King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is inviting applications for the KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP) – Postdoctoral Fellowship, Call 2027. The fellowship is designed for outstanding final-year PhD candidates and early-career postdoctoral researchers who want to develop an independent research program in an internationally leading research environment. Fellows will receive a USD 75,000 annual stipend, substantial research funding, relocation support, housing and family benefits, and access to KAUST’s world-class research infrastructure. The program covers strategic areas including Food, Water, Energy, Health, Artificial Intelligence, and Red Sea Exploration. Science Careers
Position Highlights:
- Position: KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellow
- Organization: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Location: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Duration: 3 years
- Annual Stipend: USD 75,000
- Research Budget: USD 20,000–40,000 per year, depending on discipline
- Relocation: Allowance for visa and shipping costs
- Housing: Family housing
- Medical: Medical insurance
- Family Benefits: Schooling for up to 3 children aged 4+, daycare subsidy
- Travel: Annual travel assistance for Fellows and eligible dependents
- Start Date: July–December 2027 or after visa/onboarding formalities
- Eligibility: Open to all nationalities
- Closing Date: 15 October 2026 for the initial Concept Note stage
Qualifications:
Applicants should generally be:
- Final-year PhD candidates, or
- PhD graduates awarded their degree in January 2023 or later for Call 2027
- Authors of up to two first-author or joint-first-author peer-reviewed papers
- Able to provide two referees who can assess their potential for independent research
- Willing to relocate to KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Applicants are expected to propose bold and original research rather than simply continuing their PhD research.
Research Areas:
The fellowship supports research aligned with KAUST’s strategic priorities:
- Life Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Bioengineering
- Health Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Computer Sciences
- Food
- Water
- Energy
- Artificial Intelligence
- Red Sea Exploration
KAUST Offers:
Research & Career
- 3-year fixed-term fellowship
- Independent research opportunities
- USD 20,000–40,000 annual research budget
- Access to advanced laboratories and research infrastructure
- Supercomputing and advanced imaging facilities
- Professional development in leadership, teaching and mentoring
- International academic and industrial collaborations
Family & Relocation:
- Relocation allowance
- Family accommodation
- Medical insurance
- Schooling support for up to three children aged 4+
- Daycare subsidy
- Annual travel assistance for eligible dependents
Application Timeline:
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Concept Note Applications | 1 September – 1 October 2026 |
| Faculty Review | October – November 2026 |
| Full Proposal | By invitation only |
| Full Proposal Deadline | 15 January 2027 |
| Expected Fellowship Start | July – December 2027 |
Stage 1 – Concept Note:
Applicants should prepare:
- CV — maximum 4 pages
- 3-page research concept note
- Up to 3 potential KAUST host PIs
- Two reference letters
Eligible applications will subsequently be reviewed by KAUST faculty for potential hosting.
Stage 2 – Full Proposal:
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal for internal and external review, followed by a final interview and selection by the Vice President for Research.
Why KAUST?
KAUST provides an exceptional environment for researchers seeking international research independence. Fellows will join a highly international research community representing more than 110 nationalities, with access to advanced scientific infrastructure, major computing resources, research vessels, cleanroom facilities and extensive opportunities for global collaboration.
How to Apply:
Applications for the Call 2027 Concept Note stage open on 1 September 2026. Interested researchers should apply through the KAUST Global Fellowship Program website:
KAUST Global Fellowship Program
Program Email: kgfp@kaust.edu.sa
Concept Note Deadline: 1 October 2026
Full Proposal Deadline: 15 January 2027 — invitation only
Important Note:
The USD 75,000 annual stipend and USD 20,000–40,000 annual research budget are based on the detailed KGFP Call 2027 information provided above. Applicants should consult the official application guidelines for the definitive eligibility requirements, benefits and submission instructions.
A highly competitive opportunity for ambitious early-career scientists and engineers seeking to establish an independent research career at one of the world’s leading research universities.
