Are you a PhD holder looking for a world-class research career? King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia is actively hiring Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Scientists, and Research Technicians across multiple cutting-edge disciplines. These are fully supported, internationally open positions at one of the most prestigious research universities in the world — located on the stunning shores of the Red Sea.
Whether your expertise lies in artificial intelligence, marine biology, energy storage, mechanical engineering, or earth sciences, KAUST has an open position waiting for you. This is not just a job — it is a life-changing career opportunity in a state-of-the-art innovation hub.
If you are ready to take your research career to the next level, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about KAUST researcher positions in 2026.
💼 Position Overview
| Detail | Information |
| 🏫 Institution | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) |
| 📍 Location | Thuwal, Saudi Arabia (Red Sea Campus) |
| 💼 Position Types | Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Scientist, Research Technician |
| 🌍 Open To | International applicants worldwide |
| 📅 Deadline | Most positions: Open Until Filled |
| 💰 Funding | Fully funded (salary + housing + benefits) |
| 🔗 Official Portal | kaust.edu.sa |
💼 About KAUST
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, commonly known as KAUST, is Saudi Arabia’s flagship graduate research university. Founded in 2009 and located in Thuwal on the Red Sea coast, KAUST is consistently ranked among the top research institutions globally. The university operates on a mission to advance science and technology through excellence, innovation, and discovery.
KAUST is home to world-renowned faculty, Nobel laureates, and researchers from over 100 countries. Its campus is a fully integrated community with housing, schools, healthcare, and recreational facilities — making it one of the most attractive destinations for researchers and their families.
Choosing KAUST means choosing a life of purpose, discovery, and global impact.
💰 Benefits & Compensation
KAUST researcher positions are among the most competitive in the world. Here is what you can expect:
- ✅ Highly competitive tax-free salary based on experience and position level
- ✅ Free on-campus housing or a generous housing allowance
- ✅ Comprehensive health insurance for the researcher and eligible family members
- ✅ Relocation support and flight allowance for international candidates
- ✅ Access to world-class research facilities, including the Shaheen III Supercomputer
- ✅ On-campus schools, daycare, healthcare, and recreational services
- ✅ Professional development and career growth opportunities
- ✅ Collaborative international research environment
KAUST offers a truly all-inclusive package that lets you focus entirely on your research without worrying about daily living expenses.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for postdoctoral or researcher positions at KAUST, candidates typically need to meet the following requirements:
- 🎓 PhD degree (completed or near completion) in a relevant field for postdoctoral roles
- 🎓 Strong publication record and relevant research experience
- 🌍 Open to all nationalities — KAUST actively welcomes international talent
- 🗣️ English proficiency — KAUST operates entirely in English; most positions do not require a formal English test score, but strong communication skills in English are essential
- 💡 Relevant technical expertise matching the specific position applied for
- 🤝 Ability to work collaboratively in an international, multicultural environment
Note: Eligibility requirements vary by position. Always check the specific job listing on the official KAUST portal for detailed criteria.
🚫 Who Should NOT Apply
- Candidates who have not yet completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (these positions are for PhD holders or advanced researchers)
- Individuals who are not comfortable relocating to Saudi Arabia for the duration of the position
- Applicants whose research expertise does not match any of the available divisions or open positions
🔬 Available Research Divisions & Open Positions
KAUST has a wide range of open positions across its four major academic divisions. Here is a snapshot of what is currently available:
🌿 Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)
- Postdoc – Coral Reef Fisheries & Economic Reference Points
- Postdoc – Aquatic Foods and Nutrient Variability
- Research Specialist – Data Science & Marine Socio-ecological Systems
💻 Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Computer Vision, AI & Machine Learning
- Postdoctoral Research Fellowships – Hardware Acceleration and Networking
- Postdoc – Computer Vision, Computer Graphics and Deep Learning
- Research Scientist – Visual Computing Center
- Postdoctoral Research Fellows – Cybersecurity and Dependability
- Postdoc – Center of Excellence on Generative AI
- Research Fellow – FPGAs and Networks
- Internship, MS/PhD, Postdoc, and Research Scientist Positions – Bayesian Deep Learning Group
⚙️ Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)
- Postdoc – CFD for Multiphase Fluid Flow in Oil Wells
- Carbonate Sedimentologist – Red Sea Carbonate Platform
- Postdoctoral Fellow – DeepWave Consortium
- Postdoc – Geological Carbon Storage Modeling with Deep Learning
- Postdoc – NMR and Pore-Scale Modeling with Machine Learning
🔋 Materials Science & Engineering
- Postdoc – Large-Scale Perovskite Solar Cells
- Postdoc – Silicon Heterojunction / Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
- Post-Doctoral – Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling
- Post-Doctoral – Hard Carbon Synthesis for Energy Storage
- Postdoc – 2D Materials Growth and Devices
- Postdoc – Acoustic Nanofiber Sensors
- Postdoc – Nanofabrication for Emitting Device Applications
- Postdoc – Alloy Development for Well Downhole Sealing
- Full-Stack Developer – AI Interface & Security
- Field Technician – Medium Voltage and Remote Sensing (Closing: Aug 22, 2026)
🔩 Mechanical Engineering
- Post-Doctoral – Hydrogen Diffusion in Polymers/Composites
- Post-Doctoral – Micro Fracture Mechanics of Interfaces
- Post-Doctoral – Composite Testing in Extreme Hydrogen Environments
- Post-Doctoral – Printable Electronics for Sensing
🌍 Earth Science and Engineering
- Postdoc – Modeling Naturally Fractured Reservoirs
- Postdoc – High Resolution Carbonate Reservoir Properties
- Postdoctoral Researcher – Ore Mineralogy and Geochemistry
- Postdoctoral Researcher – Data Science for Mineral Exploration
⚗️ Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Postdoctoral Positions in Chemistry
- Postdoctoral Fellowship – Polymer Chemistry and Electrochemical Energy Storage
Most positions are open until filled, meaning early applications are strongly encouraged.
📄 Required Documents
While specific requirements vary by position, most KAUST researcher applications require:
- 📋 Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
- 📜 Cover Letter explaining your research interests and fit
- 🎓 Copy of PhD degree certificate or transcript
- 📚 List of publications or research portfolio
- 👤 Contact details of 2–3 professional references
- 🗣️ A brief research statement (for some positions)
Check each individual job listing for the exact document requirements before submitting.
📝 Application Process
Applying for a KAUST researcher position is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official KAUST careers page at kaust.edu.sa/en/about/postdoc-researcher-positions
- Browse available positions and filter by your academic division or research area
- Click on the position title to read the full job description
- Click “Apply Now” — this redirects to the Interfolio application portal
- Create a free Interfolio account and complete your application
- Upload all required documents as specified in the job listing
- Submit and track your application through the Interfolio dashboard
💡 Pro Tip: Tailor your cover letter and CV to the specific research focus of the lab or group you are applying to. Mention relevant publications and align your goals with the lab’s ongoing work.
📅 Important Dates
| Position | Deadline |
| Most Positions | Open Until Filled |
| Field Technician – Medium Voltage & Remote Sensing | August 22, 2026 |
Since the majority of positions are open until filled, there is no fixed deadline — but competition is high. Apply as early as possible.
🌟 Why Apply to KAUST?
KAUST is not just a university — it is a vision for the future. Here is why thousands of researchers from around the world choose KAUST every year:
- 🌍 100+ nationalities on a single campus — true global community
- 🔬 World-class research infrastructure including Shaheen III, one of the most powerful supercomputers in the Middle East
- 💡 Strong focus on impact-driven research in AI, renewable energy, marine science, and more
- 🤝 Direct collaboration with industry giants and government projects under Saudi Vision 2030
- 🏡 Family-friendly campus with schools, clinics, sports facilities, and a safe community environment
- 🌊 Stunning location on the Red Sea — one of the world’s most beautiful natural environments
- 💼 Tax-free compensation with full benefits — maximize your earnings
KAUST has consistently produced research that shapes global science and technology policy. Being part of this community places you at the forefront of human knowledge.
📊 Position Summary
| Field | Details |
| 🏫 University | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) |
| 📍 Country | Saudi Arabia |
| 💼 Role Types | Postdoc Fellow, Research Scientist, Research Technician |
| 🌍 Eligibility | International applicants welcome |
| 💰 Funding | Fully funded – salary, housing, healthcare, relocation |
| 📅 Deadline | Open Until Filled (apply ASAP) |
| 🔗 Apply | Official KAUST Portal |
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