Lab QA Specialist

About the role

Saudi Gold Refinery is seeking a Lab QA Specialist in Riyadh to ensure gold and silver bullion meet LBMA Good Delivery standards through rigorous data validation and process compliance. Reporting to the Lab Manager, the specialist will maintain ISO 17025 accreditation and support the laboratory’s technical competency framework.

Key responsibilities

• Validate daily fire assay and instrumental analysis results before certificate issuance.
• Maintain the laboratory Quality Management System in line with ISO 17025, updating SOPs and ensuring equipment calibrations are current.
• Monitor chain of custody for incoming dore samples and outgoing reference materials.
• Conduct internal audits of laboratory processes, chemical inventories, and waste management logs.
• Coordinate external proficiency testing programs and analyze z‑scores.
• Prepare documentation for LBMA, SASO, and customer audits and respond to auditor queries.
• Investigate non‑conformities, determine root causes, and verify corrective actions.
• Assess staff competency through blind sample testing and maintain training matrices.
• Calculate measurement uncertainty budgets for accredited test methods.
• Verify chemical safety compliance with HSE regulations and SDS requirements.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum five years of hands‑on experience in a precious metals assay or analytical laboratory.
• In‑depth knowledge of ISO 17025 standards.
• Proven expertise in fire assay techniques.
• Fluency in English for technical documentation and audit communication.
• Ability to work safely in an industrial environment with exposure to acids and high temperatures.

Required skills

• Fire assay (flux selection, cupellation)
• ICP‑OES, AAS, or XRF instrumentation
• Statistical analysis and measurement uncertainty calculation
• ISO 17025 implementation and maintenance
• Proficiency testing management
• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) experience (preferred)