Postdoctoral Program

King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) is an advisory think tank within global energy economics and sustainability providing services to entities and authorities in the Saudi energy sector.

The Postdoctoral Program is an exceptional opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and foster interdisciplinary collaboration in the dynamic field of energy economics, policy, and technology. As a member of the Program, you will have the privilege to delve deep into energy markets, evaluate the efficacy of policy interventions, and actively contribute to the development of economic models that pave the way for a sustainable future. Through hands-on engagement with real-world projects, you will work alongside esteemed scholars and industry experts, benefiting from their expertise and expanding your own intellectual horizons.

Choose your research program from our five core programs:

1. The Utilities & Renewables program seeks a passionate postdoc to support its research endeavors. The postdoc will have experience in one or more of the following areas: (1) power sector (technoeconomic) modeling using PLEXOS, GAMS, or other major software or programming languages for dispatch, capacity expansion, and other studies; (2) electricity sector regulatory topics: e.g., cost recovery, capacity payments, tariff design, etc.; (3) electricity sector design and structure, e.g., markets and competition, liberalization, deregulation, unbundling, electricity trade, project finance and investments, etc.; and (4) emerging technologies including batteries, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, digitalization, etc.
2. The Energy Macro & Microeconomics program seeks to enhance the expertise in one of the following areas: (1) CGE and DSGE modeling, enabling an extensive understanding of how economic conditions and policy changes in the energy sector impact key macroeconomic variables and the overall economic structure of energy-exporting countries; (2) expertise in macroeconomic modeling as applied to issues related to energy. It seeks to explore the interplay between the energy sector and the economy, analyzing the economic consequences of policy decisions in energy-exporting countries, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia.
3. The Oil & Gas program is seeking a postdoctoral researcher who will specialize in oil markets. With a particular emphasis on supply and demand, the focus will be on monitoring and analyzing developments in the upstream oil industry. A solid understanding of modeling techniques, economics, the latest trends in development and demand, as well as geopolitics is essential. Additionally, it involves an understanding of the entire supply chain, from production to refining, and the behavior of consumers.
4. The Climate & Sustainability program is seeking a postdoctoral researcher who has a strong background in climate change policy and regulation, as well as a good understanding of the economics associated with climate change. The candidate should also be familiar with economic climate policy instruments and carbon market tools and mechanisms.
5. The Transport & Urban Infrastructure program is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to conduct empirical research and policy analysis. The research could focus on governance models of urban infrastructure development or housing and shelter sufficiency. Produce clear, concise and reader-friendly evidence-based policy papers, working papers, reports, and other publications on the above topics.

Qualifications and Experience

Should have recently obtained or be close to obtaining a Ph.D. in Energy Economics, Public Policy, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Strong knowledge is required in one or more of KAPSARC's areas of research including energy policy, oil and gas markets, economics, renewables, transportation, climate, and sustainability.

Demonstrated expertise in independent research, quantitative methods, qualitative methods, and hybrid methods, and/or relevant software tools and datasets.

Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.