KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship

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 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 : 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

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