Senior Manager - External R&D

Overview:

G42 is a technology holding group and a global leader in creating visionary artificial intelligence for a better tomorrow. Born in Abu Dhabi and operating worldwide across industries, G42 is on a mission to build the Intelligence Grid for the AI-native societies of today and tomorrow. From molecular biology to space exploration and everything in between, G42 realizes exponential possibilities today.

The G42 AI Function sits at the center of the group’s AI agenda, shaping enterprise-wide AI strategy, priority use cases, partnerships, and investments. It plays a key role in defining where and how G42 builds, partners, or acquires AI capabilities, while ensuring alignment with national priorities, responsible AI principles, and global best practices.

Within this function, the AI Strategy & Partnerships team works closely with senior leadership, operating companies, and external partners to design and execute G42’s AI growth strategy, structure strategic partnerships, support ecosystem development, and drive cross-group initiatives that scale AI impact across the organization.

Responsibilities:

Academic partnership execution

• Execute and manage G42’s academic research partnership model.
• Support establishment and operation of partnerships with selected universities and research institutions.
• Maintain a clear view of active academic partnerships and research engagements.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders on partnership needs and focus areas.

Joint research programs and fellowships

• Lead day-to-day execution of joint research programs and fellowships.
• Coordinate research scopes, timelines, deliverables, and reporting.
• Support selection, onboarding, and management of fellows and visiting researchers.
• Ensure joint research activities run on schedule and within agreed scope.

External research evaluation

• Coordinate evaluation of external research proposals and ideas.
• Review technical merit, relevance, and feasibility of proposed work.
• Prepare structured summaries and recommendations for internal review.
• Track decisions and follow-up actions.

Alignment to G42 research priorities

• Ensure external research activities map to agreed G42 research priorities.
• Monitor drift between academic research interests and group needs.
• Support adjustments to research scope where needed.

Research output tracking and impact

• Track outputs from external research engagements, including:
  • Publications
  • Models and code
  • Datasets and benchmarks
• Maintain records of research results and usage potential.
• Support assessment of research impact and relevance.

Knowledge transfer and integration

• Facilitate transfer of research findings into internal AI R&D teams.
• Coordinate technical briefings, knowledge-sharing sessions, and documentation.
• Support integration of external research outputs into internal projects where applicable.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Science, or related field.
• PhD is a plus, not required.
• 8+ years experience in AI research or research partnership environments.
• Strong understanding of academic research processes and incentives.
• Experience working with leading universities or research institutions.

Expected profile

• Technically credible in AI research discussions.
• Strong execution and coordination skills.
• Comfortable operating across academic and industry environments.
• Structured, detail-oriented, and reliable.
• Focused on outcomes and knowledge transfer.
  
  

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  What Working at G42 Offers

  • A forward-looking, inclusive workplace built on innovation and collaboration.
  • Hybrid work flexibility and meaningful growth through structured development and high-impact AI projects.
  • Competitive compensation with performance incentives and comprehensive health coverage.
  • Lifestyle perks designed for your life in the UAE including medical support, wellbeing initiatives, and access to exclusive partner discounts.