Faculty Positions in Water Security and Desalination (Open Rank)

King-Abdullah-University-of-Science-and-Technology; Thuwal; On-site; SAR 400,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) BESE Division invites outstanding researchers for open-rank (Assistant–Full Professor) faculty roles focused on water security, desalination, and sustainable water systems. We welcome Saudi nationals and women in the field.

We seek candidates who will build ambitious, externally funded programs and contribute to graduate teaching, mentoring, and the training of the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Qualifications

• Clear plans for research translation and external collaborations.
• Ability to establish and sustain a globally visible research program.
• Experience contributing to graduate teaching and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead independent research program in water security and related areas.
• Contribute to graduate teaching and mentoring of students and postdocs.
• Collaborate with national and international partners to translate research into real-world solutions.

Skills

Water security research

Desalination

Mentoring

Graduate teaching

Education

PhD in related field

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 global water 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 the areas of water security, desalination, and sustainable water 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:

• Seawater reverse osmosisprocess optimization
• Next-generation membrane and separation technology
• Resource recovery and waste valorization
• Water system 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 water 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.