Faculty Position in Climate Science (Earth Systems Science and Engineering Program)

King-Abdullah-University-of-Science-and-Technology; Thuwal; On-site; SAR 320,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, invites outstanding faculty candidates to join the Physical Science and Engineering Division's Earth Systems Science and Engineering Program to advance climate science and energy-transition research.

The focus includes climate dynamics, dust-aerosol interactions, and regional projections for arid regions, with opportunities for multiphysics simulations and machine-learning-enhanced modeling; applicants should

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree.
• Track record of research excellence demonstrated by impactful publications or industrial experience demonstrated by intellectual property and product development.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
• Ability to establish and lead a rigorous research program.

Skills

English communication

Research leadership

Education

Ph.D. degree

Job description

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology: Faculty Positions: Physical Science and Engineering Division (faculty)

Location

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

Deadline

Dec 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description

The Physical Science and Engineering Division (PSE) of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is seeking outstanding faculty candidates in research areas critical to the energy transition. These priorities aim to transform Saudi Arabia's industry by enhancing its competitiveness in sustainability-focused sectors, including: climate; carbon capture, utilization, and storage; critical minerals; energy efficiency; renewable energy technologies; and sustainable fuels.

Within this framework, a faculty position in Climate Science is available in the Earth Systems Science and Engineering Program.

This position covers climate dynamics and Earth system modeling with relevance to arid and hyperarid regions such as the Arabian Peninsula. Areas of particular interest include large-scale atmospheric dynamics and climate variability, including teleconnections, extreme weather, and seasonal predictability; interactions among dust, aerosols, clouds, and solar radiation; and the role of air-sea interactions in shaping regional climate. We also welcome candidates who develop and apply advanced earth-system and climate models using approaches such as multiphysics simulations, machine-learning-enhanced modeling, and stochastic parameterizations. Relevant applications include improved regional climate projections and climate-risk assessment.

About KAUST and the PSE Division

KAUST is an international graduate research university dedicated to advancing science and technology through interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation. Ranked #1 in the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings for three consecutive years (2023-2025), KAUST is recognized globally for the quality and impact of its research. Located in Saudi Arabia, on the western shores of the Red Sea, KAUST offers superb research facilities, generous baseline research funding, and internationally competitive salaries, together with comfortable living conditions for individuals and families. More information about KAUST's academic programs and research activities is available at https://www.kaust.edu.sa. The PSE Division comprises five Programs: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Earth Systems Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering & Applied Physics, and Mechanical Engineering. More information about the PSE Division is available at https://pse.kaust.edu.sa.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree.
• Track record of research excellence demonstrated by impactful publications or industrial experience demonstrated by intellectual property and product development.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
• Ability to establish and lead a rigorous research program.