Assistant Professor in Marine Biogeochemistry

Position Description:

As part of a major initiative to strengthen its research in Marine Science, the Marine Science Program (MarS) in the Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division at KAUST is seeking to expand research, higher education and innovations in the field of Marine Biogeochemistry. Applications for a faculty position at the rank of Assistant  Professor are invited from highly competitive candidates eager to pursue innovative research addressing fundamental questions and developing cutting–edge technologies for application in marine systems.

We are especially interested in applications from high-caliber scientists with expertise in Biogeochemistry and biogeochemical cycles in the ocean water column and sediments with reference to the diverse coastal. pelagic, and extreme environments within the Red Sea. The successful candidate is expected to develop top-notch research programs addressing the biogeochemistry of Red Sea ecosystems including, but not limited to, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, salt marshes, and coastal lagoons. We also welcome candidates with research interests in relation to blue carbon sequestration and extreme environments such as stromatolites, brine pools and hydrocarbon vents and seeps. Preference will be given to candidates who can take advantage of KAUST’s unique access to the Red Sea that may serve as a “natural laboratory” for marine biogeochemistry studies in extreme seas, as its present-day conditions (with elevated temperature and salinity) mirror future conditions in other seas under anticipated climate change scenarios.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead pioneering research exploring biogeochemical processes in marine ecosystems, with a focus on some of the Red Sea’s unique coastal, pelagic, deep and extreme environments
• Advance knowledge in biogeochemical cycles within varied marine contexts, that can include coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, salt marshes, and coastal lagoons and deep sea, with an eye towards blue carbon dynamics, pollution and nutrient cycling
• Commit to offer a standout graduate course in marine biochemistry
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration within the MarS Program and the BESE Division, extending partnerships across KAUST’s various divisions, strategic initiatives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and international peers

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biogeochemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biological Science, Marine Science or a closely related field
• A strong publication record in relevant scientific journals
• Demonstrated ability to secure external research funding
• Experience conducting interdisciplinary and applied biogeochemical research
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Teaching and supervisory experience at the graduate student level (Preferred) Experience with Red Sea marine organisms or ecosystems

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.