King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) currently lists 17 faculty searches across Physical Science and Engineering, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, and Biomedical Sciences. Current deadlines range from 30 September 2026 to 30 June 2027, while the Biomedical Sciences search is open until filled.
KAUST Faculty Recruitment 2026 at a Glance
| Institution | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) |
|---|---|
| Location | Thuwal, Saudi Arabia |
| Current faculty searches | 17 |
| PSE searches | 10 · deadline 30 September 2026 |
| CEMSE searches | 4 · deadline 31 October 2026 |
| BESE searches | 2 open-rank searches · deadline 30 June 2027 |
| Biomedical Sciences | 1 faculty search · open until filled |
| Applicant pool | International and Saudi candidates |
| Application method | Through the official KAUST faculty vacancy/application system |
| Last verified | 28 September 2026 |
Complete List of Current KAUST Faculty Openings
The following 17 searches are currently listed as faculty opportunities. A separate laboratory listing for internships, graduate study, postdoctoral and research-scientist positions is not counted here because it is not a faculty appointment.
Physical Science & Engineering: 10 Faculty Searches
| 1 | AI-Enabled Modeling and Optimization of Energy Systems — Mechanical Engineering |
|---|---|
| 2 | Carbon Management and Industrial Decarbonization — Chemical Engineering |
| 3 | Chemistry of Sustainable Energy and Materials — Chemistry |
| 4 | Critical Minerals |
| 5 | Geology and Natural Resources of the Arabian Peninsula — Earth Systems Science & Engineering |
| 6 | Low-Carbon Energy Systems & Energy Conversion — Mechanical Engineering |
| 7 | Materials for Extreme Environments & Sustainable Energy Transitions — Materials Science / Applied Physics |
| 8 | Materials for High-Efficiency Solar Energy Conversion — Materials Science / Applied Physics |
| 9 | Mechanics for Energy Materials and Infrastructures — Mechanical Engineering |
| 10 | Physical AI & Quantum Technologies — Materials Science / Applied Physics |
Computer, Electrical & Mathematical Science and Engineering: 4 Searches
| 11 | Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences |
|---|---|
| 12 | Computer Science |
| 13 | Electrical and Computer Engineering |
| 14 | Statistics |
BESE and Biomedical Sciences Faculty Searches
Biological & Environmental Science and Engineering — Open Rank
| 15 | Water Security and Desalination — Open Rank Current closing date: 30 June 2027 |
|---|---|
| 16 | Sustainable Food Security — Open Rank Current closing date: 30 June 2027 |
Biomedical Sciences
| 17 | Faculty Positions in the Division of Biomedical Sciences Current status: open until filled |
|---|
Who Should Consider Applying?
KAUST’s central faculty recruitment information emphasizes three broad expectations:
- an exceptional research record in a KAUST focal research area;
- the ability to lead a high-impact research group; and
- a strong commitment to graduate education.
KAUST welcomes qualified applicants from Saudi Arabia and internationally. The exact academic rank, disciplinary qualifications, experience level and research expectations depend on the individual vacancy.
Application Documents
KAUST’s PSE faculty guidance provides a useful core application checklist. Applicants are instructed to prepare a single PDF containing:
| Curriculum Vitae | Up-to-date CV including a full publication list |
|---|---|
| Research Plan | Research programme and future plans |
| Teaching Interests | Statement describing teaching interests and contribution to graduate education |
| Referees | Names, affiliations and contact details of at least four potential referees |
Research Environment and Faculty Support
KAUST’s official faculty recruitment information highlights:
- superb research facilities;
- generous assured research funding;
- internationally competitive salaries; and
- an international community of faculty and graduate students.
The university does not publish one universal salary or start-up package for all current searches on the central faculty page. Final appointment terms are therefore vacancy- and offer-specific.
How to Apply
| Step 1 | Open the current KAUST faculty positions page and select the vacancy that matches your research profile. |
|---|---|
| Step 2 | Check the advertised rank, disciplinary scope and closing date. |
| Step 3 | Prepare the documents requested in the vacancy; use the PSE four-part checklist where applicable. |
| Step 4 | Submit through the official application route linked from the specific KAUST vacancy. |
| Step 5 | Retain the submitted application and monitor the email address used in your application for recruitment updates. |
Separate KAUST Faculty Routes
KAUST also runs specialised faculty initiatives that should not be merged into the 17-search count above. CareerAidHub maintains separate coverage of the Ibn Rushd Professorship, which is designed for eligible Saudi researchers and may recruit at Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor levels.
CareerAidHub Application Guidance
The following points are CareerAidHub guidance and do not replace KAUST’s official criteria.
- Prioritize deadline fit: the PSE searches close first, on 30 September 2026.
- Match the exact research theme: a targeted application is stronger than a generic “KAUST faculty” dossier.
- Show independence: distinguish your intellectual contribution from your PhD/postdoctoral supervisors and collaborators.
- Build a coherent research programme: the research plan should show how individual projects combine into a sustainable group agenda.
- Prepare referees early: PSE guidance asks for at least four potential referees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many current KAUST faculty searches are listed?
CareerAidHub currently counts 17 genuine faculty searches: 10 in PSE, 4 in CEMSE, 2 in BESE and 1 in Biomedical Sciences.
Which KAUST faculty deadline is closest?
The ten current PSE searches close on 30 September 2026.
What are the CEMSE faculty deadlines?
The current Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Statistics searches close on 31 October 2026.
Are there open-rank KAUST faculty positions?
Yes. BESE currently lists open-rank searches in Water Security and Desalination and Sustainable Food Security, both closing 30 June 2027.
What documents are required?
PSE guidance asks for a single PDF containing an up-to-date CV with full publication list, research plan, statement of teaching interests, and details of at least four potential referees. Individual vacancies may ask for additional materials.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. KAUST encourages applications from qualified international candidates as well as Saudi nationals.
Official Sources and Application Links
| KAUST Faculty Positions | Current central faculty vacancies, deadlines and faculty recruitment profile |
|---|---|
| PSE Prospective Faculty | Official application-document guidance for PSE faculty applicants |
| BESE Employment | Current BESE open-rank faculty searches and closing dates |
CareerAidHub verified the current KAUST faculty listings and deadlines on 28 September 2026. Applicants should recheck the individual vacancy before submitting because KAUST may update or close searches independently.
