Chemist

Role Overview

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a Chemist in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to execute high-precision analytical testing for our gold refining and bullion production operations. This role is central to maintaining our LBMA Good Delivery status by ensuring accurate determination of metal purity and impurity levels in dore bars and refined products. The Chemist will work in a state-of-the-art assay laboratory, adhering to ISO 17025 standards and strict safety protocols for hazardous chemical handling.

The Chemist will report directly to the Lab Manager and will play a key role in supporting the refining process through timely and accurate data provision. This position requires a methodical professional who can maintain equipment, manage chemical inventories, and uphold the highest standards of laboratory quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities

The Chemist will be responsible for the following key areas of laboratory operations and analytical testing.

Analytical Testing Execution: The role performs fire assay and instrumental analysis on incoming dore bars and outgoing gold bullion to determine precise metal content and impurity profiles.

Instrument Operation: This position operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation including ICP-OES, AAS, and cupellation furnaces according to standard operating procedures.

Chemical Preparation: The Chemist prepares chemical reagents such as aqua regia and nitric acid while adhering to strict safety and waste disposal protocols.

Data Management: The role documents all test results in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to ensure full traceability and chain of custody.

Quality Compliance: This position supports internal and external audits by providing verified data packages for LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance and ISO 17025 compliance.

Process Support: The Chemist collaborates with the refining operations team to adjust process parameters based on real-time assay feedback.

Inventory Control: The role manages laboratory inventory of consumables and standards to prevent operational delays in testing workflows.

Safety Adherence: This position ensures personal and laboratory safety by strictly following permit-to-work and lockout/tagout procedures during maintenance activities.

Equipment Maintenance: The Chemist performs daily preventive maintenance on assay furnaces, spectrometers, and milling equipment to ensure operational readiness.

Reporting: The role generates daily production reports for the Refining Manager to guide process adjustments in the Miller and Wohlwill circuits.

Success Metrics

• Achieves 100% compliance with ISO 17025 documentation and procedural requirements.
• Maintains an error rate of less than 0.5% in routine assay results.
• Completes all scheduled preventive maintenance tasks for assigned laboratory equipment.
• Successfully supports two external audits with zero non-conformities in laboratory operations.
• Reduces reagent waste by 10% through optimized preparation and usage protocols.
• Trains two junior technicians on fire assay and ICP-OES operating procedures.
• Ensures zero safety incidents related to chemical handling or laboratory operations.

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.

Desired Candidate Profile

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, or a related scientific field from an accredited university.
• Minimum of three years of experience in an analytical laboratory environment, preferably in precious metals or mining.
• Proficiency in fire assay techniques including cupellation and gravimetric analysis.
• Hands-on experience with ICP-OES, AAS, or XRF instrumentation for elemental analysis.
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 standards and laboratory quality management systems.
• Ability to handle hazardous chemicals safely and understand Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Fluency in English for technical documentation and reporting.

Preferred / Nice-to-have

• Experience in a LBMA-accredited refinery or similar precious metals facility.
• Familiarity with LIMS software and automated laboratory workflows.
• Knowledge of refining processes such as Miller chlorination and Wohlwill electrolysis.
• Previous exposure to Saudi Standards Organization (SASO) or international audit processes.
• Certification in hazardous waste management or laboratory safety.