Staff Engineer – Industrial Catalysis Process Control

KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology); Makkah Region; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Saudi Arabia is hiring a Staff Engineer to support catalyst research activities. The role involves designing catalytic reactors, training users, and developing protocols. Candidates need a PhD in Chemical Engineering with at least five years of experience in catalyst testing. Excellent English communication skills are mandatory. This is a full-time, permanent position in the Makkah Region.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of post-PhD experience in catalyst testing or related fields.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Familiarity with university-based scientific research environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain specialized catalytic reactors.
• Develop experimental protocols and analytical methodologies.
• Train new users on reactor operation and safety.

Skills

Independent work

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Chemical engineering background

High-throughput reactor experience

Analytical techniques proficiency

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Chromatography

Spectroscopy

Job description

The Role

This is a full-time, permanent position at the Staff Engineer level in supporting KAUST Catalysis Platform research activities. The position requires a strong background in reaction engineering, the ability to work independently, as well as hands-on knowledge/experience with high-tech equipment, which are critical and necessary to enable state-of-the-art research.

Responsibilities

• Design, establish, and maintain specialized catalytic reactors (e.g., high-throughput, automatic platforms, photo, micro, electro, and transport reactors), including the development of control and safety protocols
• Lead or contribute to the enhancement of technical methodologies through the improvement of existing systems or the development of new approaches; extend technologies to new application areas and play a key role in intellectual development activities
• Oversee daily operation and maintenance of specialized reactors
• Coordinate with technical teams and specialists both on-site and off-site, locally and internationally
• Develop experimental protocols and analytical methodologies tailored to specific research needs
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and on- and off-site training for selected equipment
• Train new users, including Master\'s students, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows, on reactor operation and safety
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance plans for all assigned equipment, ensuring accurate and complete records of operation and maintenance
• Monitor equipment availability and utilization; order necessary spare parts and consumables for routine operations
• Collaborate with lab team members to provide general technical support to researchers
• Assist researchers in troubleshooting and resolving issues related to catalyst testing and equipment performance
• Provide comprehensive technical support to the Platform team as needed
• Develop and integrate machine learning models and programming tools to enhance interaction with high-throughput systems and automated platforms, enabling predictive maintenance, data-driven optimization, and autonomous experimentation
• Assist the Lab Manager in maintaining research equipment, scheduling preventive maintenance, and procuring supplies to ensure smooth and uninterrupted operations
• Provide daily support to users, offering both technical and scientific guidance
• Promote awareness of safety, hazard prevention, and occupational health issues; support the implementation and maintenance of effective safety protocols to ensure the safe operation of facilities

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Catalysis, or a closely related field, with significant hands-on experience in the required area of specialization
• Minimum of five (2) years of post-PhD experience in catalyst testing, experimental systems, or related fields within academia or industry
• Familiarity with the structure and operational needs of university-based scientific research environments and graduate-level education
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to document, present, and explain technical information effectively
• Experience working on industry-linked projects, with a clear understanding of applied research, deliverables, and collaboration with external stakeholders

Required Skills

• Proven ability to work independently with strong problem-solving skills, while maintaining effective communication with faculty and the Lab Manager
• Reliable and experienced in performing both routine and non-routine equipment maintenance
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a cooperative, team-oriented work environment
• Background in chemical engineering and catalysis, with hands-on experience in prototype development and programming for experimental systems and automation
• Experience working with high-throughput (HT) reactors and automated platforms for catalyst testing and screening
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as chromatography and spectroscopy, with the ability to interpret experimental data accurately

Preferred Skills

• Experience in machine learning and data analysis
• Familiarity with safety protocols and hazard prevention in laboratory settings