What if I choose to leave the fellowship or not to complete my postdoc research?

You are encouraged to speak with your KAUST mentor about a decision like this, but you are not obligated to stay on the fellowship. You must notify us as soon as you have decided to cease your postdoc, so that we can close the fellowship and stop the stipend.

Does my host institution pay me anything?

No. KAUST will solely provide your salary through a generous stipend. Your advisor will need to follow any host institutional procedures related to overhead, etc., but will not be required to pay you directly.

What is my tax-exempt status for the stipend?

You may wish to consult with your local tax advisor on this matter.

What if I have visa issues that affect my start date?

We understand this can happen. Just let us know and we will work with you to shift the start dates accordingly.

Does KAUST guarantee a faculty position for me after I finish my postdoc?

While a position is not guaranteed, successful work and completion of the fellowship offers you a significant edge when being considered for a faculty position at KAUST. The more you engage with KAUST and our faculty throughout your fellowship, the more exposure you will gain and the better known you will be when it comes to evaluation and selection. The fellowship provides you all the tools you need to be a strong KAUST faculty candidate and we encourage you to take advantage of this.

What kind of development opportunities do you offer?

Our goal is to help you holistically develop and reach your potential as an academic and a well-rounded thinker, doer, and leader. This means that in addition to the academic and research opportunities we support, we will offer tailored leadership, professional, personal development training, soft skills, communication, and other opportunities throughout your fellowship. If you have identified desired courses or programs in these areas but outside of what we are offering, please speak with your mentor and we will consider supporting them.

Will KAUST pursue IP rights related to my research?

Generally, no. However, if KAUST researchers co-inventors to the IP in question,  the IP rights will be considered on a case-basis. In all publications, you must acknowledge KAUST for its financial support but are not required to list KAUST as an affiliation.

Will I have a chance to collaborate with researchers at KAUST?

We strongly encourage this! KAUST will cover any core lab costs and travel costs. However, because the goal is for you to gain a true varied and international experience, we recommend that you not exceed two months at KAUST at a time. The majority of your work should take place at your host institution. In addition to any elective

How do I confirm with KAUST that I have secured a postdoc position?

A letter from your advisor indicating your start date is sufficient and will mark the start of your fellowship and trigger the release of your stipend (up to a month prior to the start).

How long and detailed should my research plan be?

The research plan should not exceed four pages, describing at a high level what you plan to research, who you are (or will be) working with, major milestones, and what you hope to achieve through the postdoc and fellowship.

When seeking and applying for my postdoc position, am I required to tell the host institution or advisor that I have been awarded the Ibn Rushd Fellowship?

This is not required; however, it will often increase your chances if the host/advisor knows you are fully supported financially. This is particularly true in the US.

Many large companies have research positions similar to what a university postdoc may offer. Am I eligible to pursue one of these on the fellowship?

The fellowship must be applied to supporting a postdoc position at a university or university-affiliated institutions. Companies are generally not considered eligible hosts for the fellowship. This is to ensure far greater academic freedom and fewer constraints on research, with a clear path to a faculty career.

At what type of institution should I seek a postdoc position?

You must seek a position at an institution outside of Saudi Arabia that is globally renowned or otherwise recognized (e.g., in your field, or for a specific advisor, faculty or program).

Will KAUST help me find a postdoc position?

It is ultimately your responsibility to find and secure your postdoc position. However, your KAUST mentor may have useful advice, contacts or otherwise support you in pursuing a position, but it is not the role of KAUST to secure that position.

Do we sign an employment contract?

No. The award does not represent an employment contract; however, you must sign a form indicating that you accept the conditions of the award.

Upon being awarded the fellowship, what is my deadline to start the postdoc?

For those awarded the fellowship, but are still earning their PhDs, you should start within 4 months of completing your PhD but not before July 1, 2025. For those who already hold PhDs, you should start on July 1, 2025.

What are the required supporting documents needed to be submitted with the application?

• A cover letter 
• Up-to-date CV
• Research statement
• Samples of scholarly work 
• Contact details of at least two referees (KAUST will contact the referees for the letters)
• Contact details of the potential PI (Faculty member) in the host institution (KAUST will contact the PI requesting a letter of support).

What are the main requirements to be eligible to apply?

By the time the application is considered for appointment as Ibn Rushd Postdoctoral Fellow, candidates shall be:

What is Ibn Rush Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program?

The Ibn Rushd Postdoctoral Fellowship Award is a highly competitive program that supports Saudi scholars who are exceptional PhD students or recent PhD graduates (within ±2 years of earning their PhD degrees) to pursue their postdoctoral research at globally recognized host institutions. The program offers a unique opportunity for selected scholars and provides initial funding leading to an independent academic career with a focus on research and higher education. Awards are up to 3 years with a generous annual stipend and subject to an annual performance review.

What are the award benefits?

• A generous annual stipend for up to three years.
• Funded access to KAUST shared research facilities when visiting Saudi Arabia.
• Access to leadership skills building program at KAUST.
• Invitations to annual scientific workshops organized by relevant KAUST Divisions and Initiatives.

Can I start collaborating with KAUST and/or engaging host institutions before I have earned my PhD?

Yes! This is encouraged. Note that your salary will not be disbursed until you start your postdoc, but any other costs, collaborations and activities can be covered with approval from your mentor.

I have the option to do a joint PhD/postdoc. Will the fellowship support this?

We will consider this on a case-basis. You must present a very strong case and submit a detailed proposal to justify this support.

I already have a postdoctoral position and my host institution advisor has approved my research plan. What if my KAUST mentor has changes or suggestions that my advisor doesn’t agree to?

The role of the KAUST mentor is what makes the fellowship special. It is not prescriptive but rather to ensure you are doing what is best for your career and to help provide bridge to KAUST following the fellowship. Interactions with your mentors should be taken as good-faith conversations intended to support you above all else. If any issues do arise, please contact the program (postawards.ibnrushd@kaust.edu.sa ).

I already have a postdoctoral position – do I need to give this up?

No. The fellowship provides you the freedom and versatility to attend the optimal institution for your research and career plans. You are encouraged to explore all opportunities, institutions, and research groups, particularly those that you may have thought impossible prior to the fellowship’s support. If you have a current postdoc position at which you plan to stay, we will help you transfer to the Ibn Rushd Fellowship, which will assume the payment of the stipend/salary for the position at the Ibn Rushd rate.

I already have a postdoctoral position – how do I transfer to the Ibn Rushd Fellowship?

While the process and requirements vary by institution, KAUST will provide you with any necessary documentation your institution or advisor requires. You are officially considered an Ibn Rushd Fellow when we receive a letter from your postdoc advisor confirming your position. Your stipend disbursement will start effective that date.

Acknowledgement of KAUST support:

As a requirement of the Fellowship, you must acknowledge KAUST support in all publications, presentations, and professional activities, and alongside any acknowledgement of your host institution. If you are unsure how to do this or have any questions, your mentor will guide you.

KAUST Core Labs & Facilities:

You will have access to all KAUST research facilities, core labs, libraries and can apply for funding to support any required Core Lab activities.

Developing an approved research plan:

You will work with your KAUST faculty mentor to develop a two-page research plan for the institution at which you would like to conduct your postdoctoral study. You will need to secure approval on your research plan by your postdoctoral advisor at your host institution abroad.

Official notice of postdoctoral study:

Once your plan is confirmed with your institution, you must provide KAUST with official notice in the form of a letter from your advisor indicating the start date. Once we receive this notice, you will receive your one time only $10,000 cost of living disbursement with your first stipend. If you already have a postdoc position which you are transferring under the Ibn Rushd, please provide a letter from your advisor acknowledging his/her awareness of the move. Your Ibn Rushd stipend will then immediately commence.

Pairing with a KAUST Faculty Mentor:

We will facilitate your match with a KAUST faculty mentor within your chosen KAUST Research division. Your mentor will support you throughout the Fellowship journey. Your mentor will be your academic and career champion, and your primary bridge to KAUST as you progress through your postdoctoral study abroad.

Delivering a KAUST Seminar:

Once a year, you will be required to deliver a seminar for the KAUST research program with which you have aligned. You may work with your KAUST mentor and your host institution advisor to agree on the most suitable timing and details of this seminar. All associated travel and costs are covered by KAUST.

Development opportunities:

From time to time, KAUST will offer professional and academic development opportunities on campus, throughout the Kingdom, and virtually. You will be encouraged to participate in these valuable activities as appropriate. All associated travel and costs are covered by KAUST.