Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
The Associate Coordinator at MBZUAI will support the Lead Principal Investigator in managing high-impact research initiatives in Embodied AI. This role combines technical expertise and project related coordination to oversee research activities, track milestones, and integrate AI algorithms across industrial, healthcare, and space applications. Responsibilities include developing simulation environments (ROS, Gazebo, PyBullet), optimizing AI-driven systems, managing budgets, procurement, and ensuring compliance with institutional and funding policies. Acting as a key liaison between researchers, engineers, and external collaborators, the Coordinator will facilitate communication, contribute to publications and funding proposals, and drive interdisciplinary collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
Functional:
Technical Coordination
- Work closely with the PI and team members to coordinate research activities, milestones, and deliverables.
- Assist in Embodied-AI system setup, maintenance, and optimization across various labs and testing environments.
- Support the integration and deployment of AI algorithms for training and testing Embodied-AI systems.
Simulation and Testing
- Oversee the development of simulation environments for Embodied-AI training (e.g., Gazebo, PyBullet, ROS).
- Monitor testing phases in industrial, healthcare, and space-related applications.
Project and Budget Management
- Develop and maintain detailed project timelines, ensuring milestones are met.
- Track expenses, manage procurement, and ensure budget compliance for research equipment and resources.
- Monitor progress across multiple focus areas and use cases (e.g., Embodied-AI applications).
- Manage procurement processes for equipment (e.g., Embodied-AI systems, servers, solar panels).
Team Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a liaison between researchers, engineers, and external collaborators.
- Organize meetings, prepare agendas, and facilitate communication among stakeholders.
- Collaborate with department heads and research centers to align project goals with institutional priorities.
- Support research outreach and promotion efforts in collaboration with the Research & Innovation Communication team.
Reporting, Compliance, and Documentation
- Draft and maintain technical documentation, project reports, and presentations.
- Assist in preparing research publications and funding proposals.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies, funding agency requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Maintain an organized database of research materials, procedural manuals, and usage logs.
Other Duties
- Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.
Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Robotics, Computer Science, AI, or a related field.
- Postgraduate degree preferred.
Professional Experience:
Essential:
- At least 2–3 years of experience managing large research or industry projects.
- Proven ability to handle budgets, procurement, and project timelines.
- Exceptional ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and communicate effectively.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary teams.
- Proven track record of collaborating with various departments to provide core facility services.
- Budgeting and manpower planning.
Preferred:
- Experience in a higher education or academic environment, understanding the unique challenges and needs of core facilities for research.
- Background in utilizing data analytics to assess effectiveness and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Experience in facilitating cross-functional workshops and multi-disciplinary team building activities to foster collaboration.
- Ability to develop and manage relationships with external partners, such as industry and academic institutions, to enhance MBZUAI research.
- English working proficiency, and fluency in more than one language.
