Postdoc - Developing Economic Reference Points Multispecies Coral Reef Fisheries

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology:
Postdoc Positions:
Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (postdoc)
Location Open Date Description

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.

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,…