Sr. Artificial Intelligence Lab Scientist - Material Discovery (1844)

aramco; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy research organization located in Houston is seeking an experienced scientist to advance materials discovery using AI and ML techniques. The role involves leading research projects, organizing milestones, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Candidates should have a PhD in Engineering or Science, at least nine years of relevant experience, and be proficient in Python. The position requires strong communication skills and a commitment to safety protocols in the laboratory.

Qualifications

• Nine years of relevant industrial experience in energy materials design.
• Experience in modeling and simulation of materials science.
• Familiarity with molecular dynamics and density functional theory.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects on computational materials discovery.
• Organize project tasks and milestones.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to frame AI-ready problems.
• Manage end-to-end AI initiatives including data acquisition.
• Build computational architecture for material development.
• Transfer computational designs into laboratory samples.
• Analyze data related to material properties.
• Stay updated on emerging AI and ML technologies.

Skills

AI/ML applications

Computational materials analysis

Python programming

Collaboration with stakeholders

Education

PhD in Engineering or Science

Job description

Overview

Aramco Americas is establishing a state‑of‑the‑art research center in Houston dedicated to advancing CO₂ capture, low‑carbon liquid fuels and chemicals, renewable energy, and energy storage solutions, as well as artificial intelligence applications in the energy sector. The center’s mission is to transform early‑stage, low‑TRL research into mid‑level technologies (TRL 5–7), bridging the gap between fundamental discovery and practical deployment.

Scope

Aramco Americas is seeking an experienced scientist specializing in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to accelerate next‑generation materials discovery for carbon capture and utilization, catalysis for synthetic fuels and chemicals development, and related sustainable energy technologies. The role will apply AI/ML‑driven modeling, simulation, and data analytics to understand and predict material structure‑property‑performance relationships and link these insights to industrially relevant processes. The position will work closely with laboratory researchers and process development teams to translate computational discoveries into experimental validation, scale‑up considerations, and practical implementation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical foundation in AI/ML‑enabled material research, coupled with demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary research projects and driving innovations from concepts through deployment.

Principle Duties

• Develop and lead execution of energy related research projects (e.g., catalysis, adsorption, and energy transition related) with an emphasis on computational materials discovery.
• Organize project tasks and milestones, including evaluation of important schedules, deliverables, and resources.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and domain experts to understand challenges, frame AI‑ready problem statements, and identify high‑impact solutions.
• Lead end‑to‑end AI initiatives, including data acquisition, feature engineering, model deployment, and performance monitoring.
• Build or modify existing computational architecture for material development.
• Work with team members to transfer computational designs into laboratory samples.
• Collect and analyze data related to material properties and performance.
• Stay up to date on emerging technologies in the field of AI and ML.
• Identify collaborative opportunities with both internal and external partners based upon identified technical challenges and collaborator skill sets.
• Work with key business stakeholders to manage technology deployment.
• Write technical reports, journal publications, and present findings at conferences.
• Provide and manage a safe, accident‑free laboratory environment. Follow all company safety rules in performing job duties.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD Degree in an Engineering or Science discipline with a preference towards computational materials analysis and discovery.
• Nine (9) years of relevant industrial experience related to energy materials design
• Preferred candidates will have research experience in theoretical, computational, modeling, and/or simulation of materials science or related fields, including familiarity with molecular dynamics and density functional theory methodologies.
• Preferred candidates will have experience in the application of AI and ML approaches to material development.
• Preferred candidates will be proficient in the Python coding language.
• Must be able to communicate and comprehend accurately, clearly and concisely in English at a level required to perform the job as outlined.
• Candidate should be comfortable in working independently or part of a project team, frequent project presentation and travel to meetings at conferences and universities. Must possess good work habits, a strong work ethic, and be able to adhere to company work hours, policies, and standard business etiquette.