Medical Laboratory Technologist – Molecular Microbiology

National Reference Laboratory (NRL); Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 250,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

National Reference Laboratory (NRL) in the United Arab Emirates seeks a Medical Laboratory Technologist to support Molecular Diagnostics & Genomics and Microbiology. You will perform routine molecular testing and help implement new metagenomics services, handling specimens, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and NGS workflows.

The role requires ensuring quality control, documentation, and timely reporting while maintaining CAP, ISO 15189, and DOH safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related DOH-accepted qualification.
• DOH Abu Dhabi licence or eligibility for licensure as Medical Laboratory Technologist.
• Minimum 3 years in clinical lab; at least 1 year in molecular diagnostics, molecular microbiology, or genomics.
• Hands-on DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and real-time PCR techniques.
• Solid understanding of laboratory quality control, specimen handling, biosafety, and contamination prevention.
• Good English communication, attention to detail, and workload management across labs.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular diagnostic and microbiology testing per SOPs and standards.
• Receive, assess, and process clinical specimens with accurate handling and traceability.
• Perform DNA/RNA extraction, quantification, PCR, and real-time PCR testing.
• Support NGS workflows: library prep, QC, sequencing setup.
• Assist in implementing and operating new microbial metagenomics service lines.
• Monitor QC results, identify discrepancies, escalate technical issues.
• Coordinate with departments to prioritize urgent specimens and meet turnarounds.

Skills

Molecular diagnostics

PCR

NGS workflows

Biosafety

Quality control

English communication

Education

Bachelors in Medical Laboratory Science

DOH Abu Dhabi licence eligibility

Tools

DNA/RNA extraction

Real-time PCR

Job description

Overview

M42 delivers comprehensive healthcare services across the full continuum of care; from primary care to advanced specialty treatments. Leveraging cutting-edge health technologies and precision medicine, we ensure the highest standards of effectiveness, efficiency, and patient-centered outcomes. With a global presence spanning more than 480 facilities in 27 countries and a dedicated workforce of over 20,000 professionals, M42 is uniquely positioned to redefine the future of healthcare on a global scale.

Since its inception in 2010, National Reference Laboratory (NRL) has expanded from a single standalone reference laboratory to a network of 12 state-of-the-art facilities across the United Arab Emirates. NRL provides world-class diagnostic services to the M42 network and partners with more than 250 clients from a wide range of market segments, including private and government hospitals, medical centers and clinics, corporate organizations, and other reference laboratories.

The Medical Laboratory Technologist will join the National Reference Laboratory (NRL), supporting both the Molecular Diagnostics & Genomics and Microbiology departments.

The role focuses on performing routine molecular diagnostic testing and supporting the implementation of two new microbial metagenomics service lines. The successful candidate will be involved in specimen processing, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR testing, next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, quality control, and accurate documentation to ensure timely and reliable clinical testing.

Dedicated training will be provided for the new workflows, with opportunities to work across both departments.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular diagnostic and microbiology testing in accordance with approved SOPs and laboratory standards.
• Receive, assess, and process clinical specimens, ensuring accurate identification, handling, and traceability.
• Perform DNA/RNA extraction, quantification, PCR, and real-time PCR testing.
• Support NGS workflows, including library preparation, quality control, and sequencing setup.
• Support the implementation and routine operation of the new microbial metagenomics service lines.
• Monitor quality control results, identify discrepancies, and escalation technical issues when required.
• Coordinate with both departments to prioritise urgent specimens and meet turnaround times.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and comply with CAP, ISO 15189, DOH, and laboratory safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Laboratory Technology, or a relevant DOH-accepted qualification.
• Valid DOH Abu Dhabi licence or eligibility for licensure as a Medical Laboratory Technologist.
• Minimum 3 years of clinical laboratory experience, including at least 1 year in molecular diagnostics, molecular microbiology, or genomics.
• Hands-on experience in DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and real-time PCR techniques.
• Good understanding of laboratory quality control, specimen handling, biosafety, and contamination prevention.
• Good English communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage workloads across multiple laboratory departments.