PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
According to KAUST policy, postdoctoral researchers who wish to engage in formal teaching duties or other occupations must first obtain a written recommendation from their faculty supervisor and approval from the responsible Dean. KAUST offers various teaching and mentoring opportunities for postdocs and research scientists, providing valuable avenues for professional growth and academic engagement:
Harvard Higher Education Teaching Certificate: OPRA offers this course twice a year to a select group of postdocs and research scientists, nominated by their PIs, to enhance their teaching skills and knowledge in higher education.
KAUST Academy: Postdocs and research scientists can participate in fee-for-service activities under the KAUST Academy, subject to approval from their manager and the corresponding Dean. These services are compensated separately from their current salary, provided the total number of classes taught per academic year does not exceed two (with one course equating to three micro-credential classes). Postdocs and researchers may serve as main instructors or teaching assistants, provided their field of expertise aligns with the course needs.
KAUST - TKS Partnerships & Collaborations: For current partnerships and collaborations, visit the KAUST Entrepreneurship Center (KEY) website for more information. You may also reach out to TKS to explore any needs for mentoring and/or contribution.
Other opportunities outside of KAUST may include:
Online Teaching Platforms: Platforms like Coursera and edX offer opportunities to create and teach specialized courses, providing flexibility and exposure.
Guest Lecturing: You can offer guest lectures, workshops, or training sessions at other universities, either in-person or virtually, based on your expertise.
Professional Conferences: Running workshops or presenting at conferences provides platforms for teaching and sharing expertise.
These opportunities allow postdocs and researchers to engage in impactful teaching, mentorship, and collaborative projects while continuing to develop their research careers.
At KAUST, we offer a variety of programs designed to support postdocs and researchers in their professional and personal growth. These programs provide additional mentorship and career opportunities that complement their research roles.
Mentoring Program: This initiative is designed to enrich the postdoctoral experience by offering postdocs the chance to connect with faculty or other professionals beyond their primary supervisor. Through these interactions, postdocs can gain guidance and support in various aspects of career advancement and personal development.
In-Kingdom Career Launch Program: This program helps postdocs and researchers explore potential employment opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s academic, industrial, and research sectors. For more information, please reach out to leap@kaust.edu.sa.
KAUST offers a variety of resources and opportunities, provided by departments beyond OPRA, to support the professional development of postdocs and researchers. From training on equipment and startup support to access to valuable networks and seminars, these offerings are designed to enhance your academic and entrepreneurial journey.