Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist, Molecular & Genomics Applications
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Full timeOn-site
Job description
Role Overview
As a Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist, Molecular & Genomics Applications, you will play a crucial role within our advanced genomics laboratory. Based in Abu Dhabi, you'll join our team in a fully ONSITE environment, supporting our leading-edge molecular diagnostics and genomics capabilities. You will work hands-on with state-of-the-art molecular platforms, lead laboratory workflow optimization, supervise junior staff, ensure compliance with international laboratory standards, and foster a culture of continual improvement and excellence in laboratory practice.
Responsibilities
- Perform and troubleshoot DNA/RNA nucleic acid extraction processes.
- Set up new assays, implement novel laboratory services/workflows, and support laboratory expansion initiatives.
- Undertake manual NGS library preparations for short and long read sequencing using industry-standard platforms (Illumina, Oxford Nanopore).
- Manage PCR and qPCR workflows, ensuring high quality standards and data accuracy.
- Validate and verify molecular/genomics assays according to CAP, ISO 15189, CLSI, CLIA, and GMP standards.
- Utilize and optimize LIMS, driving improvements in laboratory operations and workflow traceability.
- Track, report, and drive improvement on relevant laboratory KPIs.
- Ensure effective incident management and safety compliance within the laboratory.
- Train, mentor, and oversee the competency of junior technologists and laboratory personnel.
- Supervise small teams or dedicated laboratory functions, ensuring ownership and accountability within service lines.
- Champion ongoing quality and operational improvement with respect to DoH, CAP, ISO 15189, CLSI/CLIA, and GMP requirements.
- Promote a collaborative, multicultural, and team-oriented laboratory environment.
Must have requirements
- Bachelor of Honours degree in Biomedical Science, Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, or equivalent.
- Minimum 2 years experience in a senior MLT capacity, ideally within a molecular/genomics laboratory environment.
- Proven expertise in DNA and RNA nucleic acid extraction, with a focus on troubleshooting and optimization.
- Hands-on experience with PCR, qPCR, and NGS (manual library prep for both short and long read technologies).
- Proficiency on Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms.
- Strong troubleshooting skills across molecular and genomics workflows (end-to-end).
- Familiarity with molecular/genomics QC metrics: cT values, sequencing coverage/depth, quality scores.
- Demonstrated ability to validate/verify assays to international laboratory standards.
- Advanced LIMS utilisation and comprehension.
- Knowledge and experience in Quality Management, CAP, ISO 15189, CLSI/CLIA, DoH, and GMP environments.
- Track record of continuous improvement and KPI management in laboratory settings.
- Experience training, mentoring, and tracking the competency of junior staff.
- Proven leadership, communication, and management abilities.
- Eligibility for (or possession of) DoH and/or DHA Medical Laboratory Technologist licensure.
- Fluency in English and demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a diverse team.
Nice to have requirements
- Recent evidence of continued professional development or continuing medical education.
- Experience with Thermo Fisher SampleManager LIMS.
- Background in a GMP-approved or reference clinical diagnostics laboratory.
- Experience conducting internal quality assurance audits.
- Exposure to multi-disciplinary laboratory environments (chemistry, haematology, microbiology, blood transfusion, HLA, immunology).
- Experience applying artificial intelligence techniques in laboratory contexts.
- Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines or tools.
- Expertise in DNA primer design.
- Exposure to translational research projects and workflows.
- Arabic language fluency.
Perks and Benefits
- Opportunity to work with cutting-edge genomic and molecular diagnostic platforms.
- Be part of a pioneering laboratory team driving healthcare innovation in Abu Dhabi.
- Collaborative and diverse team environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Professional growth, development, and mentorship opportunities.
- Access to ongoing training and career advancement initiatives.
- Competitive compensation package and recognition for excellence.