Job Description

Associate Research Professor – Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia

Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) invites applications for a full-time Associate Research Professor within its Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

The University seeks an established scholar with a strong record of research excellence, successful external funding acquisition, multidisciplinary research leadership, and publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.

The successful candidate will contribute to strengthening PMU’s research culture, leading research initiatives, establishing collaborations with industry and government, supporting international scholarly partnerships, and participating in the strategic development of the University’s research activities.

Applicants must hold a relevant PhD, have at least four years of postdoctoral experience in an academic career, and demonstrate a proven track record of obtaining research funding through grants or contracts.

The appointment is particularly suited to experienced researchers capable of leading multidisciplinary teams, mentoring researchers, developing funded projects, and contributing to the University’s research strategy.

Institution: Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU)
Department: Research and Graduate Studies
Position: Associate Research Professor
Location: Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: Dean of Research and Graduate Studies
Job Reference: 19000018
Posting Date: 2 November 2026
Application Deadline: Open until filled

About Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University

Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University recognises the importance of research and scientific studies in addressing societal challenges, supporting informed decision-making, and anticipating future developments.

The University aims to develop human intelligence, disseminate knowledge, and contribute research-based solutions to problems affecting local and international communities.

Through its academic expertise, research capabilities, facilities, and outreach activities, PMU seeks to advance scientific inquiry and strengthen collaboration with external stakeholders.

The Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies plays a central role in these efforts by supporting research development, scholarly engagement, and institutional research priorities.

Associate Research Professor – Position Overview

The Associate Research Professor will serve as a senior scholar responsible for advancing the research culture at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University.

The position is primarily research-focused. The successful candidate will conduct independent research within their field of expertise while contributing to the leadership and coordination of broader institutional research activities.

The role includes presenting research findings at international conferences, securing external research funding, initiating collaborative projects, and supporting the strategic planning and decision-making processes of the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies.

The successful candidate will also collaborate with faculty members and students, mentor research personnel, contribute to international academic partnerships, and assist with limited teaching responsibilities when required.

Eligible Academic and Research Disciplines

The advertisement invites applicants with doctoral qualifications and research expertise across a broad range of academic fields.

Natural Sciences

• Mathematics.
• Physics.

Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering.
• Civil Engineering.
• Electrical Engineering.
• Engineering Management.
• Chemical Engineering.

Business Administration and Related Fields

• Human Resource Management.
• Management Information Systems.
• Strategic Management.
• Organisational Management.
• Economics.
• Islamic Banking and Finance.

Humanities and Social Sciences

Relevant disciplines within the humanities and social sciences are also identified as eligible.

Computer Engineering and Computer Science

Applicants from Computer Engineering and Computer Science are included within the advertised disciplinary scope.

Disciplinary clarification: The separate Knowledge, Skills and Abilities section specifically refers to Mathematics, Chemistry, or Mechanical Engineering. The advertisement does not explain how this narrower statement relates to the broader list of eligible fields above. Applicants should confirm discipline-specific eligibility with PMU where necessary.

Required Qualifications and Experience

PhD Qualification

Applicants must have earned a PhD in a relevant area of expertise or an equivalent qualification as described in the employer’s eligibility requirements.

The advertisement identifies Natural Sciences, Engineering, Business Administration, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Computer Engineering and Science as relevant academic areas.

Minimum Four Years of Postdoctoral Academic Experience

Candidates must possess at least four years of postdoctoral experience in an academic career.

This is a mandatory minimum requirement.

The advertisement does not specify a separate minimum number of years at Associate Professor rank.

Proven External Research Funding Record

Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record of securing research funding through:

• Research grants.
• Research contracts.

This is an explicit requirement rather than a preferred qualification.

Multidisciplinary Research Leadership

Candidates must demonstrate extensive experience managing multidisciplinary research teams.

The position requires the ability to coordinate research personnel, lead collaborative projects, and contribute to institutional research development.

High-Impact Scholarly Publications

Applicants must have a strong publication record in ISI-indexed, high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.

The advertisement also specifies an annual publication expectation within the duties and responsibilities, detailed below.

Research Mentoring Experience

Candidates must demonstrate experience mentoring trainees and supporting their professional and academic development.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants are expected to possess an excellent command of English.

The advertisement does not specify an IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent test-score requirement.

Technology-Enhanced Academic Environments

Candidates must be familiar with technology-infused academic environments.

Academic Rank and Promotion Documentation

Candidates holding the academic rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor must provide a formal letter of promotion from an academic institution demonstrating a documented promotion process.

The advertisement repeats this requirement in its application instructions.

Research Leadership and Institutional Responsibilities

1. Lead Research Activities

The successful candidate will lead research within their field of expertise and contribute to strengthening the University’s research culture.

Research leadership may span the disciplines identified in the advertisement, depending on the candidate’s academic specialisation.

2. Develop and Lead Research Projects

The role requires leadership of scientific research projects and the ability to organise and coordinate research activities.

Candidates should demonstrate the capacity to manage research teams and contribute to multidisciplinary scholarly initiatives.

3. Secure External Research Funding

The successful candidate will prepare research proposals and pursue external funding through grants and contracts.

The University expects the appointee to generate funding and establish research projects involving external partners.

Potential collaborators identified by the employer include:

• Local industries.
• Government agencies.
• Community organisations and stakeholders.

4. Build Research Collaborations

The position involves collaborating with PMU faculty members and students on research topics of mutual interest.

The successful candidate will also help establish and strengthen international research partnerships.

5. Develop International Academic Networks

The appointee will use their professional contacts and research networks to support international collaboration opportunities for PMU faculty and senior scholars.

6. Participate in Research Strategy

The Associate Research Professor will contribute to the strategic planning and decision-making activities of the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies.

7. Support Scholarly Events and Research Governance

The successful candidate will contribute to the organisation and management of research-related activities, including:

• International academic meetings.
• Visits by senior scholars.
• Scientific advisory boards.
• Interdisciplinary scholarly events.

8. Represent the Deanship of Research

The appointee will act as an ambassador for the Deanship through:

• Scholarly publications.
• Research outreach.
• Academic workshops.
• International conferences.
• Presentations and professional engagement.

9. Mentor Researchers and Academic Personnel

The successful candidate will support research personnel and contribute to the development of PMU’s existing faculty team of senior scholars.

Mentoring and collaborative research development are important components of the position.

10. Limited Teaching Responsibilities

The successful candidate may be required to assist with teaching one or two courses, depending on institutional needs.

The advertisement does not specify the academic level, course titles, or teaching hours.

Publication Expectations

The advertisement establishes a substantial annual research publication target.

Engineering, Natural Sciences, Computer Science and Computer Engineering

For these disciplinary groups, the successful candidate is expected to:

Publish at least fifteen (15) ISI journal papers per year in relevant research areas.

The position also involves managing selected PMU research activities, including international meetings, senior scholar visits, and scientific advisory boards.

Business Administration and Social Sciences

For these disciplinary groups, the advertisement similarly specifies:

At least fifteen (15) ISI journal papers per year in relevant research areas.

The appointee is also expected to contribute to the management of research activities and scholarly events.

Important: The annual target of 15 ISI journal papers is explicitly stated in the employer’s duties and responsibilities. The advertisement does not clarify whether the target applies exclusively to individually authored publications, collaborative publications, or research outputs generated by teams under the appointee’s leadership.

Applicants should confirm the interpretation of this target with the University.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The employer identifies the following professional and academic capabilities.

Research Expertise

A high level of knowledge in the relevant research discipline.

The source specifically names Mathematics, Chemistry, or Mechanical Engineering in this section, although its broader eligibility criteria encompass additional disciplines.

Verbal Communication

Excellent verbal communication skills for:

• Academic presentations.
• Lecturing.
• Communication with colleagues.
• Scholarly collaboration.

Academic Writing

Excellent writing skills suitable for preparing and publishing scholarly research.

Organisation and Time Management

Excellent organisational and time management skills, including the ability to coordinate multiple research responsibilities.

Commitment to Research

A high level of commitment to research excellence and scholarly development.

Collegiality and Institutional Contribution

The ability to cooperate with colleagues and contribute positively to the University’s academic and research objectives.

Remuneration and Benefits

Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University offers an income tax-free compensation package, commensurate with academic rank and experience.

The advertised package includes:

• 12-month salary.
• PMU accommodation.
• Annual vacation.
• Annual round-trip airfare to the home country.
• Medical insurance.
• End-of-contract benefits.

The advertisement does not specify the numerical salary, accommodation type, number of vacation days, insurance coverage limits, or contract duration.

Applicants should confirm the applicable employment conditions directly with PMU.

Application Requirements

Candidates must submit the following materials.

1. Letter of Interest

A letter expressing interest in the Associate Research Professor position.

2. Curriculum Vitae

The CV must include:

• A recent photograph.
• Citizenship.
• Links to Google Scholar.
• Links to Scopus.
• A LinkedIn profile link.

3. PhD Documentation

An unofficial copy of the PhD diploma.

4. Research and Teaching Statements

A statement describing the applicant’s research and teaching interests.

5. Professional Portfolio

A portfolio of no more than 20 pages containing representative professional work and evidence of research and teaching activities.

The requested materials also include a narrative describing administrative and leadership philosophy, together with past and proposed efforts to enhance diversity.

6. Professional References

Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses for at least three professional references.

The advertisement states that references may be contacted, with the candidate’s permission, following initial evaluation by the search committee.

7. Academic Promotion Letter

Applicants holding Associate Professor or Full Professor rank must submit a letter of promotion from an academic institution with a documented promotion process.

This requirement is explicitly stated in the advertisement.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University’s official recruitment portal:

PMU Careers: https://pmu.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl

Job Reference: 19000018
Position: Associate Research Professor

Alternative Email Submission

If an online application is unsuccessful, applicants may submit their materials by email to:

vacancies@pmu.edu.sa

Applicants using the email alternative should:

• Specify the position applied for in the email subject line, for example: Associate Research Professor.
• Mention the name of the source or website where they found the advertisement.

The email option is presented by the employer as an alternative in the event of an unsuccessful online application, rather than as the preferred initial application method.

Application Deadline and Selection Process

Application Status: Open until filled.

The advertisement states that application reviews begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

PMU reserves the right to close advertised positions at the department’s discretion.

The recruitment and screening period may vary depending on the position and other factors.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Additional Employment Conditions

PMU reserves the right to alter, amend, or add responsibilities in response to institutional requirements, provided such changes remain within the academic framework and general employment conditions.

Job Summary

Field	Details
Institution	Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU)
Department	Research and Graduate Studies
Position	Associate Research Professor
Job Reference	19000018
Location	Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Job Category	Researcher
Employment Type	Full-time
Schedule	Regular / Standard / Day Job
Reports To	Dean of Research and Graduate Studies
Minimum Qualification	Relevant PhD or equivalent qualification as described by employer
Eligible Disciplines	Natural Sciences, Engineering, Business Administration, Humanities, Social Sciences, Computer Engineering and Computer Science
Disciplinary Clarification	Knowledge and Skills section separately names Mathematics, Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering
Minimum Postdoctoral Experience	Four years in an academic career
Research Funding Record	Proven success securing grants or contracts required
Research Leadership	Extensive multidisciplinary research team management required
Publication Record	High publication rate in ISI-indexed, high-impact peer-reviewed journals
Annual Publication Expectation	At least 15 ISI journal papers per year, as stated in the advertisement
Research Mentoring	Required experience
Research Proposals	Required responsibility
External Collaborations	Industry, government and community
International Collaboration	Required responsibility
Research Strategy	Participation expected
Teaching Responsibilities	One or two courses as needed
English Proficiency	Excellent command expected
Technology-Enhanced Academic Environment	Familiarity required
Communication Skills	Excellent verbal and written skills
Organisational Skills	Excellent organisation and time management
Promotion Letter	Required for candidates holding Associate Professor or Full Professor rank
Salary	Income tax-free, commensurate with rank and experience
Salary Period	12-month salary
Accommodation	PMU accommodation provided
Annual Vacation	Included
Airfare	Annual round-trip airfare to home country
Medical Insurance	Included
End-of-Contract Benefits	Included
Application Documents	Letter of interest, CV, PhD diploma copy, research/teaching statement, professional portfolio, leadership/diversity narrative, references, promotion letter where applicable
Portfolio Limit	20 pages
References	At least three professional references
Primary Application Method	PMU Taleo recruitment portal
Application URL	https://pmu.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl
Alternative Email	vacancies@pmu.edu.sa, if online application is unsuccessful
Posting Date	2 November 2026
Application Deadline	Open until filled
Selection	Only shortlisted candidates contacted