Research Science Specialist (1704)

About the role

Provides expert technical advice and guidance in either a broad or specialized area of petroleum research. Recognized for technical capability, experience, and judgment, this role makes a unique and substantial personal contribution in the area of expertise, with opportunities for continued advancement for individuals who demonstrate outstanding technical ability and make essential contributions.

The position focuses on collaborative research and development in advanced materials for upstream oil and gas applications, including productivity enhancement (fracturing and matrix stimulation fluids), sand control, water shutoff, and increasing production and recovery from conventional and unconventional reservoirs. The role also involves developing new products and technologies in these areas.

Responsibilities

• Leads and/or participates in research and development efforts for advanced materials in upstream oil and gas production, including productivity enhancement, stimulation fluids, sand control, and unconventional gas.
• Keeps current with significant developments in the field of specialization and industry trends, including synthesizing or formulating new chemicals, designing customized experimental setups, and evaluating product performance.
• Performs material characterization and testing using analytical instruments and methods (e.g., NMR, FT-IR, TGA, elemental analysis, GC-MS, HPLC).
• Designs and carries out advanced materials development with minimal supervision in a collaborative research environment.
• Develops new intellectual property and works with IP personnel to patent developed technology; disseminates results through high-impact journal publications, reports, and presentations.
• Provides and manages a safe, accident-free laboratory environment, adhering to all company safety rules.
• Leads collaborative research with other R&D areas (e.g., organic chemistry, process engineering, applications) to increase intellectual property opportunities and advance business goals.
• Serves as a lead scientist or participates in major investigative projects as assigned.
• Specifies design criteria and relevant operating parameters for new projects within the area of expertise.
• Participates in project technical reviews and evaluates proposals for new or changed operating procedures to ensure efficient and economic operations.
• Conducts economic studies and cost analyses to resolve alternative courses of action.
• Originates ideas for improvements, develops field testing protocols, analyzes results, and recommends new or changed procedures and facilities.
• Recommends, designs, and oversees outside investigations to resolve problems exceeding current engineering knowledge in the specialty.
• Represents AACO and Saudi Aramco in technical contacts with shareholders, SAG representatives, manufacturers, vendors, and outside consultants within the area of expertise.
• Makes presentations to AACO management, shareholders, and technical meetings as appropriate.
• Conducts seminars, prepares manuals, and trains and develops Aramco engineers and operating personnel in the area of expertise.

Requirements

• B.S. in engineering or equivalent technical field; M.S. or PhD is highly preferred but not required.
• Typically ten (10) years of related experience, including at least the last five (5) years in intensive experience in the area of expertise.
• Ability to communicate accurately, clearly, and concisely in English, both orally and in writing, at a high level required for the role.
• Recognized by supervisors and colleagues as thoroughly qualified and highly competent in the area of expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate ideas clearly, work effectively with others, and apply technical knowledge to achieve practical results.
• AACO and Saudi Aramco management must have confidence in the candidate’s judgment and recommendations.
• Laboratory experience in advanced materials, their characterization, and oilfield application methodologies.