4 Agricultural Research jobs in Saudi Arabia

Physical Science and Engineering Division

Organisation/Company KAUST Department Physical Science and Engineering Division Research Field Geosciences » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Saudi Arabia Application Deadline 31 May 2026 - 23:59 (Asia/Riyadh) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jun 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Professor Max Frenzel is currently recruiting for a 2-year Post-doc / Research Scientist position (extendable) to join the new Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Group at KAUST. The focus of the position will be on the development and implementation of new workflows for the mineralogical and geochemical characterization of ore materials, using combined µXRF-mapping, SEM-based automated mineralogy, and laser ablation ICP-MS, potentially complemented by powder X-ray diffraction. These workflows will then be applied to selected Saudi Arabian ore deposits to understand their genesis and exploration potential. In addition, the generated data can be used to optimize mineral extraction processes from existing mines within a geometallurgical framework.

The position will mostly focus on the development of measurement protocols and data integration methods for the different data types. In terms of applications, the candidate will be free to choose their own case study(s). Additionally, close collaboration with other group members is expected for the application of the developed workflows.

Saudi Arabia is a fast-developing country offering unparalleled opportunities in mineral resources and other geoscience-related fields. In particular, the recent opening of Saudi Arabia for international exploration companies has led to a substantial increase of activity in the mineral exploration sector. Given the great geological potential of Saudi Arabia for different types of mineral deposits, it is probably the country with the most exciting mineral exploration opportunities right now.

• Detailed experience in the use of at least one of the following analytical techniques for material characterization: X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and/or laser-ablation ICP-MS is expected
• Willingness to master the other techniques required for the position.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, as evidenced by a strong publication and conference presentation record.
• Experience in coding, particularly in python or R for data science and machine learning applications, are desirable.
• Willingness to participate in field work and sample collection is also desirable.
• A completed PhD is sufficient for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher. For appointment as a research scientist, additional research experience of at least 2 years is required in the relevant areas highlighted above.

• English (C1 / IELTS 7.0 equivalent or better)

Research Field GeosciencesChemistryEngineering » Materials engineering Years of Research Experience None

The position will include a competitive salary based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience; benefits include medical and dental insurance, free housing on the KAUST campus, an annual travel allowance, 30 paid vacation days, and other generous benefits. KAUST is a vibrant and international community, with many opportunities for social, sporting, and learning activities outside of work.

The successful applicant will be associated with the new Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Group at KAUST. The group will commence work in August 2025. Its main aim is to contribute to the development of mineral resources in Saudi Arabia by developing innovative approaches to mineral exploration, mining, and mineral processing. The working group will initially consist of 1 PhD student and 2 MSc students, but is projected to grow to 2 postdocs (incl. this positions), 3 PhD students, and a variable number of MSc students. In addition, KAUST provides a highly collaborative research environment, and active engagement of the holder of the position in collaborative activities within and outside of the research group will be strongly encouraged and supported.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must hold a PhD degree in a relevant discipline, as listed above, and must demonstrate fluency in English in writing, speaking and listening at the indicated level.

Selection process

Received applications will be reviewed and suitable candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis, starting from June 1, 2025.

Physical Science and Engineering Division

Organisation/Company KAUST Department Physical Science and Engineering Division Research Field Geosciences » Geology Geosciences » Other Mathematics » Statistics Mathematics » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Saudi Arabia Application Deadline 31 May 2026 - 23:59 (Asia/Riyadh) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jun 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Professor Max Frenzel is currently recruiting for a 2-year Post-doc position (extendable) to join the new Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Group at KAUST. The focus of the position will be on the development of new methods integrating a variety of data types (remote sensing, geology, geophysics, geochemistry) for geological modelling and advanced exploration targeting of mineral deposits. These workflows will then be applied in relevant Saudi Arabian contexts to help discover new ore deposits.

The position will combine techniques from geological modelling, geostatistics, machine learning, and potentially geophysics (inversion) to develop new exploration targeting methods. These will be designed to make the most of the excellent outcrop conditions in Saudi Arabia, which means that a particular focus will be placed on the use of remote sensing data. Other relevant data types are geological maps, geophysical surveys (gravity, electromagnetic, seismic), and soil or stream sediment geochemistry. In terms of the application to specific regions in Saudi Arabia, the candidate will be free to choose their own case study(s). The willingness to collaborate closely with local exploration companies is expected.

Saudi Arabia is a fast-developing country offering unparalleled opportunities in mineral resources and other geoscience-related fields. In particular, the recent opening of Saudi Arabia for international exploration companies has led to a substantial increase of activity in the mineral exploration sector. Given the great geological potential of Saudi Arabia for different types of mineral deposits, it is probably the country with the most exciting mineral exploration opportunities right now.

• Excellent coding skills in python, R, or another relevant language are expected, as demonstrated by previously completed projects.
• Strong candidates will also have a firm background in geostatistics, geospatial modelling, and/or data science.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required, as evidenced by a strong publication and conference presentation record.
• In addition, candidates should hold a driver’s licence or be willing to acquire one, and should be willing to undertake fieldwork.
• Experience in the mineral resource sector is desirable but not essential.
• Experience in conducting UAV surveys is desirable but not essential.
• A completed PhD is sufficient for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher. For appointment as a research scientist, additional research experience of at least 2 years is required in the relevant areas highlighted above.

English (C1 / IELTS 7.0 equivalent or better)

Level Good

Research Field Physics » OtherGeosciencesEngineering » Geological engineering Years of Research Experience None

The position will include a competitive salary based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience; benefits include medical and dental insurance, free housing on the KAUST campus, an annual travel allowance, 30 paid vacation days, and other generous benefits. KAUST is a vibrant and international community, with many opportunities for social, sporting, and learning activities outside of work.

The successful applicant will be associated with the new Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Group at KAUST. The group will commence work in August 2025. Its main aim is to contribute to the development of mineral resources in Saudi Arabia by developing innovative approaches to mineral exploration, mining, and mineral processing. The working group will initially consist of 1 PhD student and 2 MSc students, but is projected to grow to 2 postdocs (incl. this positions), 3 PhD students, and a variable number of MSc students. In addition, KAUST provides a highly collaborative research environment, and active engagement of the holder of the position in collaborative activities within and outside of the research group will be strongly encouraged and supported.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must hold a PhD degree in a relevant discipline, as listed above, and must demonstrate fluency in English in writing, speaking and listening at the indicated level

Selection process

Received applications will be reviewed and suitable candidates interviewed on a rolling basis, starting from June 1, 2025.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated PhD-level R&D Scientist with 3–4 years of experience in drilling fluid systems and simulation modeling. The ideal candidate will lead and contribute to the development and optimization of advanced drilling fluid technologies and digital simulation tools to enhance wellbore stability, efficiency, and sustainability in drilling operations.

This is a strategic role for someone who combines deep technical knowledge with hands-on experience in lab research, fluid rheology, and numerical modeling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and conduct R&D projects focused on designing, testing, and improving drilling fluid systems (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based, or polymer-based).
• Develop and implement simulation models (e.g., hydraulics, thermal modeling, cuttings transport, fluid loss) to predict drilling fluid performance in various well conditions.
• Utilize numerical tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, CFD, or custom simulators) to optimize formulations and drilling parameters.
• Conduct laboratory experiments to assess rheology, stability, filtration, and other key drilling fluid properties under HPHT conditions.
• Analyze experimental and field data to correlate simulation models with real-world performance.
• Collaborate with field engineers, product development teams, and clients to troubleshoot field challenges and deliver customized fluid solutions.
• Write technical reports, research papers, and contribute to patent filings and conference presentations.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies, materials, and digital innovations in drilling and well construction.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Chemistry , Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in drilling fluids .
• 3–4 years of industry or academic R&D experience focused on drilling fluid systems and simulation.
• Strong knowledge of fluid rheology, wellbore hydraulics, HPHT testing, and formation interactions.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and capability to design and conduct structured research programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences