JOB PURPOSE :

The Research Scientist in ADNOC Research and Innovation Center (ADRIC) will be responsible for managing the research activities including the below:

• Identify and own technical challenges, R&D and technology strategies specifically focused on investment opportunities, cost, and business impact.
• Build and execute a forward-looking and granular R&D strategy to be embedded in the ADNOC Technology Roadmap.
• Manage Research, technology development, proof of concept and lab-scale pilot projects and the Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio
• Ensure systemic integration and wide deployment of research findings and qualified solutions, to support ADNOC's business growth and sustainability.
• Develop a network of academic and industrial partners to build well focused research capability and talent within ADRIC and liaise with Stakeholders across AGCs and potential ADRIC customers.
• Contributing to development and growth of ADRIC catalogue of services.
• Create and curate improvement plans for ADNOC R&D workflows / processes.
• Manage research and technical services quality in assigned discipline.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Research

• Identify and screen technical challenges with detailed analysis on investment required and business impact.
• Evaluate AGCs & partners' technical capabilities, including academic institutions, shareholders, and service companies, to execute Technology activities/projects.
• Collate and curate these in a transparent prioritization, taking account of Group Technology - ADRIC priorities and ADNOC's corporate Risk Assessment Matrix.
• Develop Research and Technology Development proposals addressing Group Company technical challenges.
• Technically evaluate third-party, vendor, and academic proposals.
• Technically steer activities in collaboration with the discipline technical groups and stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in core analysis, geomechanical testing and geological modeling technologies through literature review and attending conferences.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences and meetings.
• Participate in grant writing and funding proposals to support research projects.
• Mentor and supervise junior scientists, technicians, and interns in the laboratory.
• and supervise junior scientists, technicians, and interns in the laboratory.

Technical Subject Matter Expertise

• Conduct research in geology, petrophysics and geomechanics for applications in conventional production as well as CCS and EOR.
• Design and develop new methodologies for reservoir characterization, petrophysical evaluation, geological description and geomechanical interpretation.
• Investigate the properties of reservoir fluids and materials under various conditions such as temperature, pressure, and environmental factors.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate petrophysics, geological interpretation and geomechanical study workflows into field development operations.
• Organize, conduct, and lead technical workshops that will elevate technical competence across the AGCs and nurture an innovation culture.

Project Management

• Manage the project portfolio to demonstrate value and assure anticipated Return-on-Investment (RoI).
• Manage the projects to ensure timely execution within the agreed scope and budget.
• Maintain the team project management dashboard, smart objectives and clear KPIs.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure systematic Integration and deployment of R&D findings and drive these into ADNOC's operations.

Technology

• Develop technical content and regularly update the technology roadmap in collaboration with the relevant technical teams and stakeholders.
• Scout for new and emerging technologies for improvements and availability
• Act as ADRIC technical authority for all shareholders, partners, academic institutions, Technology developers and providers related to assigned discipline.

PhD scholars and Local Development Function

• Technically Mentor ADNOC PhD scholar's progress as needed
• Ensure technical alignment of ADNOC PhD scholars research work
• Technically develop UAE nationals through coaching and shadowing programs
• Attract young UAE nationals to participate in R&D activities

Business Development

• Develop R&D discipline strategy to be embedded in the ADNOC technology roadmap
• Conduct projects business reviews, Net Present Value (NPV) and RoI analysis as requested.
• Continuously review ADNOC workflows/processes and propose improvement plans.

Intellectual Property

• Review patent and invention disclosure applications and ensure its technical soundness.
• Review related publication authorization requests and ensure its technical soundness.
• Assess the IP portfolio to demonstrate value, and potential for commercialization.

Others

• Comply with relevant HSE policies, procedures, controls, applicable legislation, and sustainability guidelines in line with international standards, best practices and ADNOC Code of Practices.
• Perform other similar duties as assigned.
• Plan, supervise & coordinate all activities in the assigned area to meet functional objectives.
• Train and develop the assigned staff on relevant skills to enable them to become proficient on the job and achieve their respective business objectives.
• Provide input for preparation of the Function / Division / Department / Section budgets, assist with implementation of approved budget, and plans to deliver business objectives.
• Investigate and highlight variances to support effective performance and cost control.
• Implement approved Function/ Division/ Department/ Section policies, processes, systems, standards, and procedures to support execution of the work programs in line with Company and International standards.
• Contribute to the achievement of the approved Performance Objectives for the Function/ Division / Department/ Section in line with the Company Performance framework.
• Design and implement new tools and techniques to improve the quality and efficiency of operational processes.
• Identify efficiency improvements in internal processes against best practices in line with best industry standards to define intelligent solutions for issues confronting the function.
• Provide inputs to prepare presentations and progress reports for Company Management.

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Regular contact with Team Leader, Manager, and peer staff on work related matters.
• Frequent contact with ADNOC stakeholders and business lines
• Frequent contact with Shareholders
• Frequent contact with International Operating Companies (IOCs), National Operating Companies (NOCs), Service companies, Technology Providers, academic & research institutions.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Minimum Qualification

• PHD in Geology or Reservoir Engineering or equivalent.

Minimum Experience & Knowledge & Skills

Technical/Engineering Skills:

• Extensive experience in reservoir characterization, integrating geology, petrophysical analysis, thin section interpretation, and core analysis to develop comprehensive reservoir models.
• Skilled in geological description and interpretation, including sedimentology, facies analysis, and structural geology, to inform reservoir architecture and heterogeneity.
• Proficient in thin section analysis for mineralogical and textural characterization, supporting diagenetic studies and reservoir quality assessment.
• Advanced expertise in core analysis (routine and special core analysis), including porosity, permeability, capillary pressure, and wettability measurements, as well as digital rock physics.
• Strong background in geomechanical studies, including laboratory testing and modeling of rock mechanical properties, stress analysis, acoustic properties measurement to inform geophysicists and fracture characterization to support wellbore stability and reservoir management.
• Ability to integrate geological, geophysical, and engineering data for robust reservoir modeling and production forecasting.
• Proficiency in using advanced reservoir simulation software such as Eclipse, CMG, or Petrel to model fluid flow and predict reservoir performance.
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for rock characterization, including relevant API, ASTM and ISO guidelines.

General Skills:

• 7 years of experience in progressive research and development technologies in the assigned discipline, preferably with global oil & gas companies or engineering service providers.
• Critical strategic thinker, able to initiate, develop, and implement new strategies and processes.
• Thorough knowledge of oil and gas operations and processing, production engineering principles, and project management.
• Demonstrable experience in the development and application of new technologies related to the assigned discipline within the oil & gas industry.
• Fully understands and actively promotes the use of Research Governance and Management systems.
• Applies proactive commercial insight to the delivery of Research and Technology.
• Proven experience in alliance/partnership excellence and cross-functional management.
• Ability to assess issues/ risks and effectively implement remediation measures.
• Very good knowledge of international standards, specifications, and evolving technologies to identify and appropriate them for Company's business and operations.
• Diverse background in multiple scientific disciplines and strong analytical skills.
• Ability to gather, analyze, restructure, and gain insights from qualitative or quantitative data.
• Proven record of excellent negotiation skills, passion for customers, and ability to work collaboratively with a dedicated specialist group focused on innovation.
• Excellent communication skills, demonstrate ability to work effectively in cross-cultural environments and to communicate across all levels of the organization.
• Experience in writing scientific and technical documents.
• Ability to understand contractual agreement structure, terms, and obligations and be able to translate the terms for management information.
• Proven competence for meeting deadlines, multi-tasking, and working under ambiguity.
• Aspiration to constantly learn and improve in par with the advancement in technologies 1.
• Can provide advice on, source, and/or deliver training on good research practice 1.
• Sound knowledge of HSE principles and their application relevant to the Oil & Gas Industry

Professional Certifications Preferred

• Chartered Engineer

Professional Certification in Project Management