Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher (Environmental & Water Resources)

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
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. 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.

CEWS research is organized into three flagship programs:

• Water Security & Innovation
• Climate Resilience & Environmental Protection
• Pollution Control & Circular Economy

Appointments are initially for one year, renewable based on performance and funding availability.

General Description

The Postdoctoral Researcher at 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, support student training, and actively engage with industry and government stakeholders. The researcher is expected to strengthen CEWS’s research capacity, innovation output, and regional impact, in alignment with PMU’s strategic goals and 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 systems, cost‑benefit analysis, and water‑energy nexus applications.
• 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.

• Experience in LCA, TEA, GIS, remote sensing, or data‑driven decision support for environmental or water challenges.
• 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.