Molecular Microbiology Tech – Metagenomics & NGS

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

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.