KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship

KAUST; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research university in Saudi Arabia seeks exceptional early-career scientists for the Global Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. This three-year fellowship offers competitive stipends, a substantial research budget, and access to top-tier facilities. Candidates must hold a related Ph.D. and demonstrate strong communication skills in English. Diverse professional development opportunities will also be available.

Benefits

Annual stipend of 75,000 USD

Independent annual research budget of up to 40,000 USD

Medical insurance

Accommodation depending on family status

Schooling for up to 2 kids

Relocation and annual travel allowance

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree related to KAUST's research priorities.
• Up to 4 years of post-PhD experience.
• Submission of an innovative research proposal.
• Support letter from a KAUST host PI.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and manage a three-year research project.
• Access exceptional infrastructure available at KAUST.
• Collaborate on interdisciplinary research.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Fluency in English

Education

Ph.D. degree related to the four research priorities

Job description

Offer Description

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) seeks to be a catalyst for societal and economic change in Saudi Arabia and the world, addressing national and global needs under four research priorities: Economies of the future, Health & Wellness, Sustainable environment & Essential needs, Energy & Industrial Leadership.

The KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is one of several KAUST initiatives that support early-career scientists and engineers. Launched in 2021, the fellowship funds scientists to conduct their research at KAUST for three years. The selection of fellows is based on outstanding scientific accomplishments as well as a research proposal that is aligned with the University’s research priorities. Following the KAUST strategy, innovation and the potential for commercialization are also weighed in the decision.

Global Fellows have access to the exceptional infrastructure available at KAUST, including one of the world\'s fastest supercomputers, a comprehensive suite of electron microscopes, nuclear magnetic resonance machines and other imaging instruments, a class 100 cleanroom for nanofabrication, a series of research vessels to explore the Red Sea, and much more. They also benefit from several learning and development programs available at KAUST for certification in teaching, leadership and other subjects.

About the fellowship

The KAUST Global Fellowship Program is designed to attract emerging research leaders working across areas under the four research priorities of KAUST. It supports excellent postdoctoral researchers taking the initial steps towards a fully independent research career by providing them the resources to conduct and manage a three-year research project.

Global Fellows enjoy opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and research, leadership and teaching certification, community engagement, mentorship, access to an international alumni network, and a welcoming staff dedicated to the wellbeing of all Global Fellows.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Ph.D. degree related to the four research priorities of KAUST
• Up to 4 years of post-PhD experience
• Strong communication skills and fluency in English
• Submission of an innovative research proposal
• Support letter from a KAUST host PI

Applicants should apply through the online application form and following the instructions on the KAUST Global Fellowship Program website https://kgfp.kaust.edu.sa/

What we offer

• 3 years fixed term contract (with an evaluation at the end of the 2nd year)
• Annual stipend of 75,000 USD
• Independent annual research budget of up to 40,000 USD
• Access to unparalleled laboratory facilities
• Career and professional development programs, including mentoring, teaching, and leadership programs
• Medical insurance, accommodation depending on family status, schooling for up to 2 kids, relocation, and annual travel allowance

About KAUST

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is an international, graduate-only private research university with researchers from over 110 nationalities, located on the shores of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. KAUST attracts top international faculty, scientists, engineers, and students to conduct curiosity-driven and goal-oriented research to address the world’s pressing scientific and technological challenges. The university offers outstanding research facilities, generous research funding and internationally competitive salaries. The award-winning campus is designed to inspire and motivate students, employees and their families.

Why KAUST?

• Internationally Renowned Faculty directs the University’s talented postgraduate students, researchers and postdoctoral fellows
• State-of-the art facilities provide an environment that promotes targeted goal-oriented research
• Competitive annual stipend, benefits, and research budget
• Extensive collaboration with industrial partners in the region and internationally
• Attractive residential campus enhances work/life balance
• KAUST is ranked #1 in Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings 2023
• Unique international environment with more than 110 nationalities on campus

Eligibility criteria

• Ph.D. in a discipline related to KAUST’s research priorities
• Up to 4 years of post-PhD experience (Ph.D. awarded after January 2022)
• Demonstrated strong communication skills and fluency in English
• Submission of an innovative research proposal aligned with KAUST priorities
• Support letter from a KAUST faculty host

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the online application form available on the KAUST Global Fellowship Program website: https://kgfp.kaust.edu.sa/

Online Info Sessions for Prospective Candidates

Join our upcoming online info session to learn more about the fellowship, eligibility, and application process. Details and registration are available on the program website.

Session 1
Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
Time: 12:00pm AST / 10:00 BST / 11:00 CEST / 17:00 SGT / 19:00 AEST / 05:00 EDT / 02:00 PDT

Session 2
Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
Time: 19:00 AST / 17:00 BST / 18:00 CEST / 00:00 (+1) SGT / 02:00 (+1) AEST / 12:00 EDT / 09:00 PDT

Additional comments

Position Description

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is an international, graduate-level research university that seeks to drive discovery and innovation addressing both national and global challenges. Guided by four strategic research priorities - Economies of the future, Health & Wellness, Sustainable environment & Essential needs, Energy & Industrial Leadership – KAUST brings together world-class faculty, researchers, and state-of-the-art infrastructure to accelerate transformative solutions for society.

Launched in 2021, the KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship Program supports outstanding early-career scientists and engineers from around the world. Fellows receive funding to pursue independent, cutting-edge research at KAUST for three years. Selection is based on exceptional scientific achievements and the submission of an innovative research proposal aligned with KAUST’s strategic priorities and the Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia.

Number of offers available 10

Company/Institute King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Country Saudi Arabia

State/Province Mekkah

City Thuwal

Postal Code 23955

Street King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Kind Abdullah University of Science and Technology