Postdoc - Examining the Spatio-Temporal Variability in Nutrient Contributions of Aquatic Foods

Aquatic foods are essential for human nutrition worldwide, yet we still lack a comprehensive understanding of how their nutrient composition, availability, and consumption vary across space and time. Quantifying the spatio-temporal variability in their nutritional contributions—and integrating this knowledge into dietary assessments and future food security scenarios—is crucial for developing resilient, nutrition-sensitive food systems that can support global health in a rapidly changing world.

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher experienced in Marine Biogeochemistry, Data Science and/or Nutritional epidemiology to join an interdisciplinary project aiming to understand how the nutrient contributions of aquatic foods vary across space and time—globally and with a special focus on the Red Sea.

The successful candidate will be based within the Integrated Reef Fisheries Lab at KAUST, led by Professor Jessica Zamborain-Mason, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic national and international network of leading scientists and practitioners, including Professors Christopher Golden (Harvard University), James Robinson (Lancaster University), and Christina Hicks (Lancaster University).

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing field at the nexus of food systems, marine ecosystems, and human health. We welcome candidates with strong quantitative skills, who are curious, collaborative, and eager to make a difference at the intersection of marine ecosystems and human health.

Expectations

The successful candidate will:

• Examine the variability in nutrient content of aquatic foods across time and space (using global and regional datasets).
• Contribute to the design and implementation of a long-term monitoring program, including:
• Sampling aquatic foods for nutrient content.
• Conducting and analyzing food intake surveys to assess the nutritional contribution of aquatic foods to local diets.
• Integrate results into forward-looking analyses of potential futures for food security and nutrition.

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

https://bese.kaust.edu.

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 a relevant discipline, such as marine biogeochemistry, data science, nutrition epidemiology, environmental science, or related fields.
• Strong quantitative and programming skills (e.g., R and other statistical and data science tools).
• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze large, complex datasets.
• Interest in open interdisciplinary research at the intersection of marine science, nutrition, and sustainability.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset, with openness to working across disciplines and with diverse partners.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with fieldwork involving aquatic food sampling for nutrient analyses.
• Experience conducting dietary intake surveys.
• Familiarity with spatial and temporal modeling approaches.
• Strong publication record for career stage.
• 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