Cognition Research Scientist – Emirati Development & Language

New York University; Al Ruways Industrial City; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

New York University Abu Dhabi is seeking a Junior Research Scientist - Cognition in Abu Dhabi to join a 30‑month collaborative project with the National Academy of Childhood Development. The role blends lab work, computational analysis, and field sessions with Emirati communities.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's in psychology or related field; a Master’s is preferred. Emirati nationality is required; experience in psychology, cognition, language or development is desired; strong data and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Linguistics, Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Science or related field.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Emirati nationality is required.
• Previous research experience in psychology, cognition, language, neuroscience or human development.
• Interest in psycholinguistics or language-processing research.
• Computational ability in data processing, statistical analysis or experimental programming.
• Interest or experience in Arabic-language research with local populations.
• Background in developmental psychology is highly desirable.
• Strong organizational, scheduling, documentation and data accuracy skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist design and implementation of interdisciplinary research studies.
• Prepare experimental materials, participant instructions, language stimuli, questionnaires and research protocols.
• Support participant recruitment and scheduling with the National Academy of Childhood Development.
• Conduct research sessions with Emirati participants across groups.
• Explain procedures clearly while following ethics and consent requirements.
• Collect behavioral, linguistic, developmental, and cognitive data using lab and field procedures.
• Organise, clean, code and validate research datasets before analysis.
• Apply computational and statistical methods to examine findings.
• Contribute to Arabic-language research and culturally appropriate materials.
• Maintain records of participant activity, study progress and data quality.
• Coordinate on-site activities among NYU Abu Dhabi, NACD, participants and stakeholders.
• Identify data quality issues and communicate them to the team.
• Assist with literature reviews, research summaries, reports and manuscripts.
• Participate in meetings, training, and project planning.
• Protect confidentiality and comply with ethics, data-security, and safeguarding standards.

Skills

Interdisciplinary research

Cognition research

Psycholinguistics

Data analysis

Experimental design

Participant coordination

Laboratory methods

Research ethics

Documentation

Statistical methods

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

New York University Abu Dhabi is seeking a Junior Research Scientist - Cognition in Abu Dhabi to join a 30‑month collaborative project with the National Academy of Childhood Development. The role blends lab work, computational analysis, and field sessions with Emirati communities.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's in psychology or related field; a Master’s is preferred. Emirati nationality is required; experience in psychology, cognition, language or development is desired; strong data and