About the role
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 work at the intersection of frontier AI research and real-world impact, alongside world-class researchers, engineers, and business leaders. You will help shape how groundbreaking AI models are positioned, partnered, and deployed across industries, contributing to establishing MBZUAI as a global hub for foundation model development and adoption.
The Role
As an Associate on the Strategic Projects team, you will help turn IFM's frontier AI models into real-world impact. You will work on the institute's highest-priority initiatives, including strategy, commercial and go-to-market, partnerships, and operational programs. You will move fluidly between analysis, execution, and stakeholder engagement. The role suits a versatile, hands-on profile who blends strategy, business, technology, and operations skills, and who takes full ownership from problem definition to delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive end-to-end execution of strategic initiatives, from scoping and planning through delivery, tracking milestones, and unblocking issues across teams.
- Conduct in-depth analysis to inform leadership decisions, including market and competitive landscapes, business cases, financial models, and partner or deal evaluations.
- Support go-to-market and commercial efforts for IFM's foundation models, including positioning, pricing inputs, launch planning, and adoption strategies.
- Help identify, structure, and manage strategic partnerships with industry, government, and academic stakeholders.
- Produce crisp, executive-ready documents and presentations, such as strategy papers, board and leadership briefings, and partner materials.
- Collaborate closely with research, engineering, product, legal, and finance teams to translate technical capabilities into clear value propositions and actionable plans.
- Design and improve internal processes, operating models, and governance for strategic programs.
- Stay on top of developments in the AI ecosystem, including models, players, policy, and infrastructure, and turn them into insights for IFM's strategy.
- Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager commensurate with these functional objectives.
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Law, or a related field required.
- Master's degree (e.g., MBA, MSc) or equivalent experience preferred.
Professional Experience - Required
- 3–5 years of experience in strategy consulting, corporate strategy, investment banking, strategic projects, or a similar role.
- Experience in the AI, technology, or TMT sector (exposure to AI models, cloud, or data infrastructure is a plus).
- Highly analytical, with a proven ability to dive deep into complex problems and come back with clear, well-founded answers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, with a track record of producing sharp documents and presentations for senior audiences.
- Hands-on, execution-oriented mindset with strong ownership and a drive to get things done in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
- Ability to work across strategy, business, technology, and operations, and to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel/financial modelling (or equivalent tools).
- Fluent in English.
Professional Experience - Preferred
- Experience supporting commercial, go-to-market, or partnership initiatives from concept to execution.
- Familiarity with the UAE and wider GCC technology ecosystem.
- International experience is preferred.
- Proficiency in other languages is a plus.