Postdoc – Developing Economic Reference Points for Multispecies Coral Reef Fisheries

Scholar Idea; Thuwal; On-site; SAR 149,981 - 224,971; Full time

Job summary

Scholar Idea in Saudi Arabia is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher specialized in Fisheries Economics to join the Integrated Reef Fisheries Lab at KAUST. This role involves conducting innovative research on economic reference points for coral reef fisheries, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team, and engaging with diverse stakeholders across the Red Sea. Applicants should possess a PhD in a relevant field and demonstrate quantitative skills, fieldwork experience, and a passion for sustainable fisheries management.

Qualifications

• PhD (completed or near completion) in Fisheries Economics, Environmental Economics, Resource Economics, or a closely related field.
• Strong quantitative and programming skills, with demonstrated experience in econometric and/or bioeconomic modeling.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze large, complex datasets.
• Demonstrated fieldwork experience in fisheries settings.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary research environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research on economic reference points for coral reef fisheries.
• Assess trade-offs between ecological sustainability and socio-economic outcomes.
• Design and implement a long-term market-based monitoring program for reef fisheries.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of researchers and policy specialists.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Programming skills

Collaboration skills

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Fisheries Economics or related field

Job description

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology: Postdoc Positions: Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (postdoc)

Location

Open Date

Description

Coral reef fisheries sustain the food security and livelihoods of more than 500 million people, yet decades of research warn they are under growing pressure. To safeguard their future, we must move beyond biology—integrating the economic and social realities that shape how people use and depend on reef resources. This project takes that step. Building on recent advances that have developed context‑specific reference points for multispecies coral reef fisheries, we aim to pioneer the development of economic reference points to assess the economic performance and potential of global reef fisheries. In doing so, we will also establish a long‑term, market‑based monitoring program, generating real‑world data to inform smarter, fairer, and more sustainable management of reef fisheries worldwide.

We are inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in Fisheries or Environmental Economics to join our interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of economics, ecology, fisheries, and food security—with a global reach and a special focus on the Red Sea.

The successful candidate will be based at the Integrated Reef Fisheries Lab at KAUST, under the leadership of Professor Jessica Zamborain‑Mason, and will collaborate closely with an exceptional network of researchers and practitioners, including Professors Joshua Cinner (University of Sydney), Christina Hicks (Lancaster University), and Dale Squires (NOAA Fisheries & UC San Diego).

The Integrated Reef Fisheries Lab is a new lab dedicated to advancing the sustainability of coral reef fisheries and aquatic food systems both in the Kingdom and around the world. Through collaborative, data‑driven research, we integrate ecological, social, and economic data to develop innovative tools and strategies that support resilient fisheries and communities. Working closely with local stakeholders and global partners, our interdisciplinary team strives to create practical solutions that ensure the long‑term health and productivity of reef socio‑ecological systems worldwide—especially in the face of climate change.

This is a rare opportunity for someone passionate about applying economics to solve real‑world challenges at the nexus of marine ecosystems, economics, and food security. The position will involve collaborations with national and international research partners and has strong potential for high‑impact publications and policy‑relevant outputs. We welcome candidates with strong quantitative skills, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for translating science into solutions.

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct cutting‑edge research on economic reference points for coral reef fisheries.
• Apply context‑specific reference points at global and regional scales, assessing the trade‑offs between ecological sustainability, fisheries productivity, and socio‑economic outcomes.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of a long‑term market‑based monitoring program for reef fisheries in the Red Sea.
• Openly collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of ecologists, social scientists, resource practitioners and policy specialists.

Qualifications

• PhD (completed or near completion) in Fisheries Economics, Environmental Economics, Resource Economics, or a closely related field.
• Strong quantitative and programming skills, with demonstrated experience in econometric and/or bioeconomic modeling.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze large, complex datasets.
• Demonstrated fieldwork experience, ideally monitoring economic variables in small‑scale fisheries settings.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary research environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• This role offers the exciting opportunity to travel across Saudi Arabia and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government and non‑government organizations, industry partners, local communities, and academic collaborators. We welcome applications from candidates who thrive in dynamic, multi‑level settings and are fluent in both Arabic and English, bringing their skills to foster meaningful partnerships and make a tangible impact.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter outlining your research experience and motivation for this position (maximum of 2 pages)
• Contact details for at least two references
• Sample peer‑review publication relevant to this work

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio’s Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.