • Strong support for industry and government collaborations in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
  • A role that values teaching, curriculum innovation, and real-world AI deployment.

If your work bridges AI algorithms and their deployment in real systems, these positions align very closely with that profile.

Eligibility and Who Should Apply

Although specific details can vary by call, the Artificial Intelligence in Action – Open Rank Faculty Positions at MBZUAI generally target candidates who meet the following broad criteria. 

Academic background and expertise

• • Doctoral degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
  • A strong research track record in AI or applied AI topics, demonstrated through publications, projects, or real-world systems.
  • Evidence of applied work, such as deployed AI solutions, industrial collaborations, open-source contributions, or impactful case
    studies.

Teaching, research, and service expectations

As an open rank role, MBZUAI welcomes applicants at different stages:

• • Assistant Professors: early-career researchers, often coming from a postdoc or first faculty role, with strong potential and a clear research agenda.
  • Associate Professors: established academics with a sustained record of publications, grants, and supervision.
  • Full Professors: senior leaders in AI with international recognition and the ability to shape strategic directions.

In all cases, successful candidates are expected to: 

• • Deliver high-quality teaching in AI-related courses.
  • Mentor students at master’s and PhD levels.
  • Engage in interdisciplinary research and collaborative projects.
  • Contribute to curriculum development around AI in action (e.g., AI systems engineering, deployment, MLOps, responsible AI).

Key Features, Benefits and Career Growth at MBZUAI

Research environment and collaborations

MBZUAI emphasises high-impact AI research, covering topics such as machine learning, trustworthy AI, computer vision, robotics, and NLP. The university collaborates with government entities, global technology companies, and leading academic institutions. 

Faculty in the Artificial Intelligence in Action track can benefit from:

• • Access to GPU
    clusters and advanced computing resources.
  • Opportunities to co-lead applied research projects with external partners.
  • Support to build research groups, supervise graduate students, and apply for competitive grants.

Working and living in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as a regional AI and innovation hub. MBZUAI’s campus in Masdar City offers a modern environment with a focus on sustainability. 

Faculty appointments typically include:

• • Competitive, tax-advantaged salary packages.
  • Relocation support and other benefits as set out in the official contract. 
  • A diverse community with staff and students from dozens of nationalities.

For many academics, this combination of global research opportunities and high quality of life is a major draw.

How to Apply for the Artificial Intelligence in Action Open Rank Faculty Positions

The official application route for these positions is through the Interfolio portal: https://apply.interfolio.com/174137. 

Documents to prepare

Typical application packages for MBZUAI faculty roles include:

• • Curriculum Vitae (CV) with full list of publications, talks, and grants.
  • Cover letter explaining fit with the Artificial Intelligence in Action track.
  • Research statement outlining past work and future plans, with emphasis on applied AI.
  • Teaching statement describing philosophy, methods, and experience.
  • Contact details of referees, usually three or more academic references.

Always check the current Interfolio page for any updated document requirements.

Step-by-step application process

1. 1. Visit the official vacancy page
      Go to https://apply.interfolio.com/174137 and review the full position description, duties, and requirements. 
   2. Create or log in to your Interfolio account
      Interfolio is widely used for academic hiring and allows you to manage documents and references efficiently.
   3. Upload your materials
      Ensure your CV, statements, and supporting documents are complete and tailored to this specific track, not just generic AI posts.
   4. Submit before the deadline
      Recent listings for MBZUAI faculty roles indicate closing dates around 31 December 2025 for some open rank positions; however, deadlines can change. Always rely on the date shown on the Interfolio portal and MBZUAI careers page at the moment you apply. 
   5. Monitor email for further communication
      Shortlisted candidates may be invited for online interviews, research talks, teaching demos, or campus visits.

Expert Tips, Common Mistakes and Application Strategy

A strong application to MBZUAI should do more than list publications. It should tell a coherent story about AI in action. Consider the following:

• • Show deployment, not just theory
    Highlight projects where your models have been tested, deployed, or used by partners. This aligns well with the “in action” theme.
  • Connect your research to MBZUAI’s priorities
    Use examples that relate to MBZUAI strengths such as health, climate, smart infrastructure, or responsible AI. 
  • Balance teaching and research
    Many applicants underplay teaching. Include course design, innovative pedagogy, and supervision experience.
  • Avoid generic statements
    Vague claims about passion for AI or excellence in teaching are less persuasive. Provide specific achievements, metrics, and roles.
  • Prepare for multiple rounds
    For open rank roles, competition can be intense. A polished dossier, clear research plan, and strong letters are essential.

Summary Table

Conclusion: Is MBZUAI the Right Next Step for Your AI Career?

The Artificial Intelligence in Action open rank faculty positions at MBZUAI offer a distinctive opportunity to build an academic career focused entirely on AI. You can work with high-calibre colleagues, access advanced infrastructure, and contribute to ambitious research programs that interact closely with industry and government in Abu Dhabi.

For early-career scholars, these roles provide a structured environment to grow a research group and develop a robust teaching profile. For mid-career and senior academics, MBZUAI offers the scale and focus to pursue large, long-term AI challenges.

If your work sits at the intersection of algorithms and deployment, this track deserves serious attention. Review the official Interfolio posting and the MBZUAI careers page, prepare a tailored application, and consider how your expertise can help shape the future of AI in the UAE and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)