Water Security Desalination Faculty – KAUST

Job Description

Faculty Positions in Water Security and Desalination (Open Rank) – KAUST

Location: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia | Institution: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) | Division: Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) | Rank: Open Rank (Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor) | Open Date: August 18, 2026 | Deadline: June 30, 2027

Description

The Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is seeking outstanding individuals and change-makers to build ambitious research programs that will push the boundaries of technology and advance the goals of global water security. Among several targeted faculty hires, KAUST is inviting applications for open-rank positions (i.e., Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor) from high-caliber candidates who will bring new insights, tangible solutions, and renewed focus to the areas of water security, desalination, and sustainable water systems. The BESE Division welcomes applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourages applications from Saudi nationals and women in the field.

Initial Priority Areas

Initial priority areas include, but are not limited to:

• Seawater reverse osmosis process optimization
• Next-generation membrane and separation technology
• Energy-efficient desalination
• Brine management, zero-liquid discharge, and alternative-source production
• Resource recovery and waste valorization
• Water system modeling

Qualifications

KAUST seeks candidates with clear plans for research translation, including collaboration with in-Kingdom and international partners, and a pathway to validate and implement outcomes in real-world contexts. Successful candidates will be expected to establish and sustain a globally visible, externally competitive research program, position KAUST as a global leader in water security, and contribute to graduate teaching, mentoring, and the training of the next generation of scientists and engineers.

About KAUST

KAUST is a mission-driven graduate research university dedicated to advancing science and technology through interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation. KAUST works closely with national and international partners across academia, industry, and government to translate research into innovative technologies and solutions that support the Kingdom’s strategic priorities, drive economic development, and deliver tangible societal impact.

Located on the shores of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, KAUST attracts top faculty, scientists, engineers, and students from around the world. Faculty benefit from state-of-the-art research facilities, guaranteed baseline research funding, generous infrastructure support, entrepreneurship opportunities, internationally competitive salaries, and a uniquely international campus community designed to enable both professional excellence and family well-being.

Ranked #1 in the Arab world in the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings 2026, KAUST is internationally recognized for its research excellence.

Application Instructions

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Successful candidates will be expected to commence their appointments at KAUST in 2027.

Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter, including the rank sought and alignment with the priority area(s)
• A 2-3 page curriculum vitae, including links to Google Scholar and Scopus profiles
• A 2-3 page research statement describing a 5-year vision and startup plan
• A 2-page teaching/mentoring statement
• A one-paragraph summary of each of the top five publications, describing the candidate’s contribution, the novelty of the work, and its impact
• Contact information for 3-5 referees who are acknowledged experts in the field from academia, industry, or other relevant sectors

Recruitment is conducted in accordance with KAUST hiring practices, and will emphasize transparent, equitable, and internationally benchmarked evaluation.

For more information about KAUST, please visit kaust.edu.sa. More information about the BESE Division is available at bese.kaust.edu.sa.

For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact BESE.jobs@kaust.edu.sa.

Job Summary

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