Faculty Positions in Sustainable Food Security (Open Rank)

King-Abdullah-University-of-Science-and-Technology; Thuwal; On-site; SAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) invites outstanding researchers to join the Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division as open-rank faculty. The search covers Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor appointments with a focus on sustainable food production, controlled environment agriculture, and future food systems.

Initial priority areas include breeding, plant pathology or entomology of horticultural crops, digital technologies for

Qualifications

• Open-rank faculty positions (Assistant/Associate/Full Professor) in BESE.
• Strong research plan and collaboration with national and international partners.
• Commitment to graduate teaching and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a globally visible research program.
• Contribute to graduate teaching, mentoring, and training.
• Collaborate with in-Kingdom and international partners.

Job description

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

Location

Open Date

Aug 18, 2026

Deadline

Jun 30, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description

The Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is seeking outstanding individuals and change-makers to build ambitious research programs that will push the boundaries of technology and advance the goals of sustainable food security. Among several targeted faculty hires, we are inviting applications from high-caliber candidates for open-rank positions (i.e., Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor) who will bring new insights, tangible solutions and renewed focus to sustainable food production, controlled environment agriculture, and future food systems. The BESE Division welcomes applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourages applications from Saudi nationals and women in the field.

Initial priority areas include, but are not limited to:

• Breeding, pathology or entomology of horticultural crops
• Advanced digital technologies for controlled environment agriculture
• Microbial fermentation and alternative food production
• Food systems modeling

Qualifications

We seek candidates with clear plans for research translation, including collaboration with in-Kingdom and international partners, and a pathway to validate and implement outcomes in real-world contexts. Successful candidates will be expected to establish and sustain a globally visible, externally competitive research program, position KAUST as a global leader in sustainable food security, and contribute to graduate teaching, mentoring, and the training of the next generation of scientists and engineers.

About KAUST

KAUST is a mission-driven graduate research university dedicated to advancing science and technology through interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation. KAUST works closely with national and international partners across academia, industry, and government to translate research into innovative technologies and solutions that support the Kingdom’s strategic priorities, drive economic development, and deliver tangible societal impact.

Located on the shores of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, KAUST attracts top faculty, scientists, engineers and students from around the world. Faculty benefit from state-of-the-art research facilities, guaranteed baseline research funding, generous infrastructure support, entrepreneurship opportunities, internationally competitive salaries, and a uniquely international campus community designed to enable both professional excellence and family well-being.

Ranked #1 in the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings 2026, KAUST is internationally recognized for its research excellence.