Laboratory Technician/Specialist

United Arab Emirates University; Al Ain; On-site; AED 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Food Science at United Arab Emirates University invites applications for a Laboratory Technician/Specialist. The successful candidate will operate and maintain advanced analytical instruments (HPLC/UHPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS), support lab sessions, train users, and ensure laboratory safety and compliance.

This role requires meticulous attention to detail and strong teamwork in a multidisciplinary academic setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Experience operating and maintaining HPLC and at least one MS platform (GC-MS or LC-MS).
• Experience with sample prep, chromatographic analysis, calibration, and basic troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of lab safety, chemical management, and good lab practices.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; English proficiency.
• Ability to work with faculty, students, researchers, suppliers, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Operate and provide technical support for analytical instruments (HPLC/UHPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS).
• Assist with sample preparation, instrument setup, analysis, data acquisition.
• Develop SOPs, checklists, and maintenance records.
• Calibrate, verify performance, and perform preventive maintenance.
• Coordinate repairs with suppliers and service engineers.
• Train students and staff in instrument operation and safety.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality requirements.

Skills

Chromatography

Mass spectrometry

Laboratory safety

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field

Tools

HPLC/UHPLC

GC-MS

LC-MS/MS

Job description

Job Description:

The Department of Food Science at United Arab Emirates University invites applications for a Laboratory Technician/Specialist position. The successful candidate will provide technical support to faculty members, researchers, and students in operating and maintaining advanced analytical instruments, particularly HPLC/UHPLC, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS systems. The candidate will also support the preparation and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate practical laboratory sessions, train users in the safe and correct operation of analytical instruments, maintain laboratory readiness, and ensure compliance with departmental safety and quality requirements.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Analytical Instrumentation

• Operate and provide technical support for HPLC/UHPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, and related analytical instruments.
• Assist faculty members and researchers with sample preparation, instrument setup, method implementation, analysis, data acquisition, and basic data processing.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, instrument-use protocols, checklists, logbooks, and maintenance records.
• Conduct routine calibration, performance verification, system-suitability testing, cleaning, and preventive maintenance.
• Troubleshoot technical problems and coordinate repairs and scheduled maintenance with suppliers and service engineers.
• Monitor instrument performance and promptly report faults, irregularities, or safety concerns.
• Manage instrument software, user access, analytical data storage, backup, and proper transfer of research data.
• Maintain adequate inventories of columns, gases, solvents, standards, consumables, spare parts, and other instrument-related materials.

Teaching Laboratory Support

• Prepare chemicals, reagents, standards, samples, equipment, glassware, and instructional materials required for practical Food Science courses.
• Set up laboratories before practical sessions and ensure that equipment and materials are ready and functioning correctly.
• Provide technical assistance during laboratory classes in food chemistry, food analysis, food processing, food safety, quality control, and related courses.
• Assist faculty members in demonstrating analytical procedures and the correct use of laboratory equipment.
• Support the safe handling, labeling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, food samples, and laboratory waste.
• Restore laboratories after practical sessions and maintain clean, organized, and fully operational work areas.

Training and User Support

• Train undergraduate students, postgraduate students, researchers, and new staff in the safe and correct operation of HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, and related equipment.
• Provide instruction on sample preparation, instrument startup and shutdown, method selection, quality‑control procedures, data acquisition, and routine troubleshooting.
• Maintain training records and verify that users have received appropriate authorization before independently accessing designated instruments.
• Promote good laboratory practices, accurate recordkeeping, responsible equipment use, and research‑data integrity.

Laboratory Safety and Compliance Support

• Support implementation of departmental laboratory safety policies and university requirements.
• Maintain chemical inventories, Safety Data Sheets, risk assessments, standard operating procedures, safety signage, and training documentation.
• Monitor the availability and condition of personal protective equipment, spill kits, emergency equipment, chemical‑storage facilities, gas cylinders, and waste containers.
• Assist with laboratory inspections, safety audits, incident reporting, corrective actions, and emergency‑response procedures.
• Ensure compliance with requirements related to chemical safety, biosafety, research integrity, waste disposal, and environmental protection.
• Report unsafe conditions and take appropriate action within the responsibilities of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline from a recognized university.
• Relevant practical experience operating and maintaining HPLC and at least one mass-spectrometry platform, such as GC-MS or LC-MS.
• Experience in sample preparation, chromatographic analysis, instrument calibration, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety, chemical management, quality‑control procedures, and good laboratory practices.
• Strong organizational, documentation, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and work collaboratively with faculty members, students, researchers, suppliers, and technical staff.

Experience/Skills

• Strong technical ability in chromatography and mass spectrometry.
• Careful and accurate laboratory practice.
• Effective equipment troubleshooting and maintenance coordination.
• Commitment to safety, quality assurance, research integrity, and data confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple instruments, laboratory classes, and competing priorities.
• Service‑oriented approach and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary academic department.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Hands‑on experience with HPLC/UHPLC, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS in food, environmental, pharmaceutical, or biological analysis.
• Experience with instrument software, method development, validation, quantitative analysis, and interpretation of chromatographic and mass‑spectrometric data.
• Experience working in a university, research, accredited, or quality‑controlled laboratory.
• Previous experience training students or laboratory users.
• Familiarity with laboratory quality systems, procurement, inventory management, safety audits, and vendor service coordination.