Postdoc - Developing Economic Reference Points for Multispecies Coral Reef Fisheries

Coral reef fisheries sustain the food security and livelihoods of more than 500 million people, yet decades of research warn they are under growing pressure. To safeguard their future, we must move beyond biology—integrating the economic and social realities that shape how people use and depend on reef resources. This project takes that step. Building on recent advances that have developed context-specific reference points for multispecies coral reef fisheries, we aim to pioneer the development of economic reference points to assess the economic performance and potential of global reef fisheries. In doing so, we will also establish a long-term, market-based monitoring program, generating real-world data to inform smarter, fairer, and more sustainable management of reef fisheries worldwide.

We are inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in Fisheries or Environmental Economics to join our interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of economics, ecology, fisheries, and food security—with a global reach and a special focus on the Red Sea.

The successful candidate will be based at the Integrated Reef Fisheries Lab at KAUST, under the leadership of Professor Jessica Zamborain-Mason, and will collaborate closely with an exceptional network of researchers and practitioners, including Professors Joshua Cinner (University of Sydney), Christina Hicks (Lancaster University), and Dale Squires (NOAA Fisheries & UC San Diego).

The Integrated Reef Fisheries Lab is a new lab dedicated to advancing the sustainability of coral reef fisheries and aquatic food systems both in the Kingdom and around the world. Through collaborative, data-driven research, we integrate ecological, social, and economic data to develop innovative tools and strategies that support resilient fisheries and communities. Working closely with local stakeholders and global partners, our interdisciplinary team strives to create practical solutions that ensure the long-term health and productivity of reef socio-ecological systems worldwide—especially in the face of climate change

This is a rare opportunity for someone passionate about applying economics to solve real-world challenges at the nexus of marine ecosystems, economics, and food security. The position will involve collaborations with national and international research partners and has strong potential for high-impact publications and policy-relevant outputs. We welcome candidates with strong quantitative skills, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for translating science into solutions.

Expectations

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct cutting-edge research on economic reference points for coral reef fisheries.
• Apply context-specific reference points at global and regional scales, assessing the trade-offs between ecological sustainability, fisheries productivity, and socio-economic outcomes.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of a long-term market-based monitoring program for reef fisheries in the Red Sea
• Openly collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of ecologists, social scientists, resource practitioners and policy specialists.

About KAUST:
KAUST is an international graduate-level, merit-based research university dedicated to advancing scientific and technological education and research, acting as a catalyst for innovation, economic development and social prosperity in the region and the world. Our research strives to enhance the welfare of society with a special focus on four areas of global significance – food, water, energy and health. Based near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, KAUST has attracted top-notch faculty and staff from all over the world, with more than 80 nations represented on campus. In addition to an unparalleled research infrastructure, KAUST offers terrific opportunities to pursue innovation and economic development via startups. For further information about KAUST and postdoctoral life/benefits please visit:

https://www.kaust.edu.sa

https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/live/community-life

At KAUST, we attract people from all around the world who want to create impact beyond their own achievements. Irrespective of their national origins, the people of KAUST are “people of the world” who uphold our values of achievement, passion, inspiration, citizenship, diversity, integrity, and openness. Located on the beautiful Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, KAUST sets exceptional standards in residences, recreational facilities and boasts a truly multicultural community environment which can be enjoyed by all, along with ample opportunities and time to keep work and life in harmony. Expats are very well looked after, with packages including tax-free salary, relocation, accommodation and various additional incentives.

Join us for an adventure!

• PhD (completed or near completion) in Fisheries Economics, Environmental Economics, Resource Economics, or a closely related field.
• Strong quantitative and programming skills, with demonstrated experience in econometric and/or bioeconomic modeling.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze large, complex datasets.
• Demonstrated fieldwork experience, ideally monitoring economic variables in small-scale fisheries settings.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary research environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• This role offers the exciting opportunity to travel across Saudi Arabia and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government and non-government organizations, industry partners, local communities, and academic collaborators. We welcome applications from candidates who thrive in dynamic, multi-level settings and are fluent in both Arabic and English, bringing their skills to foster meaningful partnerships and make a tangible impact.

To apply, please submit the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter outlining your research experience and motivation for this position (maximum of 2 pages)
• Contact details for (at least) two references
• Sample peer-review publication relevant to this work