Laboratory Technologist

Miral; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 134,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

Miral's SeaWorld Abu Dhabi laboratory delivers diagnostic testing across haematology, biochemistry, microbiology, parasitology, body fluids and water quality. Under supervision of the Senior Laboratory Manager and Veterinary Pathologist Director, you perform accessioning, instrument operation, manual testing and data entry to support animal welfare and rescue programs.

The role emphasizes QA, biosafety, SOP development and training, with shifts including weekends and on-call coverage to ensure

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or related field.
• Formal biosafety, quality management, or laboratory diagnostics training.
• Minimum 2 years post-qualification experience in a diagnostic lab.
• Experience operating automated analyzers and manual techniques.
• Strong English communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Accession and process diagnostic samples across disciplines.
• Operate, calibrate and maintain automated analyzers and POS systems.
• Validate results against standards and report within defined turnaround times.
• Record results in databases and ensure data accuracy.
• Draft and revise SOPs; assist QA documentation.
• Support biosafety compliance and waste management.
• Assist in training colleagues and interns.
• Contribute to procurement, inventory and lab maintenance.

Skills

English communication

Teamwork

Diagnostic interpretation

Education

Diploma/Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Technology

Biosafety/Quality management training

Tools

Laboratory information systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

The Laboratory Technologist delivers routine and specialized diagnostic testing for the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (SWAD) laboratory across a range of disciplines including haematology, biochemistry, microbiology, parasitology, body fluid analysis and water quality as required supporting the full SWAD animal population as well as the affiliated Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue (YSWRR) marine life rescue and rehabilitation program. Working under the supervision of the Senior Laboratory Manager and with technical direction from the Veterinary Pathologist Director or Laboratory Services the post holder is responsible for accurate sample accessioning and processing, analyser operation and maintenance, manual diagnostic techniques, result validation, data entry, quality control and biosafety compliance. The role carries day-to-day ownership of one or more designated laboratory disciplines while maintaining cross disciplinary competency to ensure service continuity. The Laboratory Technologist also undertakes the administrative activities that underpin laboratory operations including procurement and inventory documentation and record management, SOP drafting and revision and QA record-keeping and supports the training of colleagues, interns, students and externs. Through the generation of reliable, timely diagnostic results the role contributes directly to SWAD s high animal welfare standards, clinical decision-making, rescue and rehabilitation outcomes and the advancement of marine animal health science.

Key Responsibilities

Sample Management & Accessioning

Receive, inspect, verify, label, accession and barcode diagnostic samples across all disciplines confirming correct container, volume, labelling, transport conditions and test request.

Prepare smears, aliquots and serum plasma separations, package and dispatch samples for external referral and advanced testing.

Maintain sample archives for repeat testing, trend analysis and research access.

Diagnostic Testing & Analysis

Operate, calibrate and maintain automated analyzers and point-of-care systems across range of disciplines.

Perform routine test repertoire and aid in enhancing the test portfolio.

Perform dilutions, reruns and manual verification of automated results where indicated.

Undertake specialized and non-routine testing as required and support validation and documentation of new assays, methods and devices.

Result Validation, Reporting & Data Management

Validate results against reference standards and expected species values, investigate, repeat and elevate anomalous or clinically significant findings.

Record results accurately in database system and associated spreadsheets verifying data entry for completeness and accuracy.

Communicate results to clinical and animal care teams through agreed reporting channels within defined turnaround times.

Maintain long-term data archives and reference image libraries to support trend analysis, species reference intervals, education and research.

Quality Control & Assurance

Promptly report and elevate sample quality issues, incomplete or discrepant submissions, deviations, near misses, incidents and non-conformities to laboratory leadership in line with laboratory procedures.

Run standards, blanks, duplicates and controls, monitor for shifts and trends and investigate, document and elevate deviations.

Draft and revise SOPs, work instructions and risk assessments in collaboration with the Senior Laboratory Manager, Quality and Laboratory Governance Officer and Veterinary Pathologist Director of Laboratory Services.

Support internal and external audit readiness, document control and corrective and preventive action follow-up.

Equipment, Reagents & Laboratory Upkeep

Perform scheduled daily, weekly and monthly maintenance of analyzers and equipment, troubleshoot faults and coordinate service visits.

Prepare, replenish and correctly store reagents, calibrators, controls, stains and cleaning solutions, maintain water purification systems and filters.

Monitor and log fridge, freezer and incubator temperatures and act on excursions, maintain biosafety cabinets and incubator conditions appropriate to diverse species and isolates.

Maintain cleanliness and organization of benches, glassware, storage and equipment areas.

Biosafety, HSE & Waste Management

Work in accordance with biosafety BSL-2 and chemical safety protocols at all times including correct PPE use and aseptic technique.

Dispose of diagnostic, biological and chemical waste safely.

Maintain awareness of SDS documents and chemical risk assessments, participate in safety biosafety on-the-job training and competency assessments.

Other

Support the diagnostic care of rescued wildlife including dugongs, sea turtles, birds and cetaceans and assist in health assessments and field research.

Support special projects and laboratory initiatives assigned by management.

Work varying shifts and hours based on business need including opening, mid- and closing shifts, weekends, public holidays and on call cover as rostered.

Lift, carry, push or pull up to 20 kg (50 lbs) on occasion undertake extensive walking or standing indoors and outdoors and repetitive bending stooping and lifting.

Prepare routine operational reports, workload statistics and data summaries as requested; attend and contribute to weekly laboratory team meetings and briefings.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, Biomedical or Veterinary Laboratory Science, Biology, or a related discipline, or equivalent.
• Formal training in biosafety, quality management, or laboratory diagnostics.
• At least 2 years' proven post laboratory setting, with hands discipline. recognized laboratory or veterinary qualification experience in a diagnostic on responsibility across more than one
• Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining automated analyzers and performing manual diagnostic techniques.
• Sound understanding of diagnostic laboratory principles across a range of disciplines.
• Understanding of biosafety principles and PPE requirements.
• Ability to interpret results, quality control judgement. recognize anomalies, and apply appropriate.
• High attention to detail, strong manual dexterity, and accurate record keeping.
• Ability to follow SOPs and structured workflows precisely, and to draft and revise procedural documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication and teamwork skills.
• Proficiency with laboratory information systems and Microsoft Office applications; competent numeracy for dilutions, calculations and QC statistics.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with flexibility to adapt as the needs of the animal collection develop.

Desirable

• Ability to obtain licensure or certification as a veterinary/medical laboratory technologist in the UAE as required.
• Membership of, or eligibility for, a professional body.
• Experience in a veterinary, zoological, wildlife, or aquatic animal health setting.
• Familiarity with professional zoo/aquarium communities and non domestic species.
• Experience working within a structured Quality Management System (ISO 17025 / ISO 15189 aligned).
• Experience with equipment calibration, preventive maintenance scheduling, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with method validation, reference interval development, or assay verification.
• Experience in procurement, inventory management, or PR/BPA processes.
• Experience training or supervising junior staff, students, or externs.