AI-Enabled Modeling Energy Systems – KAUST

Job Description

Faculty Position in AI-Enabled Modeling and Optimization of Energy Systems – KAUST

Location: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia | Division: Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) | Program: Mechanical Engineering | Open Date: August 1, 2026 | Deadline: September 30, 2026

Description

The Physical Science and Engineering Division (PSE) of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is seeking outstanding faculty candidates in research areas critical to the energy transition. These priorities aim to transform Saudi Arabia’s industry by enhancing its competitiveness in sustainability-focused sectors, including climate, carbon capture, utilization and storage, critical minerals, energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, and sustainable fuels.

Within this framework, a faculty position in AI-Enabled Modeling and Optimization of Energy Systems is available in the Mechanical Engineering Program.

This position covers the application of artificial intelligence and data-driven methods to understand, design, and optimize complex energy systems and devices. Example topics include physics-informed machine learning, digital twins for turbines and reactors, AI-driven design of energy hardware, predictive maintenance of energy infrastructure, and data-driven modeling of fluid and thermal systems.

About KAUST and the PSE Division

KAUST is an international graduate research university dedicated to advancing science and technology through interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation. Ranked #1 in the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings for three consecutive years (2023–2025), KAUST is recognized globally for the quality and impact of its research. Located in Saudi Arabia, on the western shores of the Red Sea, KAUST offers superb research facilities, generous baseline research funding, and internationally competitive salaries, together with comfortable living conditions for individuals and families.

The PSE Division comprises five programs: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Earth Systems Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering & Applied Physics, and Mechanical Engineering. More information about the PSE Division is available at pse.kaust.edu.sa.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree
• Track record of research excellence demonstrated by impactful publications, or industrial experience demonstrated by intellectual property and product development
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills
• Ability to establish and lead a rigorous research program

📘 Related Coursera Courses

Candidates looking to strengthen their AI and renewable energy knowledge before applying may find these helpful:

🔗 Machine Learning Specialization — DeepLearning.AI / Stanford Online
🔗 Renewable Energy Specialization — University of Colorado Boulder

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Application Instructions

Applicants must complete an online application via the KAUST Faculty Positions portal, using the Interfolio online application system, and upload the following materials:

• Cover letter
• C.V., including a publication list
• Research plan (must not exceed 5 pages, including references)
• Teaching statement (must not exceed 2 pages, including references)
• Contact information for at least five potential referees (name, affiliation, and email)
• The five most relevant publications
• Web of Science, Scopus, or Google Scholar citation report

Job Summary

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