KAUST Postdoctoral Positions Scholarship 2026 in Saudi Arabia provides fully funded research opportunities for international and Saudi PhD holders at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. With 55 current openings across disciplines like AI, marine science, energy, and materials, successful applicants receive competitive tax-free salaries, furnished housing, medical insurance, and relocation support. Most positions are open until filled, while nine have fixed deadlines from August to December 2026.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate research university on the Red Sea coast near Jeddah, dedicated to addressing global scientific challenges. Its state-of-the-art Core Labs and research divisions support work in biological, environmental, computational, physical, and engineering sciences. The Office of Postdoctoral and Researcher Affairs offers professional development, career resources, and innovation support, making KAUST a premier destination for postdoctoral training.
KAUST Postdoctoral Positions Benefits
- Competitive tax-free salary
- Furnished housing or accommodation
- Relocation support
- Medical and dental insurance
- Schooling support for eligible dependent children
- Annual travel or repatriation assistance
- Access to Core Labs and advanced research facilities
- Professional development and innovation resources
KAUST Postdoctoral Positions Eligibility Criteria
- Open to Saudi and international applicants
- Hold a PhD or expect to complete one soon for postdoctoral roles
- Degree matches the named discipline of the vacancy
- Proven experience with required models, instruments, software, or field methods
- Publications or projects addressing a related problem
- Ability to work across disciplines or stakeholder groups
- Specific requirements for scientist, engineer, specialist, and technician roles vary by vacancy
Required Documents
Each vacancy sets its own document list. The coral reef fisheries economics postdoc requests:
- A current CV
- A research and motivation cover letter of no more than two pages
- Contact details for at least two references
- One relevant peer-reviewed publication sample
- Use this list only for that position. Follow the instructions inside your selected vacancy.
Available Research Fields
Current KAUST postdoctoral and research jobs cover:
- Marine fisheries economics, aquatic foods, environmental data science, and marine systems
- Computer vision, machine learning, generative AI, cybersecurity, FPGA systems, and networking
- Chemistry, polymers, electrochemical conversion, battery recycling, hard carbon, and battery safety
- Perovskite solar cells, two-dimensional materials, nanofabrication, sensors, and photodetectors
- Sedimentology, mineral exploration, reservoir modeling, carbon storage, and porous materials
- Hydrogen diffusion, fracture mechanics, composites, robotics, drones, and scientific software
Both experimental and computational applicants can find relevant roles, but precise project fit still matters
How to Apply for KAUST Postdoctoral Positions
- Step 1: Search the official KAUST Careers portal and filter positions by academic division or appointment type
- Step 2: Read the full vacancy details, including project, duties, qualifications, required documents, and closing date
- Step 3: Match your evidence—connect each requirement with evidence from your publications, datasets, models, instruments, software, fieldwork, or industry projects
- Step 4: Tailor your application by placing your strongest relevant evidence first; explain the problem, method, result, and connection to the KAUST project
- Step 5: Submit online through the vacancy’s dedicated “Apply Now” button after checking all documents
- Typically required documents: a current CV, a research and motivation cover letter (max 2 pages), contact details for at least two references, and one relevant peer-reviewed publication (document list may vary by position)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the KAUST Postdoctoral Positions Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
Are KAUST postdoctoral positions open to international applicants?
Yes. KAUST recruits applicants from Saudi Arabia and around the world.
How many KAUST research positions are currently open?
As of 28 July 2026, 55 positions appear on the official portal, including postdocs, scientists, engineers, specialists, technicians, and selected student research roles.
Do all KAUST positions have fixed deadlines?
No. Forty-six current listings remain open until filled, while nine vacancies show fixed dates ranging from 22 August to 3 December 2026.
Do I need a PhD for every KAUST vacancy?
No. Postdoctoral roles generally target completed or nearly completed PhD candidates, but other appointment categories (scientist, engineer, specialist, technician) follow separate criteria.
Does KAUST provide housing and tax-free salaries?
Yes, for many advertised research appointments. KAUST research pages list tax-free compensation, housing, insurance, relocation, and travel support, though final terms depend on the employment offer.
What documents are required to apply for a KAUST postdoctoral position?
Each vacancy sets its own list, but the coral reef fisheries economics postdoc, for example, requests a current CV, a research and motivation cover letter (max two pages), contact details for at least two references, and one relevant peer-reviewed publication. Always check your chosen vacancy.
What is the salary for KAUST postdoctoral researchers?
KAUST offers internationally competitive tax-free salaries as part of a graded employment system. Exact figures are provided with the formal employment offer.
How do I find the right KAUST position for my background?
Review the official KAUST researcher positions portal, filter by academic division or appointment type, and read each vacancy carefully to match your degree, technical skills, research record, and project experience.
What research fields are available at KAUST?
Current openings span marine science, AI, cybersecurity, chemistry, materials, energy storage, solar technology, earth science, hydrogen, mechanics, and scientific computing, among others.
What happens if a position is marked ‘open until filled’?
These roles have no set deadline, but laboratories can review candidates at any time. It is best to apply early with a tailored application, as reviews may begin while the advertisement is active.
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