Summary
Maaden is seeking a Principal Specialist, International Research & Development Scientist in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. The role builds international research and technology partnerships, scouts and assesses emerging technologies, and leads pilots and validation efforts to support adoption across mining operations. It also manages an innovation portfolio and develops business cases for technology deployment and value realization. Applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree and 10–15 years of experience; a master's degree is preferred and a relevant PhD is desirable.
The posting
As published on maaden.com.sa. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
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.
1. Why This Role Matters
The Principal Specialist, International Research & Development Scientist expands Ma’aden's access to global innovation, emerging technologies, and strategic research capabilities that accelerate sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term competitiveness. The role connects Ma’aden with leading research institutions, technology developers, startups, mining organizations, and innovation ecosystems to identify opportunities that create measurable value across the business.
The role strengthens Ma’aden’s innovation pipeline by converting external research and technological advancements into scalable solutions that improve resource recovery, exploration performance, process efficiency, environmental outcomes, and productivity. Through strategic partnerships and technology deployment, it enables faster adoption of innovations that support enterprise priorities and future growth.
By building a globally connected innovation network and advancing technology commercialization opportunities, the role enhances Ma’aden’s position as a leading mining and minerals organization with access to world-class research, emerging technologies, and strategic development partnerships.
Global Innovation Partnerships
- Build and sustain strategic relationships with leading international universities, research institutes, technology providers, startups, and mining innovation organizations.
- Establish collaboration frameworks that accelerate technology development, validation, commercialization, and deployment.
- Expand Ma’aden’s participation and influence within global innovation ecosystems, industry forums, and strategic research networks.
Technology Scouting & Market Intelligence
- Develop and maintain a prioritized pipeline of emerging technologies aligned with sustainability, resource growth, and operational excellence objectives.
- Evaluate technology maturity, scalability, commercial viability, intellectual property considerations, and strategic fit.
- Deliver forward-looking intelligence on industry trends, disruptive technologies, competitive developments, and innovation opportunities.
Research, Development & Validation
- Advance technologies and innovative solutions that address strategic business and operational challenges.
- Lead pilot programs, feasibility studies, demonstrations, and validation initiatives to confirm technical and commercial value.
- Ensure research outcomes are scalable, practical, and capable of successful operational integration.
Technology Deployment & Value Realization
- Enable robust technical assessment processes across business units and operational stakeholders.
- Accelerate progression from concept evaluation to industrial deployment through structured testing and business case development.
- Improve technology adoption outcomes by aligning innovation initiatives with operational priorities and implementation readiness.
Strategic Collaboration & Portfolio Management
- Develop partnerships that support co-development, licensing opportunities, strategic alliances, and joint ventures.
- Maintain a prioritized innovation portfolio focused on value creation, implementation readiness, and strategic impact.
- Deliver portfolio insights and executive reporting that improve visibility of emerging opportunities, risks, and investment outcomes.
3. What Success Looks Like
- Strong international network of strategic innovation partners supporting Ma’aden’s long-term growth agenda.
- Increased pipeline of high-potential technologies aligned with sustainability, operational excellence, and resource growth objectives.
- Higher conversion of external innovation opportunities into successful pilots, demonstrations, and operating deployments.
- Improved visibility of emerging technologies, competitive developments, and strategic partnership opportunities.
- Measurable operational, environmental, and commercial value generated through technology adoption and innovation investments.
- Enhanced industry recognition of Ma’aden as a globally connected innovation leader within the mining and minerals sector.
4. Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Geoscience, or a related discipline.
- Master's degree preferred.
- PhD in a relevant technical discipline desirable.
5. Experience
- 10–15 years of experience in mining, mineral processing, technology development, innovation, strategic partnerships, or business development.
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with international universities, research institutions, technology companies, startups, or innovation ecosystems.
- Proven experience evaluating, developing, and advancing technologies from concept through commercialization or deployment.
- Strong international network within mining, sustainability, and technology innovation sectors is highly desirable.
Functional Expertise
- Technology Scouting & Due Diligence
- Mining Innovation & Technology Commercialization
- Research Program Design & Experimental Validation
- Strategic Technology Assessment
Business & Delivery
- Business Case Development
- Strategic Thinking & Opportunity Prioritization
- Value Realization & Commercial Assessment
- Technology Deployment & Adoption
People & Collaboration
- Global Partnership Development
- Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Open Innovation Management
Benefits
1. Career Growth
2. Competitive Salaries
3. Comprehensive Package
4. Inclusive Work Environment
5. Work-Life Balance
6. Employee wellness