Lab QA Specialist - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

About Saudi Gold Refinery

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is a Saudi mining and precious-metals company specialized in the refining of gold and precious metals, bullion production, and value-added precious-metal services. Operating within the Kingdom's mining value chain, SGR is aligned to the Vision 2030 mining pillar and to the regulatory framework set by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) and applicable Saudi and international standards. We produce responsibly sourced, traceable, and certified bullion, operate to LBMA Good Delivery and ISO-aligned quality standards, and invest in the people, processes, and controls behind every bar we produce.

Role Overview

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a Lab QA Specialist in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to uphold the integrity of our assay operations and quality management systems. This role ensures that all gold and silver bullion produced meets LBMA Good Delivery standards through rigorous data validation and process compliance. The specialist will manage ISO 17025 accreditation requirements and support the laboratory's technical competency framework.

The Lab QA Specialist will report directly to the Lab Manager and will play a key role in safeguarding SGR's reputation for precision and reliability. This position requires a disciplined professional who can balance production timelines with uncompromising quality controls in a high-volume refining environment.

Key Responsibilities

The Lab QA Specialist will execute the following responsibilities to ensure laboratory excellence and regulatory compliance.

Assay Result Validation

The role validates daily fire assay and instrumental analysis results to ensure accuracy before certificate issuance. This involves checking calculation logic, reviewing control chart trends, and approving final purity values for bullion bars.

ISO 17025 Maintenance

This position maintains the laboratory Quality Management System in strict accordance with ISO 17025 standards. The specialist updates standard operating procedures and ensures all equipment calibrations are current and traceable.

Chain of Custody Oversight

The specialist monitors the chain of custody for all incoming dore samples and outgoing reference materials. This includes verifying sample sealing protocols and ensuring segregation of duties in the sample preparation area.

Internal Audit Execution

The role conducts scheduled internal audits of laboratory processes, chemical inventories, and waste management logs. Findings are documented and tracked to closure through formal corrective action plans.

Proficiency Testing Management

This position coordinates participation in external proficiency testing programs with accredited providers. The specialist analyzes z-scores and implements technical improvements if performance deviates from accepted limits.

Audit Preparation Support

The specialist prepares documentation and evidence packs for LBMA, SASO, and customer audits. They respond to auditor queries with factual data and root cause analyses where required.

Non-Conformance Investigation

The role investigates any out-of-specification results or procedural breaches in the laboratory. It determines the root cause and validates the effectiveness of corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Staff Competency Assessment

This position assesses the technical competency of lab analysts through blind sample testing and observation. It maintains training matrices to ensure only authorized personnel perform critical assay steps.

Measurement Uncertainty Analysis

The specialist calculates and reviews measurement uncertainty budgets for all accredited test methods. This ensures that reported values include appropriate confidence intervals as per industry standards.

Chemical Safety Compliance

The role verifies that chemical handling and storage practices comply with HSE regulations and SDS requirements. It audits the disposal of hazardous waste such as lead slag and acidic effluents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, or a related scientific discipline is required.
• Five years of hands-on experience in a precious metals assay or analytical laboratory is mandatory.
• In-depth knowledge of ISO 17025 standards for testing and calibration laboratories is essential.
• Proven expertise in fire assay techniques including flux selection and cupellation is required.
• Proficiency with ICP-OES, AAS, or XRF instrumentation for elemental analysis is necessary.
• Strong skills in statistical analysis and measurement uncertainty calculation are required.
• Fluency in English is required for technical documentation and international audit communication.
• Ability to work safely in an industrial environment with exposure to acids and high temperatures is mandatory.

Preferred / Nice-to-have

• Experience with LBMA Good Delivery List audits and responsible sourcing guidelines.
• Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry or Extractive Metallurgy.
• Certification as an ISO 17025 Lead Auditor.
• Experience implementing or validating a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Success Metrics

• Zero major non-conformities during external ISO 17025 and LBMA surveillance audits.
• 100% of assay certificates issued with validated data and zero post-issuance corrections.
• Successful completion of all proficiency testing rounds with satisfactory z-scores.
• All internal audits completed on schedule with corrective actions closed within 30 days.
• Calibration compliance rate of 100% for all critical measuring equipment.
• Reduction in assay re-work rate by 10% through improved procedural adherence.
• Full update of laboratory SOPs to reflect current operational and regulatory standards.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements, skills, experience, and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities.