Postdoctoral Researcher in Non-Destructive Testing

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; Thuwal; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Mechanical Engineering to lead research in non-destructive testing of composite materials. The role involves designing and executing NDT projects, evaluating technologies, and publishing findings while collaborating with industry partners.

The successful candidate will drive experimental and computational efforts, contribute to patents when applicable, mentor students, and help advance

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical, materials, civil, aerospace or related engineering field.
• Experience developing NDT methods for composites.
• Experience with NDT techniques: Ultrasonic, Digital Radiography, Shearography, Thermography, Microwave, THz, X-ray CT.
• Advanced experience in Ultrasonic Phased Array or Terahertz.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Initiate design, development, execution and implementation of NDT projects for composite inspection.
• Investigate feasibility of applying new principles to NDT inventions and products.
• Evaluate NDT solutions and advise on suitability and path to applications.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Team leadership

Communication skills

Proposal writing

Education

PhD in mechanical, materials, civil, aerospace or closely related engineering

Tools

Ultrasonic Phased Array

Terahertz

X-ray Computed Tomography

Digital Radiography

Thermography

Job description

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology: Postdoc Positions: Physical Science and Engineering Division (postdoc): Mechanical Engineering (postdoc)

Location

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Open Date

Sep 10, 2026

Description

We seek a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our Technology Consortium, ENERCOMP , at KAUST , with a strong background in non-destructive testing (NDT) of composite materials. The successful candidate will lead experimental and computational research; evaluate and develop advanced NDT technologies; analyze data; publish research findings; and collaborate with industry and academic partners to advance inspection and structural health monitoring technologies.

Main responsibilities

• Initiate the design, development, execution and implementation of NDT technology research projects for inspection of composites,
• Investigate the feasibility of applying new scientific principles and concepts to potential NDT inventions and products
• Evaluate NDT solutions from existing partners and provide recommendations about their suitability and path to applications.
• Define and execute NDT research tasks, analyzing data, publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals, and presenting research at scientific conferences
• Assist in formulation of long-term plans for NDT development in collaboration with KAUST TTO and partners’ business units
• Lead the development of an internationally recognized experimental and computational platform on NDT and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM).
• Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories and may contribute to scientific literature and conferences
• May participate in development of patent applications
• Coordinate inter-partners activities and research effort
• Support the supervision of PhD and MSc students.

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical, materials, civil, aerospace or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Experience as a researcher in development NDT methods for composites
• Experience as a researcher in NDT topics such as: Ultrasonic, Digital Radiography, Shearography, Thermography, Microwave, THz, and X-Ray Computed Tomography
• Advanced experience in Ultrasonic Phased Array technology or Terahertz is a must
• Experience in NDT of composite materials for Energy, Oil & Gas and/or Hydrogen is a must
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective team leadership and communication skills
• Proficiency in preparation of research project proposals, in execution of research projects, and in project budget and schedule management
• Fluent written and spoken English.