Research Specialist in Data Science and Marine Socio-ecological Systems
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is recruiting a
Research Specialist in Data Science and Marine Socio-ecological Systems
to support research in the
Integrated Reef Fisheries Lab
within the Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division. The role is based in
Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
, on KAUST’s Red Sea campus.
The position sits at the intersection of
data science, statistics, marine ecology, and environmental economics
. The lab focuses on the sustainability of
coral reef fisheries
and aquatic food systems, integrating ecological, social, and economic data to build practical tools and strategies for resilient fisheries and communities. The successful candidate will work closely with
Professor Jessica Zamborain Mason
and her team.
Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining data pipelines, cleaning and harmonizing large datasets, conducting statistical and geospatial analyses, creating data visualizations, and supporting mechanistic modeling where needed. The role also includes literature reviews, manuscript and report preparation, support for grant proposals, development of reproducible analysis scripts, and technical coordination using GitHub/GitLab and collaborative workflows. Lab coordination duties include helping with meetings, schedules, data sharing, compliance, ethics documentation, and onboarding new lab members.
Applicants should hold a
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Environmental Science, or a related quantitative field. Strong
R
skills, familiarity with
Git/GitHub
, excellent communication and writing ability, experience with large complex datasets, and evidence of publication experience are expected. The post is described in the FindAPhD listing under postdoc positions, but the content itself presents a research specialist role rather than a PhD studentship.
KAUST highlights its international research environment, strong infrastructure, and expatriate support package, including
tax-free salary, relocation, accommodation, and additional incentives
. The application is open with an
unspecified deadline
, and candidates should apply via Interfolio with a CV, cover letter, and two references.
