Post-Doctoral Associate in the Center for Interacting Urban Network - Dr. Azza Abouzied

InsideHigherEd; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global research university is looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow in database systems to conduct cutting-edge research and mentor students. The role involves designing algorithms and prototypes, publishing in top-tier conferences, and participating in cross-disciplinary projects. A PhD in Computer Science, a strong publication record, and skills in query processing and design are essential. The position is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Strong publication record in top-tier venues.
• Background in databases, data systems, theory, or algorithms.
• Experience with probabilistic databases or uncertain data.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent and collaborative research on database systems.
• Design and analyze algorithms related to modern data management challenges.
• Prototype and evaluate data system components.

Skills

Query processing or optimization

Excellent programming and prototyping skills

Strong analytical and communication skills

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Tools

DuckDB

SQLite

Job description

Description

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in database systems with a strong theoretical foundation. We are looking for a candidate excited by the challenge of rethinking data systems in the face of modern constraints such as optimization under uncertainty, constrained query evaluation, or the design of efficient, explainable, and scalable query engines.

The successful applicant will help design and build novel systems and algorithms that challenge traditional assumptions in databases, guided by both real-world needs and formal foundations. They will work at the intersection of systems and algorithms, in collaboration with faculty, students, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead independent and collaborative research on topics in database systems, including constrained query evaluation, optimization, and reasoning under uncertainty.
• Design and analyze novel algorithms or theoretical models related to modern data management challenges (e.g., query feasibility, data correlations, probabilistic evaluation, scalability).
• Prototype and evaluate data system components or extensions to existing open-source engines.
• Publish in top-tier conferences (SIGMOD, VLDB, PODS, ICDE, ICDT, etc.) and participate in the wider research community.
• Mentor students and contribute to a vibrant research culture at NYUAD.
• Participate in cross-disciplinary projects at CITIES, connecting data systems to applications in urban science, planning, and decision support.

Qualifications Required

PhD in Computer Science or a related field, with a focus in databases, data systems, theory, or algorithms.

Strong publication record in top-tier venues.

Solid background in one or more of the following

• Query processing or optimization
• Constrained or combinatorial query evaluation
• Data modeling under uncertainty or imprecision
• Design and implementation of database or data analysis systems
• Excellent programming and prototyping skills.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Desirable

• Familiarity with modern in-process or embedded query engines (e.g., DuckDB, SQLite, etc.)
• Experience working with probabilistic databases, provenance, or uncertain data
• Exposure to decision-making, multi-objective optimization, or declarative problem modeling
• Prior involvement in open-source or reproducible systems research
• Interest in interdisciplinary applications of data systems (e.g., urban analytics, scientific workflows)

For consideration, applicants need to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae with full publication list, degree transcript, statement of research interests, and at least two letters of reference, all in PDF format. If you have any questions, please email Azza Abouzied - [e-mail]

About NYUAD

NYU Abu Dhabi is a degree-granting research university with a fully integrated liberal arts and science undergraduate program in the Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Engineering. NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU New York, and NYU Shanghai, form the backbone of NYU s global network university, an interconnected network of portal campuses and academic centers across six continents that enable seamless international mobility of students and faculty in their pursuit of academic and scholarly activity. This global university represents a transformative shift in higher education, one in which the intellectual and creative endeavors of academia are shaped and examined through an international and multicultural perspective. As a major intellectual hub at the crossroads of the Arab world, NYUAD serves as a center for scholarly thought, advanced research, knowledge creation, and sharing, through its academic, research, and creative activities.

EOE / AA / Minorities / Females / Vet / Disabled / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity Employer

UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply