Principal Specialist International Research & Development Scientist

About Maaden

Maaden, established in 1997, is recognized as one of the fastest-growing mining companies globally and the largest multi-commodity mining and metals company in the Middle East. The company is focused on developing the mining industry to become a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy by building an integrated mining value chain. This full-time role is based in Thuwal and offers an opportunity to contribute to the company's growth and the future of mining in the Kingdom.

Role Overview

The Principal Specialist, International Research & Development Scientist, is responsible for expanding Maaden's access to global innovation, emerging technologies, and strategic research capabilities. This role aims to accelerate sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term competitiveness by connecting Maaden with leading research institutions, technology developers, startups, and innovation ecosystems. The objective is to identify opportunities that create measurable value across the business and strengthen Maaden’s innovation pipeline by converting external research and technological advancements into scalable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and sustain strategic relationships with international universities, research institutes, technology providers, startups, and mining innovation organizations.
• Establish collaboration frameworks to 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 intelligence on industry trends, disruptive technologies, competitive developments, and innovation opportunities.
• Advance technologies and innovative solutions addressing 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 supporting 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 to improve visibility of emerging opportunities, risks, and investment outcomes.

Experience and Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience is required for this role.

Success Metrics

Success in this role will be measured by a strong international network of strategic innovation partners, an increased pipeline of high-potential technologies aligned with company objectives, and a higher conversion rate of external innovation opportunities into successful deployments. Other metrics include improved visibility of emerging technologies and partnership opportunities, measurable operational, environmental, and commercial value generated through technology adoption, and enhanced industry recognition of Maaden as a globally connected innovation leader.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, contributing to Maaden's strategic initiatives within the global mining and minerals sector.