Faculty Position in Physical AI & Quantum Technologies (Materials Science and Engineering & Applied Physics Program)

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology: Faculty Positions: Physical Science and Engineering Division (faculty)

Location

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

Open Date

Aug 01, 2026

Deadline

Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description

The Physical Science and Engineering Division (PSE) of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is seeking outstanding faculty candidates in research areas critical to the energy transition. These priorities aim to transform Saudi Arabia's industry by enhancing its competitiveness in sustainability-focused sectors, including: climate; carbon capture, utilization, and storage; critical minerals; energy efficiency; renewable energy technologies; and sustainable fuels.
Within this framework, a faculty position in Physical AI & Quantum Technologies is available in the Materials Science and Engineering & Applied Physics Program.
This position covers AI hardware with a focus on quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum simulation. The successful candidate will develop novel quantum systems and algorithms, exploring qubit design, quantum error correction, and scalable computation architectures. The candidate is also expected to contribute to quantum simulation for solving complex problems in physics, chemistry, and materials science.
About KAUST and the PSE Division
KAUST is an international graduate research university dedicated to advancing science and technology through interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation. Ranked #1 in the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings for three consecutive years (2023-2025), KAUST is recognized globally for the quality and impact of its research. Located in Saudi Arabia, on the western shores of the Red Sea, KAUST offers superb research facilities, generous baseline research funding, and internationally competitive salaries, together with comfortable living conditions for individuals and families. More information about KAUST's academic programs and research activities is available at https://www.kaust.edu.sa. The PSE Division comprises five Programs: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Earth Systems Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering & Applied Physics, and Mechanical Engineering. More information about the PSE Division is available at https://pse.kaust.edu.sa.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree.
• Track record of research excellence demonstrated by impactful publications or industrial experience demonstrated by intellectual property and product development.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
• Ability to establish and lead a rigorous research program.

Application Instructions

Applicants must complete an online application (https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/about/faculty-positions) via the Interfolio online application system by uploading the following materials:
• Cover letter.
• C.V. including a publication list.
• Research plan (must not exceed 5 pages including references).
• Teaching statement (must not exceed 2 pages including references).
• Contact reference of at least five potential referees (name, affiliation, and e-mail).
• The five most relevant publications.
• Web of Science, Scopus, or Google Scholar citation report.