The Artificial Intelligence, Smart Infrastructure, and Robotics (AISIR) Research Center at  American University of Sharjah (AUS), United Arab Emirates, invites applications for a full-time AISIR Research Center faculty Director position. The successful candidate will have a specialization in a relevant field of Artificial Intelligence, Smart Infrastructure, and Robotics, broadly defined and will hold a faculty appointment in one of the relevant departments. The Director will report directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and collaborate with the university leadership to align the center’s activities with institutional and national priorities.

The AISIR Research Center builds on AUS’s strong interdisciplinary foundation across its College of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Architecture, Art, and Design, and School of Business Administration. AISIR aligns its research goals with national and regional priorities for applied artificial intelligence (AI). By integrating expertise from multiple disciplines, the center tackles complex challenges through transformative research, focusing on areas like machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics and autonomous systems, smart digital infrastructure and the ethics and business strategies related to these topics. The center encourages collaboration across colleges to deliver innovative, practical solutions for challenges facing the UAE and the global community. Research opportunities include foundational research in AI and machine learning, as well as application areas like AI for smart city management, autonomous systems for transportation and logistics, IoT-powered smart infrastructure, and ethical frameworks for the deployment of AI and robotics in critical applications like healthcare, business, and urban development.

The AISIR serves as a hub for education and research, enhancing undergraduate and graduate programs across AUS. Programs such as the BSc in Computer Science, BSc in Computer Engineering, BSc in Electrical Engineering, BSc in Intelligent Systems and Mechatronics, BSc in Mathematics, MSc in Machine Learning, MSc in Mechatronics Engineering, PhD in Engineering Systems Management, and the soon-to-be-launched programs like PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering and BSc in Data Science serve as a foundation for the center’s resources, expertise, and industry connections. Through hands-on student engagement, the AISIR research center nurtures a new generation of researchers and innovators capable of addressing regional and global technological challenges.

The center fosters strategic partnerships with leading academic, governmental, and industry stakeholders to enhance its research impact. External collaborators include the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP), which has a strong emphasis on technology. Partnerships ensure that AISIR’s research aligns with stakeholder priorities while paving the way for funding, technology transfer, and commercialization opportunities.

To achieve its mission, AISIR seeks a director who will provide the leadership necessary to establish a long-term strategy, define clear priorities, and foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and impact. The successful candidate is expected to deliver measurable outcomes, including securing significant research funding, publishing in high-impact journals, building strategic partnerships with industry and academia, and mentoring faculty and students to strengthen the center's research and educational ecosystem. The Director will oversee administrative operations, including budgetary management, resource allocation, staff supervision, and policy development. In addition, they will ensure compliance with institutional and external funding regulations while enabling an environment of operational efficiency and excellence. The Director may be expected to teach courses in their area of expertise and contribute to curriculum development in relevant programs. They will also mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, guiding them in their academic and professional growth.

By driving high-quality, interdisciplinary research and securing external funding, the center will position AUS as a recognized leader in AI, robotics, and smart infrastructure, contributing to the UAE’s ambitions for technological leadership and economic diversification. Through collaboration, innovation, and impactful research, AISIR will bridge the gap between theoretical exploration and practical solutions that address pressing societal needs. Faculty Director candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent in a directly relevant discipline like Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related fields. Candidates with specializations in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Autonomous Systems, or Smart Infrastructure are particularly encouraged to apply. The candidate must demonstrate a record of excellent academic and research leadership, and ideally possess significant administrative experience in managing interdisciplinary research centers or academic units. The successful candidate must demonstrate deep expertise in securing competitive research grants, managing multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to high-impact journals in fields such as machine learning, robotics, smart infrastructure, or other relevant subfields. Strong interpersonal skills and experience in strategic planning are essential to effectively lead the center and foster collaboration within and beyond the university.

AUS is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in its research and educational ecosystem. Candidates from underrepresented groups and those with a demonstrated commitment to building and sustaining an inclusive environment are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply 

As an institution based on the American model of higher education and with English as the medium of instruction and the workplace, AUS prioritizes candidates with significant experience in similar educational systems. Interested applicants should fill out the form.

The complete application will include the following documents, uploaded in separate files: a letter of application, curriculum vitae, a research statement, a teaching statement, and evidence of prior research leadership experience.

Situated near Sharjah International Airport in the expansive University City area, and only 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport, AUS is located in a dynamic and cosmopolitan area that includes abundant opportunities for travel, entertainment, cultural experiences and natural beauty. Salary and benefits are competitive and include a comprehensive package that covers housing, healthcare, education allowances for dependents and annual airfare, ensuring a supportive and comfortable relocation experience for the candidate and their family.

American University of Sharjah is a not-for-profit, independent, coeducational institution of higher education formed on American models but thoroughly grounded in Arab culture. AUS offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 6,300 students from approximately 90 nations. AUS has been ranked among the top 10 Arab universities by QS World University Rankings every year for the past 10 consecutive years.

AUS is licensed and its programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Affairs Division in the United Arab Emirates. AUS has been accredited in the United States of America by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801 USA) since June 2004.

PhD or equivalent in a directly relevant discipline like Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related fields: Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science.