Principal Specialist, International Research & Development Scientist

Ma'aden is hiring a Principal Specialist, International Research & Development Scientist. Level rates it ; you can apply on Level.

Level's read on this job

On Level's scale, this role is Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
The posting mentions research and development, technology scouting and partnership management among its tools and skills.
Level classes it as a lead role.
Ma'aden has 33 other open roles on Level.
This posting went up in the last few days.

AI in this role

Expand global innovation partnerships and technology scouting for sustainable growth in mining.

research-and-developmenttechnology-scoutingpartnership-managementinnovation-managementmining-technology

Maaden, established in 1997, is one of the fastest-growing mining companies in the world and the largest multi-commodity mining and metals company in the Middle East. We are leading the development of the mining industry to become the third pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy by building a world-class, unique, and fully integrated mining value chain. We are pleased to share an exciting opportunity for the below mentioned position. This role offers a chance to contribute to our ambitious growth and play a key part in shaping the future of mining in the Kingdom.

1. Why This Role Matters

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

2. 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 Ma’aden’s participation and influence within global innovation ecosystems, industry forums, and strategic research networks.

Technology Scouting & Market Intelligence

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.

Research, Development & Validation

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.

Technology Deployment & Value Realization

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.

Strategic Collaboration & Portfolio Management

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.

3. What Success Looks Like

Strong international network of strategic innovation partners supporting Ma’aden’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 Ma’aden as a globally connected innovation leader within the mining and minerals sector.

4. Minimum Qualifications

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.

5. Experience

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.

6. Skills That Matter

Functional Expertise

Technology Scouting & Due Diligence
Mining Innovation & Technology Commercialization
Research Program Design & Experimental Validation
Strategic Technology Assessment

Business & Delivery

Business Case Development
Strategic Thinking & Opportunity Prioritization
Value Realization & Commercial Assessment
Technology Deployment & Adoption

People & Collaboration

Global Partnership Development
Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Open Innovation Management

Benefits

1. Career Growth
2. Competitive Salaries
3. Comprehensive Package
4. Inclusive Work Environment
5. Work-Life Balance
6. Employee wellness

How we rate this

Principal Specialist, International Research & Development Scientist at Ma'aden rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Open the description and count.

Key facts

Principal Specialist, International Research & Development Scientist is an open job at Ma'aden.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The role is based in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
The job was posted on October 15, 2026.
Seniority: lead.
Applications are handled by Ma'aden. Apply on Ma'aden

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Research And DevelopmentTechnology ScoutingPartnership ManagementInnovation ManagementMining Technology

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where research and development was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where technology scouting was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where partnership management was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where innovation management was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where mining technology was part of your work. What did you do?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Research And Development, Technology Scouting, Partnership Management, Innovation Management, and Mining Technology. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.

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