KAUST Global Fellowship Program - Postdoctoral Fellowship (Call 2027)

Karlstad University; Thuwal; On-site; SAR 253,000 - 309,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual stipend

Research budget

Relocation allowance

Full benefits

Travel assistance

Career development

Job summary

KAUST Global Fellowship Program invites outstanding early-career scientists to join a dynamic research environment in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. Fellows lead their own research program for three years, with substantial mentorship, a generous stipend, and access to premier facilities.

Selected candidates will pursue bold ideas aligned with KAUST priorities such as Food, Water, Energy, AI, and Red Sea exploration, with relocation support and full benefits.

Qualifications

• Final-year PhD candidates or PhD graduates within last four years.
• Ability to design and lead independent research programs.
• Strong record of scientific creativity and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead an independent research program aligned with KAUST priorities.
• Develop a competitive research proposal and secure funding.
• Engage in mentoring and leadership activities for the team.

Skills

Independent research

Scientific leadership

Mentorship

Proposal writing

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

KAUST facilities

Job description

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KAUST Global Fellowship Program - Postdoctoral Fellowship (Call 2027)

LinkedIn: KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)

Fellowship info

Concept Note applications open: 1 September – 1 October 2026

Full Proposal deadline (by invitation only): 15th January 2027

Fellowship expected start date: July – December 2027 or as soon as visa and onboarding formalities are complete.

Position Description

Are you in the final year of your PhD, or an early-career postdoc ready to lead your own research programme? The KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP) is looking for outstanding, independently minded scientists and engineers to join one of the world's most dynamic research environments.

KGFP gives talented early-career researchers the funding, mentorship, and independence to pursue bold, original ideas at KAUST for three years, aligned with the University's strategic research priorities: Food, Water, Energy, Health, Artificial Intelligence, and Red Sea Exploration. Selection is based on scientific excellence and an innovative research proposal - Fellows are encouraged to go beyond a continuation of their PhD work.

About the fellowship

KGFP prepares emerging research leaders for independent careers in academia, industry, and beyond. Global Fellows gain access to KAUST's exceptional research infrastructure - including one of the world's fastest supercomputers, advanced imaging facilities, a class 100 cleanroom, and a fleet of research vessels on the Red Sea - plus a vibrant international community of over 110 nationalities and tailored professional development in leadership, teaching, and mentoring.

Who should apply

Final-year PhD candidates, or PhD graduates within the last four years (Call 2027: PhD awarded January 2023 or later)

Up to two first-author (or joint-first-author) papers in a peer-reviewed journal

Two referees able to speak to your potential for independent research

Willingness to relocate to KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia (open to all nationalities)

What we offer

3-year fixed-term contract (evaluation at end of Year 2)

Annual stipend: USD 75,000

Research budget: USD 20,000–40,000/year, discipline-dependent

Relocation allowance for visa and shipping costs

Full benefits: medical insurance, family housing, schooling for up to 3 children (4+ yo), daycare subsidy

Annual travel assistance for Fellows and eligible dependents

Career development: mentoring, leadership, and teaching programmes

Application Process

Stage 1 – Concept Note (1 Sep – 1 Oct 2026): CV (max. 4 pages), 3-page concept note, up to three potential KAUST host PIs to be identified in the application form, two reference letters.

Stage 2 – Faculty Review (Oct – Nov 2026): KAUST faculty review eligible applications and indicate hosting interest.

Stage 3 – Full Proposal (invitation only; deadline 15 Jan 2027): Internal and external review, followed by a final interview and selection by the Vice President for Research.

Full details are in the Call 2027 Application Guidelines on the program website: kgfp.kaust.edu.sa.

About KAUST

Located on the shores of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, KAUST is home to researchers from over 110 nationalities. With internationally competitive salaries, generous research funding, and state-of-the-art facilities, KAUST attracts top talent dedicated to addressing the world's most pressing scientific and technological challenges.

Why KAUST?

Work with internationally renowned faculty and talented researchers

Conduct research in one of the world's most advanced scientific environments

Access exceptional funding and research facilities

Collaborate with global academic and industrial partners

Thrive in a supportive and inclusive international community

Live and work on a beautiful, award-winning campus designed for balance and wellbeing

KAUST is ranked #1 in Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings for multiple consecutive years

Job details

Title

KAUST Global Fellowship Program - Postdoctoral Fellowship (Call 2027)

2026-09-30 23:59 (Asia/Riyadh)
2026-09-30 22:59 (CET)

KAUST is devoted to finding solutions for some of the world’s most pressing scientific challenges in the areas of food, water, energy and the envir...