KAPSARC (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) proudly announces the launch of its newly enhanced Postdoctoral Program 2025-26 an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars in the fields of energy economics, public policy, and sustainability. This unique program has been designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, encourage innovation, and provide early-career researchers with the tools, environment, and mentorship they need to thrive in energy policy and economics research.
The KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program 2025-26 offers a dynamic platform where scholars engage in cutting-edge research across a variety of domains. Participants benefit from a rotational structure that allows them to gain exposure to multiple research areas, work with leading experts, and contribute to real-world projects aimed at solving the most pressing challenges in energy, climate, and sustainability.
Overview of the KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program:
The Postdoctoral Program at KAPSARC is structured to deliver high-impact research outcomes while also advancing the professional and academic development of its participants. It welcomes researchers with a passion for policy-driven, data-informed inquiry and provides a supportive environment that fosters intellectual growth.
Postdoctoral researchers will conduct empirical and evidence-based research across a broad spectrum of focus areas, contributing to publications, presenting at conferences, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.
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Core Research Focus Areas:
The program spans a wide array of high-priority research domains that align with global energy transitions and sustainability goals. Focus areas include:
- Energy economics and market analysis.
- Climate change and environmental policy.
- Renewable energy systems and integration.
- Oil and gas markets and regulatory frameworks.
- Sustainable transport and mobility.
- Utility economics and infrastructure development.
- Energy access and affordability.
- Circular economy and low-carbon development.
Participants will contribute to the development of advanced economic models, scenario analyses, and policy simulations. Research is designed to directly inform policymakers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders.
Professional Development and Training:
A key element of the KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program is the emphasis on professional development. Scholars will receive support tailored to enhancing their research output, publishing success, and broader academic skills.
Opportunities include:
- Technical workshops on energy modeling, econometrics, and data visualization.
- Training in academic publishing and peer-reviewed journal submissions.
- Seminars on policy advocacy, public engagement, and science communication.
- Mentorship from senior KAPSARC researchers and visiting scholars.
- Guidance on proposal writing and funding applications.
Postdoctoral researchers will also be encouraged to present their work at global conferences and contribute to both academic and policy-oriented publications.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Energy Policy Leaders:
The KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program is not just a research fellowship; it is a leadership development initiative. Participants are prepared to become future thought leaders, policy advisors, and academic experts in energy and environmental governance.
The program encourages researchers to take on mentoring roles, lead collaborative projects, and actively shape the research agenda of their respective focus areas. Those who excel in the program may be invited to transition into long-term roles within KAPSARC or in other high-impact organizations worldwide.
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Roles and Responsibilities of Postdoctoral Researchers:
Postdoctoral researchers will be expected to:
- Develop and apply advanced economic and policy models.
- Conduct comprehensive studies of energy markets, pricing mechanisms, and investment strategies.
- Analyze the costs and benefits of energy and environmental policies.
- Assess the socio-economic impacts of technological transitions and regulatory interventions.
- Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams including economists, engineers, policy analysts, and climate scientists.
- Author and co-author high-quality research papers for KAPSARC publications and peer-reviewed journals.
- Present findings at academic and industry events, workshops, and conferences.
- Engage in internal seminars, research reviews, and strategic planning sessions.
This role is ideal for candidates who are self-driven, intellectually curious, and passionate about producing research that has real-world impact.
Eligibility and Application Criteria:
To be eligible for the KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Ph.D. or be close to completing a Ph.D. in Energy Economics, Public Policy, Environmental Science, Engineering, Sustainability, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrate strong domain expertise in one or more of KAPSARC’s research areas such as renewable energy, oil and gas, climate policy, transport systems, or sustainable development.
- Possess proven skills in independent research using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches.
- Be proficient in using research tools such as R, Python, MATLAB, STATA, or specialized modeling platforms.
- Exhibit excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
Applicants from diverse backgrounds and international institutions are encouraged to apply.
Program Benefits:
The KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to attract top-tier talent from around the world. Key benefits include:
- A two-year fixed-term employment contract.
- A monthly base salary of 22,000 SAR.
- Transportation allowance according to KAPSARC policy.
- Children’s education allowance as per institutional guidelines.
- Furnished housing or a housing allowance.
- Medical insurance coverage for the postdoctoral researcher, spouse, and dependent children.
- Annual leave of 24 working days.
- Relocation support and travel reimbursement.
- Conference attendance funding and publication support.
These benefits ensure that researchers can fully concentrate on their academic and professional goals while enjoying a high quality of life during their time at KAPSARC.
Why Join the KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program?
This program is a rare opportunity to be part of one of the world’s leading energy research institutions based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. KAPSARC is recognized globally for its thought leadership in energy economics and environmental policy. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will have the opportunity to:
- Work alongside globally recognized scholars and policy experts.
- Participate in real-world policy development and advisory processes.
- Build a portfolio of high-impact publications and applied research.
- Gain exposure to global energy markets, regional policy frameworks, and international collaboration.
- Enhance your career trajectory through hands-on mentorship and leadership development.
By joining this program, you will help shape the future of sustainable energy systems while advancing your own academic and professional journey.
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Application Deadline and Process:
The application deadline for the current cycle is June 30, 2025. Interested candidates must apply online through the official KAPSARC website.
To apply, visit the official website and follow the instructions to submit the required documentation, which typically includes:
- An up-to-date CV.
- Academic transcripts and Ph.D. certificate or confirmation of completion.
- Research statement or proposal outlining your areas of interest.
- Writing samples or published work.
- Letters of recommendation (typically two or three).
The selection process is competitive and will involve interviews and research assessments. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well before the deadline.
Conclusion:
The KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program is more than just a fellowship it’s a launchpad for aspiring energy economists, policy professionals, and sustainability researchers. If you are committed to advancing knowledge, influencing policy, and driving innovation in energy and environmental research, this program offers the ideal environment to grow.
By contributing to groundbreaking work on climate, energy access, and sustainable development, you will not only develop your own expertise but also play a part in shaping the global energy future. To learn more and begin your application, visit the official KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program webpage.