The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, invites applications for its Postdoctoral Program 2025/26. This fully funded initiative supports up to a two-year contract for early-career researchers in energy economics, policy, sustainability, climate, transport, utilities, renewables, and related fields.
KAPSARC, recognized globally as a leading energy policy think tank, offers a unique opportunity to engage in policy-driven, evidence-based research, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and contributing to real-world energy solutions. The program emphasizes publications, capacity-building, and practical engagement, with possibilities for continued employment within the organization.
About KAPSARC and the Program
Founded in 2007 and inaugurated in 2016, KAPSARC is an independent, non-profit research organization dedicated to informing sustainable energy policy through rigorous research and evidence-based analysis
The Postdoctoral Program fosters interdisciplinary work through a rotational approach, allowing scholars to engage with several research areas during their tenure. Key responsibilities include:
- Developing economic models and methodologies for energy systems
- Empirical studies and policy analysis on markets, transport, and climate
- Publishing working papers, journal articles, and presenting at events
- Collaborating with internal and external experts toward sustainability goals
Candidates will be supported through professional development, including workshops, seminars, and enhanced academic communication skills
Financial Coverage / Benefits
Selected candidates receive an attractive compensation package:
- Contract duration: Up to two years
- Monthly basic allowance: 22,000 SAR (~US$5,867)
- Transportation allowance, per policy
- Children’s education allowance, if applicable
- Furnished housing or housing allowance
- Medical insurance for researcher and family
- Annual leave: 24 working days
- Travel and conference funding
- Relocation support
This robust offering allows researchers to focus fully on impactful academic work within a supportive environment.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following:
- PhD completed or near completion in energy economics, public policy, sustainability, environmental science, engineering, statistics, data science, or related fields
- Proven quantitative and/or qualitative research skills
- Effective communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Available to base in Riyadh for the full contract period
The program seeks candidates capable of contributing to energy policy discourse through research excellence and collaboration.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare and submit via the official portal:
- Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter detailing research interests and fit with KAPSARC
- Research proposal or statement of interest in alignment with KAPSARC’s focus areas
- List of publications or working papers
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- Proof of PhD completion or candidate status
Early submission (well before the deadline) is recommended to ensure full consideration.
Submission Timeline
- Position posted: 24 May 2025
- Application deadline: Varied per posting; latest calls suggest rolling submissions—apply early
- Review process: Typically commences in June–July 2025
- Interviews: June–August 2025
- Contract start: Late 2025 or early 2026, depending on appointment
Early engagement with KAPSARC staff can help align your application with their research priorities.
Related:
- Fulbright US Student Program 2026-27 Fully Funded
- Eric Bleumink Fellowship Netherlands 2026 Fully Funded
- Khazar University Scholarships 2025 Fully Funded
How to Apply
- Identify your research focus among KAPSARC’s core programs:
- Oil & Gas Markets
- Climate & Sustainability
- Transport & Urban Infrastructure
- Energy Economics (macro/micro)
- Solutions Productization
- Prepare application materials as outlined above.
- Submit online via KAPSARC careers portal: the “Apply now” link on the Postdoctoral Program page
- Await communication for interviews, conduct as requested.
- Upon selection, complete onboarding in Riyadh and ideally relocate before the contract start.
For any application issues, refer to the careers portal or contact address listed therein.
Program Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program 2025/26 |
| Host Institution | King Abdullah Petroleum Studies & Research Center |
| Location | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Duration | Up to 2 years |
| Fields | Energy economics, policy, climate, transport, sustainability |
| Allowance | 22,000 SAR/month + housing, transport, education, insurance |
| Eligibility | PhD in related fields, strong research skills |
| Deadline | Rolling / as posted |
| Apply Via | KAPSARC Careers portal – Postdoctoral Program page |
Why Apply?
- Global exposure: Join one of the world’s foremost energy policy think tanks
- Policy-relevant research: Contribute to projects shaping the future of Saudi and global energy systems
- Full funding and benefits: Covering living, housing, education, insurance, and travel
- Professional development: Strengthen academic and policy communication skills through workshops and publication opportunities
- Path to employment: Program may lead to ongoing roles within KAPSARC
This program offers a rare chance for early-career researchers in energy and policy to make a meaningful impact. If your expertise aligns and you’re ready to contribute to interdisciplinary discussions in Riyadh, prepare your application now and submit it via the official portal.