Assistant Professor in Ecological Oceanography

Position Overview

The  Marine Science Program in the Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) invites applications for an Assistant Professor position in Ecological Oceanography. We seek a high-caliber candidate with a strong background in biophysical interactions, particularly focusing on ecological oceanography and the understanding of marine ecosystems’ dynamics under environmental and climate anomalies. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a cutting-edge research program, secure external funding, and contribute to graduate teaching and supervision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct innovative research in areas such as:
  • Drivers behind marine heatwaves and ecosystem responses to climate anomalies
  • Energy flow between open ocean and coastal habitats
  • Biogeochemical applications for tracing energy flow, establishing climate proxies, and reconstructing environmental conditions
  • Functional oceanography with a focus on Red Sea and global oceanographic processes important for reefs, upwelling dynamics, nutrient fluxes, water column dynamics, habitat connectivity, and the impacts of climate drivers such as El Nino, the Indian Ocean Dipole and other global phenomena on coral reef
• Utilize remote sensing, traditional oceanography methods (e.g., CTD casts, plankton tows), and state-of-the-art in situ observational techniques with a focus on interdisciplinary coastal oceanography
• Secure funding from national and international funding agencies to support research activities
• Publish high-impact papers in leading scientific journals
• Teach and develop graduate courses related to marine science and oceanography
• Supervise and mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers
• Engage in service activities within the Division, University, Saudi institutions and broader scientific community

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Oceanography, Marine Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field
• A strong publication record in relevant scientific journals
• Demonstrated ability to secure external research funding
• Experience in conducting both traditional and interdisciplinary oceanographic research
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Teaching and supervisory experience at the graduate student level (Preferred)
• Experience with Red Sea oceanographic processes

About KAUST

KAUST is an international, graduate research university dedicated to advancing science and technology through interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation. KAUST attracts top international faculty, scientists, engineers and students to conduct curiosity-driven and goal-oriented research to address the world’s most pressing scientific and technological challenges. Located in Saudi Arabia, on the eastern shores of the Red Sea, KAUST provides an award-winning campus to live, work, study and play, and offers superb research facilities, with guaranteed baseline research funding, infrastructure support, entrepreneurship opportunities and internationally competitive salaries. For more information about KAUST, please visit http://www.kaust.edu.sa. More information about the BESE Division and the Marine Science Program is available at http://bese.kaust.edu.sa.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should upload the following materials:

• A cover letter Up-to-date  
• Curriculum Vitae including a full publication list
• Statement of research interests (5 pages maximum)
• Statement of teaching philosophy and an outline of 1-2 graduate planned teaching course(s)
• Names and contact information of 4 to 5 referees. Referees must be acknowledged experts in the field and predominantly from academia
• Copies of most relevant publications (Maximum of five)

Applications will be considered as they are received. The position will remain open until filled.

KAUST is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.