KAUST Global Fellowship Program - Postdoctoral Fellowship (Call 2027) King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia

The KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP) is a highly competitive postdoctoral fellowship at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. It is designed for outstanding early-career researchers who are ready to lead their own independent research programme and pursue bold, original ideas in a world-class scientific environment.

This call is for 2027 and is aimed at final-year PhD candidates or researchers who earned their PhD in January 2023 or later. The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities. Successful fellows will spend three years at KAUST, working in alignment with the university’s strategic priorities, which include Food, Water, Energy, Health, Artificial Intelligence, and Red Sea Exploration.

KGFP offers substantial support for research independence and career development. Fellows receive an annual stipend of USD 75,000, a research budget of USD 20,000–40,000 per year depending on discipline, a relocation allowance, and full benefits such as medical insurance, family housing, schooling support for up to three children, daycare subsidy, and annual travel assistance for fellows and eligible dependents. The program also provides mentoring and professional development in leadership, teaching, and mentoring.

KAUST is known for its exceptional research infrastructure, including advanced imaging facilities, a class 100 cleanroom, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and research vessels operating on the Red Sea. Fellows join a highly international community and benefit from close interaction with world-renowned faculty and talented researchers in a supportive, inclusive campus environment.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate scientific excellence and an innovative research proposal that goes beyond extending PhD work. Eligibility requirements include having up to two first-author or joint-first-author papers in peer-reviewed journals, two referees who can comment on the applicant’s potential for independent research, and willingness to relocate to KAUST in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.

The application process begins with a concept note stage from 1 September to 1 October 2026, where candidates submit a CV, a three-page concept note, up to three potential KAUST host PIs, and two reference letters. Selected candidates are then invited to the full proposal stage, with a deadline of 15 January 2027. The fellowship is expected to start between July and December 2027, or as soon as visa and onboarding formalities are completed.

This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for researchers seeking a strong launch into an independent academic or research career within a globally connected, well-funded, and interdisciplinary environment.