Summary
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University invites applications for postdoctoral researchers at its Center for Environmental and Water Solutions in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The researchers will conduct applied work in areas such as water security, desalination, wastewater reuse, climate resilience, pollution control, and circular economy, and contribute to publications, grants, stakeholder projects, and student mentoring. Applicants need a relevant PhD, strong quantitative skills, and a record of peer-reviewed publications; experience with tools such as LCA, TEA, GIS, remote sensing, or data-driven decision support is desirable. Appointments begin for 12 months and may be renewed based on performance and funding; monthly tax-free compensation and benefits are offered, with salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The posting
As published on pmu.edu.sa. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
AL-KHOBAR, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
POSITION: Postdoctoral Researcher (Environmental & Water Resources)
CENTER: Center for Environmental and Water Solutions (CEWS)
INSTITUTION: Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
REPORTS TO: Head of the Center and Group Leads
INTRODUCTION
The Center for Environmental and Water Solutions (CEWS) at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
(PMU) invites applications for Postdoctoral Researcher positions in environmental engineering, water
resources, climate resilience, and digital water and environmental systems. CEWS is a newly
established, multidisciplinary research center designed to position PMU as a Saudi-led originator of
high-impact environmental and water solutions, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. The postdoctoral
researchers will play a central role in building PMU’s applied research capacity, leading PMU-authored
outputs, and delivering decision-ready solutions for industry and government partners particularly in
the Eastern Province and beyond.
The Center's research is organized into three flagship programs:
1. Water Security & Innovation
2. Climate Resilience & Environmental Protection
3. Pollution Control & Circular Economy
Postdoctoral researchers will contribute to one or more of these programs, working under the guidance
of the respective Program Leads.
Appointments are initially for one year, renewable based on performance and funding availability.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Postdoctoral Researcher at the CEWS will play a key role in advancing interdisciplinary, applied
research addressing regional and industrial challenges related to water security, environmental
protection, climate resilience, pollution control, and circular economy. The position involves close
collaboration with CEWS Program Leads and core faculty to design and implement industry-relevant
research projects, contribute to high-impact PMU-led publications and funded research, support student
training, and actively engage with industry and government stakeholders. The Postdoctoral Researcher
is expected to strengthen CEWS’s research capacity, innovation output, and regional impact, in
alignment with PMU’s strategic goals, Saudi Vision 2030.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED)
Required Qualifications
• PhD in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Water Resources Engineering,
Chemical Engineering, Climate Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Doctoral research with strong relevance to water systems, environmental protection, pollution
control, circular economy, or climate resilience.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including experience with data analysis, modeling, or
digital tools relevant to environmental or water systems.
• Proven record of peer-reviewed journal publications in reputable international journals.
Research Expertise (One or More Areas Required)
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) for hydro-environmental
- Smart water management, desalination, wastewater reuse, or industrial water systems
- Environmental pollution control, emission reduction, or waste valorization
- Climate resilience, coastal protection, urban heat mitigation, or sustainable infrastructure
- Digital environmental monitoring, remote sensing, Geo-AI, or decision-support systems
Desirable Experience
- Experience in LCA, TEA, GIS, remote sensing, or data-driven decision support for
- Experience in grant proposal writing, project reporting, and coordination of funded research.
- Ability to supervise or co-supervise graduate and undergraduate research students.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will be expected to:
• Conduct high-quality postdoctoral research aligned with the core thematic areas of CEWS,
including:
- Smart water management and industrial water systems
- Desalination efficiency and wastewater reuse
- Climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure
- Pollution control, waste valorization, and circular economy
• Support and coordinate research activities across the three CEWS flagship programs, ensuring
integration of water, environmental, and sustainability perspectives.
• Apply advanced analytical and digital tools, including LCA, TEA, AI/ML, GIS, remote
sensing, numerical modeling, and decision-support systems, where relevant to project
objectives.
• Contribute to the development of industry-relevant solutions addressing regional challenges
such as:
- Industrial water efficiency and reuse
- Desalination optimization
- Climate resilience and coastal protection
- Emission reduction
- Waste-to-resource conversion and circular systems
• Assist in research grant proposal preparation, project documentation, progress reporting, and
compliance with funding agency requirements.
• Support industry engagement, consultancy, and collaborative projects, including data analysis,
feasibility studies, and technical assessments.
• Mentor and support graduate and undergraduate students involved in CEWS research projects.
• Participate in organizing workshops, seminars, executive training programs, and outreach
activities of the Center.
• Contribute to the establishment, operation, and maintenance of research infrastructure,
laboratories, and data repositories within CEWS.
• Perform other research-related duties assigned by the Center Head or Program Leads, in line
with CEWS objectives.
REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
PMU offers a competitive, tax-free compensation package, including:
- Monthly salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
- PMU-provided accommodation or housing allowance
- Medical insurance
- Annual paid leave
- Annual round-trip airfare to home country
- End-of-contract benefits
APPOINTMENT TERMS
- Initial appointment: 12 months
- Renewable: Based on performance and funding availability
- Expected start date: Flexible (2026)
- Work location: PMU campus, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should submit the following:
1. Cover letter indicating research alignment with one or more of CEWS's flagship programs
(Water Security & Innovation; Climate Resilience & Environmental Protection; Pollution
Control & Circular Economy)
2. Curriculum Vitae (including publications list)
3. Brief research statement (1–2 pages) outlining proposed research contribution to CEWS
4. Copies of PhD certificate (or expected completion letter)
5. Names and contact details of at least two academic referees
Applications may be submitted via:
• PMU Online Career Portal: https://pmu.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl
OR
• Email: [email protected]
(Subject line: Postdoctoral Researcher – CEWS)
Please mention the source/website where the advertisement was seen.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled
- PMU reserves the right to modify duties in line with institutional and center needs
DISCLAIMER
PMU reserves the right to alter, amend and add responsibilities to this position in line with the
institutional needs. Changes and amendments to this job description shall be within the academic
framework and the general employment conditions.