Postdoctoral Fellowship for Red Sea Hydrothermal Exploration King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia

Postdoctoral Fellowship for Red Sea Hydrothermal Exploration at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia.

This 2-year postdoctoral position (extension possible) sits in the Volcanology, Igneous Petrology and Geochemistry group led by Prof. Froukje van der Zwan in the Earth Science and Engineering Program. The project is part of a new KAUST-funded interdisciplinary effort to investigate the formation, dynamics, and ecology of recently discovered hydrothermal vent fields in the Red Sea Rift, one of the world’s most important submarine hydrothermal provinces.

The successful candidate will support the geological component of the project, focusing on the formation, characteristics, extent, and morphology of hydrothermal vent fields. The research will use extensive datasets from past and future expeditions, combining bathymetry, geophysical data such as side-scan sonar and sub-bottom profiling, oceanographic observations, and ROV/submersible/OFOS footage. Core tasks include hydroacoustic data processing, geological and tectonic mapping, interpretation of volcanic seafloor features, and development of AI-supported predictive models for hydrothermal occurrence. Outputs are expected to include peer-reviewed publications, maps, and governance-oriented products, with opportunities to help plan and participate in seagoing expeditions.

The role is well suited to an independent, highly motivated researcher with strong scientific judgment and an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration across geology, tectonics, hydrothermal processes, deep-sea ecology, and marine mineral resources. The team works within a highly international KAUST environment on the shores of the Red Sea near Jeddah, with strong support for collaboration and fieldwork.

Eligibility requires a PhD in Earth Sciences, Geosciences, Marine Geology, Marine Geophysics, or a closely related field, plus excellent English communication, a strong publication/conference record, independent research ability, experience with hydroacoustic and geological interpretation workflows, and prior seagoing research experience. Desirable experience includes mid-ocean ridge or hydrothermal vent research, seafloor massive sulfide or marine mineral resource studies, machine learning or predictive spatial modeling, and operation of deep marine instruments.

Funding includes a competitive salary and generous benefits such as medical insurance, free on-campus housing, annual travel allowance, and paid vacation.

Apply through the Interfolio link provided. The stated start date is as soon as possible, and applications will be evaluated from 1 September onward.