KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027

Contexte

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is inviting applications for the KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027, a prestigious fully funded opportunity for outstanding early-career researchers from around the world. The three-year fellowship empowers scientists and engineers to design and lead their own independent research projects while working alongside world-class faculty in Saudi Arabia.

Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the fellowship supports innovative research that addresses global challenges in water, food, health, energy, artificial intelligence, and the Red Sea. Successful fellows receive generous funding, comprehensive benefits, and access to exceptional research facilities at one of the world’s leading graduate research universities. The Stage 1 application deadline is 1 October 2026.

The KAUST Global Fellowship is designed to accelerate the careers of exceptional postdoctoral researchers by providing the resources, mentorship, and independence needed to pursue groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

Unlike traditional postdoctoral positions, fellows develop and lead their own research agenda from the beginning of the program. Each fellow works closely with a host Principal Investigator while maintaining intellectual ownership of their proposed project.

KAUST’s international campus brings together researchers from over 110 nationalities, creating a diverse and collaborative environment that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary research.

Missions et responsabilités

• Develop and lead an independent research agenda from the beginning of the program.
• Design an ambitious three-year research programme that demonstrates scientific originality and potential for global impact.
• Work closely with a host Principal Investigator while maintaining intellectual ownership of the proposed project.
• Collaborate with KAUST researchers while building an independent academic profile capable of competing for future faculty and research leadership positions.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, international partnerships, and the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world solutions that benefit both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the global community.

Profil recherché

• Open to applicants of all nationalities (applications from women are particularly encouraged to promote greater gender balance).
• Hold a PhD awarded after January 2023 for the 2027 call, or expect to complete their PhD before the fellowship begins.
• Be willing to relocate to KAUST in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
• Identify one to three KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with the proposed project.
• Meet Saudi Arabia’s residency requirements before commencing the fellowship.
• Demonstrate scientific excellence and a compelling vision for independent research aligned with KAUST’s strategic research missions (Water, Food, Health, Energy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), The Red Sea).
• Fit within one of KAUST’s academic divisions: Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering, or Physical Science and Engineering.

Conditions et avantages

• US$75,000 annual living stipend
• Up to US$40,000 dedicated research funding for their project
• Three years of fully funded support
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• On-campus accommodation
• Schooling support for up to three children
• Relocation allowance
• Annual travel assistance
• Access to world-class laboratories and research infrastructure
• Professional development opportunities, including leadership training, mentoring programmes, teaching certificates, and networking with international academic and industry partners

Dossier de candidature

• Most recent CV with full publication list (maximum four pages)
• Up to two selected publications
• Concept Note using the official template
• Two reference letters (may be uploaded with the application or submitted directly by referees via email before the Stage 1 deadline)

Comment postuler

The KAUST Global Fellowship uses a competitive two-stage application process.

Stage 1: Concept Note
Applications open 1 September 2026 and close 1 October 2026. At this stage, applicants submit a concept note outlining their proposed research. A Host PI support letter is not required, although applicants must identify up to two relevant KAUST faculty members.

Stage 2: Full Proposal
Candidates who receive support from a KAUST faculty member will be invited to submit a full research proposal between 15 November 2026 and 15 January 2027. Only invited applicants proceed to the second stage.

Procedure and Submission : Applications must be submitted in English using the official KAUST templates through the university’s online application portal. Candidates are encouraged to carefully review the application guidelines before preparing their concept note.