Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Scientist Position – Large Area 2D Materials Growth and Devices

European Commission; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Saudi Arabia is seeking qualified postdoctoral researchers in multifunctional materials. The role involves cutting-edge research in ferroelectrets and piezoelectric materials, with responsibilities in R&D, experimental work, and student supervision. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in related fields and a PhD obtained between 2020 and July 2025. The position offers a collaborative environment with access to world-class facilities.

Qualifications

• Strong background in ferroelectrets and piezoelectric materials.
• Good publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research on ferroelectrets and piezoelectric materials.
• Perform electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical characterization.
• Supervise and mentor graduate students in related research projects.

Skills

Research & Development

Experimental & Analytical Work

Device Fabrication

Education

PhD

Tools

SEM

XRD

AFM

PFM

Raman spectroscopy

Job description

Physical Science and Engineering Division

Organisation/Company KAUST Department Physical Science and Engineering Division Research Field Chemistry » Applied chemistry Chemistry » Physical chemistry Engineering » Materials engineering Physics » Applied physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Saudi Arabia Application Deadline 13 Jun 2025 - 23:59 (Asia/Riyadh) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 20 Apr 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Prof. Alfonso Caraveo , Principal Investigator of ASAL (Advanced Sensing and Actuation Laboratory) at KAUST, is looking for qualified postdoctoral researchers in the field of multifunctional and responsive materials

Key Responsibilities:

• Research & Development:
  • Conduct cutting-edge research onferroelectrets, piezoelectric materials, and related hybrid/composite systemsfor physical sensing, energy harvesting, and actuator applications.
  • Design, synthesize, and characterize novel ferroelectric/piezoelectric materials (e.g., polymers, ceramics, or composites) with enhanced electromechanical properties.
  • Optimize material properties (e.g., polarization, dielectric constant, piezoelectric coefficients) through advanced processing techniques (e.g., corona poling, soft x-ray charging, thermal treatment, nanostructuring).
• Experimental & Analytical Work:
  • Performelectrical, mechanical, and electromechanical characterization(e.g., hysteresis loops, dielectric spectroscopy, d33/d31 measurements, fatigue testing).
  • Utilize advanced techniques such asSEM, XRD, AFM, PFM (Piezoresponse Force Microscopy), and Raman spectroscopyfor microstructural and domain analysis.
  • Develop and test prototype devices (e.g., sensors, transducers, energy harvesters) based on ferroelectrets/piezoelectrics.
• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment related to ferroelectric/piezoelectric research.
• Supervise and mentorgraduate students(master’s and PhD)in related research projects.
• Ensure compliance with lab safety protocols and ethical research practices.

About KAUST:

KAUST is located on the shores of the Red Sea near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and welcomes exceptional students, researchers, and faculty from around the world. Our university is internationally diverse with over 100 Nationalities living and working on campus. KAUST boasts world-class equipment, research and recreational facilities, and computational resources. It is the leading university in citation per faculty according to the QS Rankings. Further information can be found at www.kaust.edu.sa .

• Strong background in ferroelectrets, piezoelectric materials, voided charged polymers or piezocomposites
• Hands-on experience withpoling techniques, impedance analyzers, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).
• Highly skilled in device fabrication and characterization. Cleanroom experience is a plus
• Good publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team

Specific Requirements

• Able to start the position in the Fall 2025
• The candidate must have obtained his PhD degree between 2020 and July 2025
• Please do not send your CV to the Professor through e-mail or LinkedIn account. Candidates who do so will be excluded
• Candidates whose research is not related to the advertised positions will be disqualified from current and future consideration
• Selected candidates will be contacted within 10 working days after the closing date

Number of offers available 2 Company/Institute King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Country Saudi Arabia State/Province Makkah City Thuwal Postal Code 23955 Street Building 9