Principal Specialist, International R&D Scientist

Maaden, established in 1997, is one of the fastest-growing mining companies in the world and the largest multi-commodity mining and metals company in the Middle East. We are leading the development of the mining industry to become the third pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy by building a world-class, unique, and fully integrated mining value chain. We are pleased to share an exciting opportunity for the below mentioned position. This role offers a chance to contribute to our ambitious growth and play a key part in shaping the future of mining in the Kingdom.

Why This Role Matters

The Principal Specialist, International R&D Scientist expands Ma’aden’s access to breakthrough technologies, global research networks, and innovation ecosystems that accelerate business growth, sustainability, and operational competitiveness. The role connects Ma’aden with leading universities, research institutes, startups, technology providers, and mining organizations to ensure continuous exposure to emerging opportunities that create long-term value.

The role strengthens Ma’aden’s innovation pipeline by identifying, evaluating, and advancing technologies that improve resource recovery, productivity, exploration effectiveness, environmental performance, and processing efficiency. It enables faster conversion of external innovation into practical solutions that support enterprise priorities and future growth.

By building strategic international partnerships and guiding technology deployment, the role helps position Ma’aden as a globally connected innovation leader with access to high-impact technologies, research capabilities, and collaborative development opportunities.

What You Will Deliver

Global Innovation Partnerships

Build and sustain strategic relationships with leading international universities, research institutes, mining laboratories, technology providers, startups, and venture ecosystems.
Establish collaboration frameworks that accelerate technology development, testing, commercialization, and deployment.
Strengthen Maaden’s presence within global innovation networks and strategic technology forums.
Technology Scouting & Opportunity Identification

Create a robust pipeline of emerging technologies aligned with Ma’aden’s growth, sustainability, and operational priorities.
Assess technology maturity, scalability, commercial potential, strategic alignment, and intellectual property considerations.
Provide forward-looking intelligence on innovation trends, competitive developments, and technology disruptions.
Research & Innovation Delivery

Advance development of technologies and solutions that address critical business and operational challenges.
Guide experimental programs, pilot studies, demonstrations, and validation activities to confirm business value and operational applicability.
Ensure research outputs can be scaled and integrated into operational environments.
Technology Evaluation & Deployment

Enable effective technical assessments across business units and operational stakeholders.
Accelerate progression from concept evaluation to industrial deployment through structured testing and business case development.
Improve adoption success by aligning innovation initiatives with operational requirements and implementation readiness.
Strategic Collaboration & Ecosystem Management

Develop high-value international networks that support co-development, licensing, strategic alliances, and joint ventures.
Build productive relationships with government innovation agencies, research programs, industry leaders, and strategic partners.
Protect Maaden’s strategic interests throughout partnership development and technology collaboration activities.
Portfolio & Value Management

Maintain a prioritized innovation portfolio focused on business value, strategic importance, and implementation readiness.
Improve visibility of emerging opportunities through technology intelligence, portfolio insights, and executive reporting.
Drive measurable outcomes from innovation investments and external technology partnerships.

What Success Looks Like

Strong international network of strategic innovation partners supporting Ma’aden’s long-term growth agenda.
Expanded pipeline of high-value technologies aligned with resource growth, sustainability, and operational excellence objectives.
Increased conversion of external innovation opportunities into successful pilots, demonstrations, and operational deployments.
Improved visibility of emerging technology trends, competitive developments, and partnership opportunities.
Strong technology adoption business cases that deliver measurable operational and commercial value.
Enhanced global reputation and influence of Ma’aden within international innovation ecosystems.
Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mining Engineering, Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Geoscience, or a related discipline.
PhD is desirable.

Experience

10–15 years of experience in mining, mineral processing, technology development, innovation, business development, or strategic partnerships.
Demonstrated experience collaborating with international universities, technology companies, startups, or research organizations.
Experience evaluating, developing, and advancing innovative technologies from concept through deployment.
Strong global network within the mining innovation ecosystem is highly desirable.

Skills That Matter

Global partnership development
Technology scouting and due diligence
Mining innovation and technology commercialization
Research program design and validation
Innovation portfolio management
Strategic technology assessment and deployment
Business case development
Strategic thinking and opportunity prioritization
Open innovation management
Technology commercialization and value realization

Benefits

1. Career Growth
2. Competitive Salaries
3. Comprehensive Package
4. Inclusive Work Environment
5. Work-Life Balance
6. Employee wellness