About the Institute of Foundation Models
We are a dedicated research lab for building, understanding, using, and risk-managing foundation models. Our mandate is to advance research, nurture the next generation of AI builders, and drive transformative contributions to a knowledge-driven economy. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to work on the core of cutting-edge foundation model training, alongside world-class researchers, data scientists, and engineers, tackling the most fundamental and impactful challenges in AI development. You will participate in the development of groundbreaking AI solutions that have the potential to reshape entire industries. Strategic and innovative problem-solving skills will be instrumental in establishing MBZUAI as a global hub for high-performance computing in deep learning, driving impactful discoveries that inspire the next generation of AI pioneers. The Role
We are seeking a Recruiting Partner with approximately 8+ years of experience in the technology ecosystem. This is not a typical "recruiter" role; it is a critical operational position that combines high-level PhD/Research Scientist sourcing with the rigorous, high-volume coordination required to scale a top-tier lab.
In a high-growth environment, the "bottleneck" is often the schedule. You will be the architect of our candidate experience, ensuring that every interview loop—no matter how complex or cross-continental—runs with "white-glove" precision. Key Responsibilities
1. High-Volume Coordination & Scheduling (Primary Focus)
- The "Scheduling Engine": Manage the complex, multi-stage interview calendars for all regional and international roles. This includes coordinating across multiple time zones.
- Panel Optimization: Work with People Operations and Team Leads to ensure interview panels are balanced, diverse, and technically aligned.
- Candidate Experience: Act as the primary point of contact for candidates, ensuring they are briefed, prepared, and supported from initial outreach to offer.
2. Full-Cycle Research Recruiting
- Strategic Sourcing & Market Mapping: Conduct deep-market research and mapping to identify and engage world-class PhD talent across core and emerging AI domains, including Reinforcement Learning (RL), Post-training, Vision-Language Models (VLM), Diffusion, World Models, and Infrastructure.
- End-to-End Search Management: Lead the full recruiting lifecycle from initial intake sessions with hiring managers to final closing. Develop tailored hiring strategies for niche research roles.
- Stakeholder Management: Partner directly with Research Leadership and Team Leads to define role requirements, refine job descriptions, and calibrate candidate profiles through regular feedback loops.
- Consultative Candidate Management: Serve as a brand ambassador and consultant to candidates, articulating the lab’s unique mission and technical roadmap to convert high-passive talent.
3. Talent Operations & Infrastructure
- Compliance & Audit Readiness: Ensure all recruiting processes, documentation, and data tracking are fully compliant with federal and state labor laws (e.g., EEO, CCPA, and relevant California labor codes). Maintain an "audit-ready" environment for all hiring records and candidate data.
- ATS Mastery: Take full ownership of our Applicant Tracking System. Ensure 100% data integrity, manage the referral pipeline, and provide weekly "Health of the Pipeline" reports to leadership.
- Process Building: Evaluate and improve our hiring workflows. You will build the templates and playbooks that allow us to scale significantly.
- Brand Ambassadorship: Help represent the lab at top-tier conferences to build our local and global talent brand. Requirements
- 8+ Years of Experience: Proven track record in Talent Acquisition, specifically within high-growth AI labs or Tier-1 tech firms.
- Research Literacy: You must understand the difference between a "Software Engineer" and a "Research Scientist." Familiarity with the ML research ecosystem and PhD hiring cycles is essential.
- Mastery of Complexity: Exceptional organizational skills. You should thrive in the "logistical puzzle" of scheduling multiple complex interview rounds per day without errors.
- Communication: Ability to communicate with high-seniority executives and elite academic researchers with professional poise.
- Tools: Expert-level proficiency in modern ATS platforms (experience with Lever is a significant plus), LinkedIn Recruiter, and productivity suites. Benefits Include
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits *Bonus
- 401K Plan
- Generous paid time off, sick leave and holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Life insurance and disability