KFUPM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program

Introduction

The Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program at KFUPM has been designed to attract talented scholars eager to advance innovative, impactful, and interdisciplinary research. Hosted at the Research Institute (RI), the fellowship provides an opportunity to collaborate closely with faculty mentors and industry leaders across multiple specialized centers. KFUPM plays a pivotal role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, fostering a knowledge-based economy that emphasizes sustainable development, renewable energy, digital transformation, and advanced science. To achieve this, the university has established a robust framework of Interdisciplinary Research Centers (IRCs), Applied Research Centers (ARCs), and Joint Research Centers (JRCs), each focused on solving globally relevant problems while driving national progress.

By joining this fellowship, researchers gain access to state-of-the-art laboratories, generous funding, and international collaborations, positioning them at the forefront of discovery and innovation.

The King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, invites applications for its distinguished Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program. With access to world-class facilities, interdisciplinary centers, and competitive benefits, the fellowship supports young researchers in advancing global science and technology while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 innovation agenda.

Program Objectives

The KFUPM Postdoctoral Fellowship is built on four strategic pillars:

- Advance High-Impact Research: Equip fellows to address challenges in energy, environment, digital systems, and advanced materials.
- Encourage Innovation: Facilitate research that leads to patents, prototypes, and industrial applications.
- Strengthen Collaboration: Link academia, industry, and government to foster meaningful partnerships.
- Support Vision 2030: Align scholarly work with Saudi Arabia’s national strategy for economic diversification and sustainability.

Fellowship Structure and Duration

- Duration: Standard appointment is two years, with possible extensions depending on research progress and project needs.
- Host: Fellows are placed in one of KFUPM’s research centers and work closely with faculty supervisors.
- Collaboration: Interdisciplinary projects ensure fellows engage with both national and international partners.
- Professional Development: Fellows receive structured training in grant writing, intellectual property, leadership, and communication.

This structure ensures a balance between independent scholarship and guided mentorship, preparing fellows for academic or industry leadership roles.

Updated Areas of Research and Vacancies

KFUPM offers a wide array of opportunities across Interdisciplinary Research Centers (IRCs), Applied Research Centers (ARCs), and Joint Research Centers (JRCs). Each center specializes in specific domains of

science, technology, and societal development.

Interdisciplinary Research Centers (IRCs)

- Advanced Materials (IRC-AM): Focuses on nanomaterials, composites, polymers, and alloys for industrial and biomedical use.
- Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics (IRC-IMR): Develops robotics, AI-enabled automation, and smart manufacturing systems.
- Membranes and Water Security (IRC-MWS): Leads research in desalination, wastewater recycling, and smart membrane systems.
- Intelligent Secure Systems (IRC-ISS): Explores AI safety, data encryption, and advanced cybersecurity technologies.
- Smart Mobility and Logistics (IRC-SML): Works on autonomous vehicles, smart transport, and logistics optimization.
- Refining and Advanced Chemicals (IRC-RAC): Investigates petrochemicals, catalysis, and high-value chemical processes.
- Sustainable Energy Systems (IRC-SES): Focuses on renewable power, smart grids, and advanced storage solutions.
- Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management (IRC-HTCM): Pioneers green hydrogen, carbon capture, and decarbonization.
- Construction and Building Materials (IRC-CBM): Develops eco-friendly concrete, smart infrastructure, and sustainable construction materials.
- Communication Systems and Sensing (IRC-CSS): Advances 5G/6G networks, IoT sensors, and signal processing.
- Finance and Digital Economy (IRC-FDE): Studies blockchain, FinTech, and emerging digital markets.
- Aviation and Space Exploration (IRC-ASE): Innovates in aerospace design, propulsion, and satellite systems.
- Health and Biosystems (IRC-BSM): Works on biosensors, medical devices, and biotechnologies.
- Industrial Nuclear Energy (IRC-INE): Explores nuclear energy safety and sustainable nuclear applications.
- Center for Integrative Petroleum Research (CIPR): Conducts enhanced oil recovery, drilling innovation, and petroleum systems modeling.

Applied and Joint Research Centers

- ARC for Environment and Marine Studies (ARC-EMS): Marine ecosystems, environmental pollution control.
- ARC for Metrology, Standards and Testing (ARC-MST): Measurement technologies, calibration, and global standards.
- Center of Excellence in Development of Non-Profit Organizations (CNP): Research in social innovation and non-profit leadership.
- Joint Research Center – SDAIA (JRC-SDAIA): Focuses on smart data and AI applications in partnership with Saudi Data & AI Authority.

Benefits

- Tax-Free Stipend: Highly competitive salary package.
- Housing: On-campus furnished housing or a generous allowance.
- Travel Support: Round-trip airfare for fellows and dependents.
- Health Insurance: Full medical coverage for the fellow and family.
- Research Funding: Budget allocations for lab work, field studies, and innovation.
- Conference Support: Travel and participation funding for global academic meetings.

Eligibility

- Must hold a Ph.D. awarded within the past five years.
- Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and evidence of research excellence.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects.
- A research proposal aligned with KFUPM’s scientific and national priorities.

Application Process

1. Apply through KFUPM’s Postdoctoral Portal (link given below).
2. Upload CV, research proposal, academic transcripts, and recommendation letters.
3. Secure a faculty supervisor or be matched to an appropriate center.
4. Applications undergo review based on academic merit, project feasibility, and alignment with research goals.
5. Shortlisted candidates attend virtual interviews before final offers.

Conclusion

The KFUPM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program offers a world-class platform for scholars to engage in transformative, interdisciplinary research. By joining one of the listed centers, fellows contribute directly to breakthroughs in energy, environment, digital systems, health sciences, and industrial innovation, while gaining career-defining experience in a globally respected institution.

KFUPM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program – Quick Summary

Feature	Details
Program Name	KFUPM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program
Host Country	Saudi Arabia (King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran)
Funded By	KFUPM Research Institute (RI)
Duration	2 years (extensions possible)
Study Mode	Full-time, residential postdoctoral research
Eligibility	Ph.D. within last 5 years, strong publication record, proposal aligned with KFUPM priorities
Financial Support	Tax-free stipend, housing/allowance, health insurance, travel, research and conference funding
Fields of Study	Energy, hydrogen, AI, water security, advanced materials, digital economy, robotics, health, petroleum research
Deadline	Applications open year-round, review cycles announced (next update soon)
Official Website	KFUPM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the KFUPM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program?

It is a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at KFUPM, offering funding, housing, and access to interdisciplinary research centers for global scholars.

Who can apply for the KFUPM Postdoctoral Fellowship?

Ph.D. holders within the last five years, with strong publications and research aligned with KFUPM’s priority areas, are eligible.

What is the duration of the KFUPM fellowship?

The standard duration is two years, with possible extensions based on project requirements and research performance.

Does the KFUPM fellowship provide housing?

Yes, fellows receive on-campus furnished housing or a housing allowance as part of their benefits package.

Are international scholars eligible for KFUPM postdoc positions?

Yes, KFUPM welcomes highly qualified international researchers from diverse academic backgrounds.

What research areas are available at KFUPM?

Research spans hydrogen technologies, AI, water security, advanced materials, energy systems, robotics, digital economy, health, and petroleum sciences.

What benefits does KFUPM offer postdoctoral fellows?

Fellows receive a tax-free stipend, housing, medical insurance, travel support, and research funding for projects and conferences.

How do I apply for the KFUPM Postdoctoral Program?

Applicants must submit an online application, CV, research proposal, and references through the KFUPM Postdoctoral Portal.

What is the selection process for KFUPM postdocs?

Applications are reviewed on merit, research quality, and alignment with KFUPM’s priorities. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed before final selection.

When is the deadline for KFUPM Postdoctoral Fellowship applications?

Applications are typically open year-round, with review cycles announced on the KFUPM portal.