Faculty Position in the fields of Functional Biology

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has launched a Smart Health Initiative (SHI) to become a leading institution for development and usage of smart-health technologies and knowledge creation aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and training programs that will transform health care system in Saudi Arabia and beyond from traditional medicine to precision medicine. One of the key elements to achieve this objective is to build world-class research capability to tackle various technological and scientific challenges related to precision medicine and its implementation in different clinical practices. In this regard, KAUST–SHI is seeking applications from world-class scientists to fill faculty positions at Assistant, Associate and Full Professor levels in Functional Biology in collaboration with the Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division. The selected candidates will developing research programs in areas related to functional biology systems and their impact on physiological and pathological processes. These candidates will be able to synergize advances in basic mechanisms in genomics (DNA and mRNA), molecular biology and omics technologies to elucidate the links between genes and metabolomics (e.g. inborn errors of metabolism), and defects (genetics or otherwise) associated in particular with neurological and muscle-related diseases as well as cancer progression and aging with an aim to develop targeted therapy. While outstanding candidates with world-class training in the field of functional biology are encouraged to apply, priority will be given to candidates in the following areas:

• • Genetic diseases with an emphasis on monogenic disease:

The selected candidate will establish fast and accurate diagnosis, establish tools for timely prevention, harmonized standard of care, and be able to develop and use effective smart health and precision medicine tools to design personalized treatments strategies. Candidates with expertise in mRNA biology and mRNA technologies and their applications will be regarded favorably.

• Molecular Mechanisms of Diseases:

Under this program, KAUST SHI and the BESE Division seek world-class experts in the use of Omics technologies and the analysis of data generated. Expertise in diseases such as metabolic diseases (e.g. diabetes and metabolic syndrome) cancer, neurologic diseases and multiple sclerosis (MS) will be considered a plus.

Basic qualifications for the positions at all levels are PhD and 2-3 years of postdoctoral training in relevant fields/subareas. Candidates applying for Assistant Professor Positions should demonstrate an excellent potential for conducting high impact research and developing a teaching program. Those applying for Associate or Full Professor positions should have a distinguished track record of research and publications in top-tier venues of their respective areas, and a strong commitment to services, mentoring and teaching at graduate level as well as fostering interdisciplinary collaborative research at KAUST.

The positions will remain open until filled. The applications will be rigorously reviewed by the Search Committee consisting of experts in the relevant fields, and only applicants who are short listed will be contacted for further consideration.

About KAUST

KAUST (httpps://www.kaust.edu.sa/en) located in the beautiful shores of the Red Sea in Thuwal (80km North of Jeddah) in Saudi Arabia, is an international graduate level research University dedicated to advancing Science and Technology and economic and health challenges through its highly funded bold and collaborative research of regional and global significance. The KAUST–SHI recruited faculty may be cross appointed at the Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE); see https//bese.kaust.edu.sa. Information about KAUST SHI can be found at https://smarthealth.kaust.edu.sa. KAUST offers a unique combination of an intellectually stimulating environment and an access to world-class laboratories, instrumentation, and a generous funding scheme. The facilities include state of the art core facilities in Genomics, Proteomics, Imaging and Characterization,Extreme Computing and Informatics, and animal facility. The positions come with an internationally (highly) competitive salary, attractive benefits, and start-up packages for top-notch applicants. Applicants at all ranks will be considered to recruit excellent candidates without demographic or gender preference. Female candidates and junior researchers are particularly encouraged to apply. The applications will be rigorously reviewed by the Search Committee consisting of experts in the relevant fields, and only applicants who are short listed will be contacted for further consideration.

Application Instructions

To prevent any delays in reviewing your application, you will need to upload the following materials:

• • A cover letter introducing your candidacy and explicitly stating both the position and the rank. The rank must be consistent with the candidate’s experience.
  • Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae including full publication list.
  • Statement of research interests (5 pages maximum).
  • Statement of teaching interests (2 pages maximum) including teaching philosophy and an outline of 1-2 graduate planned graduate teaching course(s).
  • Names and contact information for at least 4 references. Referees should have positions in academic or industrial research laboratories. In the case of Associate and Full Professor applications, the referees should be of a rank higher or equivalent to that of the candidate.
  • Copies of most relevant publications (Maximum of five).