Principal Specialist, International Research & Development Scientist

Maaden; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Maaden is seeking a Principal Specialist, International Research & Development Scientist to expand our global innovation network and connect Maaden with leading institutions, startups, and technology providers. The role focuses on identifying opportunities that create measurable value across the business and accelerate deployment of scalable solutions.

The role strengthens our innovation pipeline by translating external research into practical, high-impact solutions addressing resource recovery,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining, Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Geoscience or related field.
• Master's degree preferred; PhD desirable.
• 10–15 years of experience in mining, mineral processing, technology development, or strategic partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Build and sustain strategic relationships with universities, research institutes, technology providers, startups, and mining innovation organizations.
• Establish collaboration frameworks to accelerate technology development, validation, commercialization, and deployment.
• Expand Ma’aden’s participation in global innovation ecosystems, forums, and networks.
• Develop and maintain a prioritized pipeline of emerging technologies aligned with sustainability and operational excellence.
• Deliver insights on industry trends, disruptive technologies, and innovation opportunities.
• Lead pilots, feasibility studies, demonstrations, and validation initiatives to prove value.

Skills

Global partnerships

Strategic collaboration

Technology deployment

Pilot programs

Due diligence

Market intelligence

Portfolio management

Executive reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree (Mining/Metallurgy/Geoscience)

Master's degree preferred

PhD desirable

Job description

Job Description

• Why This Role Matters

The Principal Specialist, International Research & Development Scientist expands Maaden's access to global innovation, emerging technologies, and strategic research capabilities that accelerate sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term competitiveness. The role connects Maaden 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 Maaden’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 Maaden’s position as a leading mining and minerals organization with access to world-class research, emerging technologies, and strategic development partnerships.

Technology Scouting & Market Intelligence Research, Development & Validation Technology Deployment & Value Realization Strategic Collaboration & Portfolio Management 3. What Success Looks Like 4. Minimum Qualifications 5. Experience 6. Skills That Matter Functional Expertise Business & Delivery People & Collaboration

• What You Will Deliver 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 Maaden's participation and influence within global innovation ecosystems, industry forums, and strategic research networks.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Strong international network of strategic innovation partners supporting Maaden’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 Maaden as a globally connected innovation leader within the mining and minerals sector.
• 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.
• 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.
• Technology Scouting & Due Diligence
• Mining Innovation & Technology Commercialization
• Research Program Design & Experimental Validation
• Strategic Technology Assessment
• Business Case Development
• Strategic Thinking & Opportunity Prioritization
• Value Realization & Commercial Assessment
• Technology Deployment & Adoption
• Global Partnership Development
• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Open Innovation Management