Funded Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Saudi Arabia 2026 with Salary and Housing Allowance

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellowship in computational modeling of deep geological facilities. The role is based in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and is intended for candidates with a PhD in engineering or a closely related discipline; applications remain open until the position is filled, and the start is as soon as possible.

About the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Computational Modeling

The fellowship lasts two years and may be extended. The researcher will join KFUPM’s Interdisciplinary Research Center for Industrial Nuclear Energy and contribute to the KARAM strategic initiative, carried out in partnership with the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. The project addresses the long-term environmental safety of nuclear power generation and cogeneration in Saudi Arabia, with particular attention to the safe, permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste.

The successful candidate will develop a fully coupled, multiphysics finite element model of the thermo-hydraulic-chemo-mechanical processes in deep geological facilities. The model will support assessment of the long-term release and transport of radionuclides. Work also includes calibrating model parameters using experimental data reported in the literature and results from localized discrete simulations, then conducting parametric studies to examine how hydrogeological conditions, material choices and design variables affect long-term facility performance. The researcher will integrate machine-learning algorithms to support design optimization.

The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with other researchers working on localized effects through discrete mesoscale modeling and on machine-learning-based risk assessment tools. Together, these approaches address complex degradation processes and interactions between geological and engineered barriers. The broader research goal is to improve deep geological facility site selection, configuration and material selection. Responsibilities also include preparing scientific publications and conference presentations.

The position offers opportunities to visit and collaborate with the University of Manchester, as well as access to computational resources and experimental facilities. Candidates looking for related research roles can browse research fellowships and other opportunities for youth.

Who Should Apply

This fellowship is suited to a doctoral graduate in mechanical, civil, chemical, petroleum, geological or nuclear engineering, or a closely related field. Applicants should bring substantial experience in at least one relevant area, such as materials mechanics and degradation, reactive transport in fractured or porous media, or thermo-hydraulic-chemo-mechanical modeling, particularly involving clay-based materials. The role also calls for demonstrated multiphysics finite element modeling expertise, programming experience for custom plugins or user-defined functions, and excellent written and oral English communication. Familiarity with machine-learning methods for engineering applications is an advantage.

Key Highlights

• Two-year postdoctoral research fellowship, extendable.
• Location: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; start as soon as possible.
• Applications are accepted until the position is filled.
• Research focus: multiphysics modeling of radionuclide release and transport in deep geological facilities.
• Competitive salary, housing allowance and 30 days of paid annual vacation.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills are required.