Among KAUST's highest priorities is the recruitment of world-class research faculty
capable of formulating and carrying out projects that add knowledge and value to
the world.
The responsibility for developing the faculty falls primarily to President-designate Shih and his senior-leadership team, including the University Provost Professor Fawwaz T. Ulaby, Institute and Research Center Directors, and Deans of faculty.
Research-Active Faculty
At maturity, the KAUST faculty is expected to number approximately 225. They will
provide scholarly direction and leadership to the broader community of research
scientists and engineers, post-doctoral fellows, visiting lecturers, and KAUST students.
As an element of KAUST's mission to become a 21st century University, faculty will
enjoy a high degree of academic freedom and will work with University leadership
to develop the educational and research programs of KAUST.
Unlike a traditional university, where faculty members are tenured and reviewed through a school or department, the faculty at KAUST will be employed with renewable contracts that provide varying degrees of long-term job security. Faculty will enter KAUST with two appointments: one in their
Research Institute and one in the Faculty of Science or Engineering. As members
of an Institute, the faculty will conduct research and be assisted by post-doctoral
fellows, Ph.D. and research-master's students. As members of the faculty, they will
teach master's courses, supervise Ph.D. candidates, and participate in Boards of
Study. The Boards of Study will be responsible for the curriculum, degree requirements
and all matters relevant to graduate education.
The Deans will develop policies for faculty and research staff, job promotion, review,
and career development. External-review panels will provide merit-based oversight
of research and education programs.
For more information, please review KAUST's list of
frequently asked questions about selection, tenure and travel to Saudi Arabia.
To inquire about employment opportunities at KAUST, please e-mail