Principal Specialist International Research & Development Scientist

About the Role

Maaden is seeking a Principal Specialist, International Research & Development Scientist to expand its access to global innovation, emerging technologies, and strategic research capabilities. This full-time role, based in Saudi Arabia, focuses on accelerating sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term competitiveness. The Principal Specialist will connect Maaden with leading research institutions, technology developers, startups, mining organizations, and innovation ecosystems to identify opportunities that create measurable value across the business.

Role Purpose

This position strengthens Maaden’s innovation pipeline by converting external research and technological advancements into scalable solutions. The focus areas include improving resource recovery, exploration performance, process efficiency, environmental outcomes, and productivity. Through strategic partnerships and technology deployment, the role enables faster adoption of innovations that support enterprise priorities and future growth. By building a globally connected innovation network and advancing technology commercialization opportunities, this role enhances Maaden’s position as a leading mining and minerals organization with access to world-class research, emerging technologies, and strategic development partnerships.

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 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 to improve visibility of emerging opportunities, risks, and investment outcomes.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates should possess a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in research and development, particularly within an international context. A strong background in connecting global innovation with business objectives is required.

Success Metrics

• Establishment of a 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.

Application Process

The salary for this position will be disclosed during the recruitment process. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply.