The Communication Networks Lab at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), led by Yasir Zaki, invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Associate in Internet Measurement and Equitable Web Systems. Our lab develops measurement-driven approaches to understanding and improving the Internet and the Web. Our research spans Internet access and digital inequality, cellular and satellite connectivity, web performance and accessibility, network measurement, mobile systems, and technologies for connecting underserved populations. We are seeking an outstanding researcher who already has a demonstrated record of publishing rigorous work in leading networking, systems, web, or Internet-measurement venues. This is not an entry-level research-training position: the successful candidate will be expected to formulate research questions, lead projects, build and evaluate systems or measurement studies, publish in highly selective venues, and help mentor junior researchers.
The successful candidate will lead research in one or more areas such as:
- Large-scale Internet and Web measurements.
- LEO Satellites.
- Internet access and digital inequality in developing and underserved regions.
- Web performance, accessibility, and multilingual Web experiences.
- Mobile and networked systems.
- Measurement-driven design of more equitable Internet infrastructure.
- AI-assisted optimization of Web and network performance.
- Auditing the availability, quality, and affordability of global connectivity.
The candidate will have significant freedom to propose new directions that align with the lab’s broader goal of building a more accessible and equitable Internet.
Mandatory publication requirement
Applicants must have a strong peer-reviewed publication record in leading venues relevant to this position. Qualifying conferences include:
- ACM SIGCOMM
- ACM Internet Measurement Conference (IMC)
- ACM CoNEXT
- USENIX NSDI
- ACM MobiCom
- ACM MobiSys
- The Web Conference
- ACM SIGMETRICS.
At minimum, applicants must identify one qualifying paper in which they were the first or co-first author, or for which they can document an equivalent leading intellectual and technical contribution. A competitive applicant will normally have multiple strong research outputs appropriate to their career stage. Applications that do not demonstrate a publication record in at least one of the venues listed above will not be considered. General interest in networking, completed coursework, technical skills, unpublished projects, or publications only in unrelated venues do not satisfy this requirement. For collaborative publications, applicants must explain their personal contribution. Authorship by itself will not be treated as evidence of research leadership.
Candidate Requirements Applicants Must
- Hold a PhD—or have completed all PhD requirements before starting—in computer science, electrical or computer engineering, information science, or a closely related discipline. Less than 5 years post receiving the Doctoral degree.
- Meet the mandatory publication requirement above.
- Demonstrate the ability to define and complete original research
- Possess strong programming, experimental, and quantitative-analysis skills.
- Have experience designing reproducible systems or measurement studies.
- Communicate research clearly in writing and presentations
- Be able to lead projects while collaborating effectively with researchers from different backgrounds.
- Be committed to ethical and reproducible research. Relevant experience may include network measurement, mobile systems, browser instrumentation, distributed experimentation, statistical analysis, causal inference, large-scale data collection, active or passive measurements, or production-quality research software.
Application Materials Applicants Must Submit
- A cover letter
- A current CV and complete publication list;
- Two representative publications;
- A mandatory one-page evidence-based fit statement;
- Contact information for three academic or professional references.
Required One-page Fit Statement
The statement must explain why the applicant is specifically qualified for the work of the Communication Networks Lab. It must include:
- Two or three concrete connections between the applicant’s prior research and specific work, methods, datasets, systems, or research questions pursued by our lab
- The applicant’s personal intellectual and technical contribution to the submitted publications
- Concrete evidence of relevant expertise—for example, a measurement platform built, dataset collected, system implemented, experiment designed, methodology developed, or finding established
- One research question or project the applicant could realistically lead at NYUAD, including the proposed method and expected contribution. Statements that merely express enthusiasm for networking, connectivity, digital inclusion, or the lab’s topics—without concrete evidence from the applicant’s record—will be treated as nonresponsive, and the application will not be considered further.
References will be contacted only for shortlisted candidates.
Appointment Questions may be directed to Yasir Zaki at yasir.zaki@nyu.edu.
Information about the lab is available at the Communication Networks Lab website.
About NYU Abu Dhabi
https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/
NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.
NYUAD is committed to upholding a culture of non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, and mutual respect; providing equal access and opportunity; and fostering academic excellence in learning, research, and teaching.
Students are drawn from among the world’s best. They are bright, intellectually passionate, and committed to building a campus environment anchored in mutual respect, understanding, and care. The NYUAD undergraduate student body has garnered an impressive record of scholarships, graduate-school admissions, and other global honors. Graduate education is an area of growth for the University; the current graduate student population of over 100 students is expected to expand in the next decade as doctoral programs are developed.
Working for NYUAD
At NYUAD, we recognize that Abu Dhabi is more than where you work; it’s your home. In order for research staff to thrive, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. This starts with a generous relocation allowance; educational assistance for your dependents; access to health and wellness services; and more. NYUAD is committed to research staff success throughout the academic trajectory, providing support for ambitious and world-class research projects and innovative, interactive teaching approaches. Support for dual-career families is a priority.
Visit our website for more information on benefits for you and your dependents.
NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of our academic community.
Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.
Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.
NYUAD values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the university’s commitment to excellence. NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to our vibrant, multidisciplinary research and teaching community. Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a global campus community are hallmarks of the University’s mission.
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