Summary
The KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP) is a prestigious, merit-based fellowship designed to attract and support outstanding emerging research leaders from across the globe. The program empowers exceptional postdoctoral researchers to pursue independent, fellow-led research projects addressing major global challenges. Fellows gain full access to KAUST’s world-class facilities, state-of-the-art core laboratories, and mentorship from top-tier international faculty in a vibrant research-first ecosystem.
Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Designation | KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Institution | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) |
| Location | Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| Employment Type | Full-Time Fellowship (Postdoctoral) |
| Application Process | Two-Stage Evaluation (Concept Note $\rightarrow$ Full Proposal by Invitation) |
| Contact Email | kgfp@kaust.edu.sa / support@kaust.edu.sa |
Research Areas
Fellowship proposals must align with KAUST’s major research priorities and global challenge areas, including:
- Water (desalination, water treatment, water reuse, and security)
- Food (sustainable agriculture, desert farming, food security)
- Energy (renewable energy, clean fuels, carbon capture, grid systems)
- Health (biomedical sciences, personalized medicine, bioengineering)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) (machine learning, data science, smart systems)
- Marine Science & Environment (with a special focus on the Red Sea ecosystem)
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Academic Degree: Ph.D. in a relevant field of Science, Engineering, Technology, or applied multidisciplinary sciences.
- Experience Level: Early-career researchers / emerging postdoctoral scientists demonstrating strong research output and leadership potential.
- Scientific Merit: Proven track record of high-quality scientific research, including representative peer-reviewed publications.
- Independence: Clear ambition and capability to lead an independent, original research program while collaborating with a KAUST Host Principal Investigator (PI).
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Design, drive, and execute Fellow-led original research aligned with KAUST priorities.
- Utilize advanced core labs, high-performance computing, and specialized research infrastructure.
- Collaborate and engage with the assigned KAUST Host PI and broader university research community.
- Publish findings in top-tier international journals and present work at key academic conferences.
- Contribute to innovation, intellectual property development, and the academic ecosystem at KAUST.
How to Apply
Applications follow a two-stage process:
- Stage 1 — Concept Note Submission:
- Prepare your application materials in advance:
- Concept Note (following official template, detailing research vision and alignment with KAUST priorities)
- Updated CV with publications (maximum 4 pages)
- Two representative publications
- Contact details for two referees (ready to submit recommendation letters)
- (Optional) Identify up to three potential KAUST Host PIs.
- Submit through the official online application portal at kgfp.kaust.edu.sa/apply.
- Prepare your application materials in advance:
- Stage 2 — Full Proposal (By Invitation Only):
- Shortlisted candidates with confirmed Host PI support will be invited to submit a comprehensive research proposal for final evaluation by the selection committee.
Last Date for Application
- Stage 1 (Concept Note Submission): October 1, 2026 (Call opens September 1, 2026)
- Stage 2 (Full Proposal – Invited Candidates Only): January 15, 2027
