Assistant Professor Al Ain – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Full-time

College of Science – (COS) is hiring a Assistant Professor Al Ain – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates in Al Ain. This is a full-time position.

Few faculty roles at UAE institutions place you inside one of the largest scientific collaborations in human history from day one. This Assistant Professor position centres on active participation in the ATLAS experiment at CERN, with a specific focus on the Tile Calorimeter — its operation, calibration, performance, and Phase-II upgrade development for the High-Luminosity LHC. Beyond detector work, the role demands serious computing expertise, from contributing to the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid to applying machine learning and AI techniques in data-intensive particle physics analysis. This is a research-first appointment at a university that is building genuine capacity in experimental high energy physics, and it requires someone ready to lead that effort from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities for Assistant Professor Al Ain

• Develop and sustain a high-impact, externally funded research program in experimental high energy physics, with active contributions to ATLAS experiment activities at CERN.
• Lead and participate in ATLAS Tile Calorimeter work, including detector operation, performance monitoring, calibration procedures, and Phase-II upgrade development for the High-Luminosity LHC.
• Contribute to detector instrumentation projects and hardware-software integration efforts within the ATLAS collaboration framework.
• Apply high-performance and distributed computing expertise to ATLAS data analysis, including active contribution to the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid environment.
• Develop and implement machine learning and AI-based approaches for particle physics data analysis and detector performance optimization.
• Teach physics courses at undergraduate and graduate levels. Maintain a strong commitment to teaching quality and student engagement across both levels.
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate students in advanced research areas, guiding them through experimental methods, data analysis, and publication.
• Secure competitive external research funding from national bodies such as ASPIRE and international agencies aligned with particle physics and fundamental science priorities.
• Participate in departmental administrative responsibilities, committee work, and broader university community activities.

Requirements & Qualifications

• PhD in Experimental High Energy Physics from a recognized institution, preferably with direct experience in large-scale international collaborations such as CERN’s ATLAS experiment.
• Completed ATLAS qualification tasks and current full ATLAS membership, allowing immediate contribution to collaboration activities.
• Demonstrated expertise in the ATLAS Tile Calorimeter, including operational experience, calibration, and involvement in upgrade activities.
• Strong computing skills in high-performance and distributed computing environments, particularly the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid.
• Experience in data-intensive physics analysis using modern techniques, including machine learning and artificial intelligence applications in particle physics.
• Experience in detector instrumentation and hardware-software integration is highly desirable.
• Publication record in top peer-reviewed journals in high energy physics.
• Teaching experience at university level, with evidence of effective course delivery and student supervision.

What You’ll Gain

• A faculty platform that maintains active ATLAS collaboration membership, giving you direct, sustained access to CERN experimental infrastructure, data, and the global high energy physics research network.
• A comprehensive, tax-free benefits package that includes free accommodation, health insurance, children’s education support, relocation and furniture allowances, and annual airfare — one of the most complete packages available at UAE research universities.
• A competitive salary benchmarked at AED 25,000–35,000/month at Assistant Professor level, consistent with UAEU faculty compensation and adjusted based on experience and research profile.
• The opportunity to build an experimental high energy physics research group at the UAE’s flagship university — ranked #229 globally (QS 2026) — with institutional support for grant development, graduate student recruitment, and international collaboration management.