Senior Fullstack Engineer

Job description / 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 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

The Senior Fullstack Engineer will play a central role in developing and maintaining both backend and frontend components of our AI platforms, tools, and products. You will be responsible for building scalable APIs, managing data flows, and delivering user-friendly web and mobile applications. This position requires expertise across multiple technology stacks, with a focus on Python-based backend development and modern frontend frameworks.

You will work closely with AI researchers, product managers, and design teams to transform cutting-edge AI research into robust and accessible applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain backend services and RESTful APIs using Python frameworks such as FastAPI.
• Build data processing pipelines, integrate with databases, and ensure secure and efficient data management.
• Design and implement frontend web applications using modern frameworks such as Vue.js, React, or Next.js.
• Develop mobile applications using Flutter, delivering consistent cross-platform user experiences.
• Collaborate with AI research teams to integrate model inference, data visualization, and AI feature embedding into products.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code following industry best practices.
• Optimize application performance, scalability, and security across backend and frontend systems.
• Manage database design, optimization, and queries using PostgreSQL and SQL-based systems.
• Develop CI/CD pipelines to streamline deployment and testing processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues across the full software stack.

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong proficiency in Python backend development, particularly with FastAPI or similar frameworks.
• Solid understanding of relational databases (PostgreSQL), SQL queries, and data schema design.
• Extensive experience with modern frontend development using Vue.js, React, Next.js, or similar frameworks.
• Proficiency in Flutter for cross-platform mobile app development.
• Strong skills in JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3 for responsive web application design.
• Experience with RESTful API design, authentication, and security best practices.
• Familiarity with version control systems (Git), Docker, and cloud deployment pipelines.
• Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities in cross-functional engineering teams.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience integrating AI/ML models or AI-driven features into web and mobile applications.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and Kubernetes-based deployments.
• Knowledge of real-time communication protocols (WebSockets, gRPC).
• Experience building admin dashboards, data visualization tools, or annotation platforms.
• Experience working in research or academic environments with interdisciplinary teams.

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field required.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Fullstack Development or Systems Engineering preferred.

Additional Information

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.