KAUST Global Fellowship Program - Postdoctoral Fellowship (Call 2027)

Fellowship info

Concept Note applications open: 1 September – 1 October 2026

Full Proposal deadline (by invitation only): 15th January 2027

Fellowship expected start date: July – December 2027 or as soon as visa and onboarding formalities are complete.

Location: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

Position Description

Are you in the final year of your PhD, or an early-career postdoc ready to lead your own research programme? The KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP) is looking for outstanding, independently minded scientists and engineers to join one of the world's most dynamic research environments.

KGFP gives talented early-career researchers the funding, mentorship, and independence to pursue bold, original ideas at KAUST for three years, aligned with the University's strategic research priorities: Food, Water, Energy, Health, Artificial Intelligence, and Red Sea Exploration. Selection is based on scientific excellence and an innovative research proposal - Fellows are encouraged to go beyond a continuation of their PhD work.

About the fellowship

KGFP prepares emerging research leaders for independent careers in academia, industry, and beyond. Global Fellows gain access to KAUST's exceptional research infrastructure - including one of the world's fastest supercomputers, advanced imaging facilities, a class 100 cleanroom, and a fleet of research vessels on the Red Sea - plus a vibrant international community of over 110 nationalities and tailored professional development in leadership, teaching, and mentoring.

Who should apply

• Final-year PhD candidates, or PhD graduates within the last four years (Call 2027: PhD awarded January 2023 or later)

• Up to two first-author (or joint-first-author) papers in a peer-reviewed journal

• Two referees able to speak to your potential for independent research

• Willingness to relocate to KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia (open to all nationalities)

What we offer

• 3-year fixed-term contract (evaluation at end of Year 2)

• Annual stipend: USD 75,000

• Research budget: USD 20,000–40,000/year, discipline-dependent

• Relocation allowance for visa and shipping costs

• Full benefits: medical insurance, family housing, schooling for up to 3 children (4+ yo), daycare subsidy

• Annual travel assistance for Fellows and eligible dependents

• Career development: mentoring, leadership, and teaching programmes

About KAUST

Located on the shores of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, KAUST is home to researchers from over 110 nationalities. With internationally competitive salaries, generous research funding, and state-of-the-art facilities, KAUST attracts top talent dedicated to addressing the world's most pressing scientific and technological challenges.

Why KAUST?

• Final-year PhD candidates, or PhD graduates within the last four years (Call 2027: PhD awarded January 2023 or later)

• Up to two first-author (or joint-first-author) papers in a peer-reviewed journal

• Two referees able to speak to your potential for independent research

• Willingness to relocate to KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia (open to all nationalities)

• 3-year fixed-term contract (evaluation at end of Year 2)

• Annual stipend: USD 75,000

• Research budget: USD 20,000–40,000/year, discipline-dependent

• Relocation allowance for visa and shipping costs

• Full benefits: medical insurance, family housing, schooling for up to 3 children (4+ yo), daycare subsidy

• Annual travel assistance for Fellows and eligible dependents

• Career development: mentoring, leadership, and teaching programmes

• Stage 1 – Concept Note (1 Sep – 1 Oct 2026): CV (max. 4 pages), 3-page concept note, up to three potential KAUST host PIs to be identified in the application form, two reference letters.

• Stage 2 – Faculty Review (Oct – Nov 2026): KAUST faculty review eligible applications and indicate hosting interest.

• Stage 3 – Full Proposal (invitation only; deadline 15 Jan 2027): Internal and external review, followed by a final interview and selection by the Vice President for Research.

• Work with internationally renowned faculty and talented researchers

• Conduct research in one of the world's most advanced scientific environments

• Access exceptional funding and research facilities

• Collaborate with global academic and industrial partners

• Thrive in a supportive and inclusive international community

• Live and work on a beautiful, award-winning campus designed for balance and wellbeing

• KAUST is ranked #1 in Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings for multiple consecutive years

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the online application form after September 1st, available on the KAUST Global Fellowship Program website.

Online Info Sessions for Prospective Candidates

If you are interested in learning more about the Fellowship, eligibility, and application process, please express your interest by completing the relevant form, available at the website. We will invite you to an online info session once the final dates are confirmed.