Quality Laboratory Consultant - Bee/Honey

Confidential Company; Sharjah; On-site; AED 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

Bee Health Laboratory Diagnostic Management is seeking an experienced leader to oversee laboratory programs for bee health, honey quality, and related research. The role coordinates cross-lab testing, ensures ISO 17025 alignment, and supports regulatory compliance within UAE standards.

The candidate will manage testing plans, supervise technical staff, and contribute to innovative bee-derived products while collaborating with international partners and universities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Apiculture, Entomology, Veterinary Science, Food Science, Agricultural Science, Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in bee health, honey quality, laboratory testing, or apiculture research.
• Experience working with accredited laboratories and international quality standards.
• Strong knowledge of honey chemistry, bee diseases, laboratory testing methods, and food safety regulations.
• Experience in organic certification and research projects is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, technical writing, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee laboratory diagnostic programs for monitoring bee health and disease surveillance.
• Coordinate pathological, microbiological, molecular, and toxicological analyses of bee samples to determine causes of disease or colony decline.
• Interpret laboratory results and prepare reports with evidence-based recommendations.
• Develop and implement honey quality standards aligned with Codex UAE and international best practices.
• Lead applied research in bee health and honey quality; publish findings where appropriate.
• Coordinate testing with accredited local and international laboratories; standardize protocols across labs.
• Support regulatory inspections, compliance with UAE/EU organic standards, and documentation of results.
• Provide technical training, develop SOPs, and mentor staff across beekeeping and processing teams.

Skills

Bee health

Laboratory management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master's or PhD in Apiculture/related field

Job description

Bee Health Laboratory Diagnostic Management

• Develop and oversee laboratory diagnostic programs for monitoring bee health colony performance and disease surveillance
• Design and implement laboratory testing protocols to identify the causes of colony mortality abnormal bee behavior reduced productivity and other health issues
• Coordinate pathological microbiological molecular and toxicological analyses of bee samples to determine the causes of disease poisoning or colony collapse
• Interpret laboratory results and prepare scientific reports with evidence-based recommendations for corrective and preventive actions
• Develop laboratory surveillance programs for early detection of bee diseases parasites pathogens and environmental contaminants
• Establish DNA testing and genetic identification programs to verify queen lineage and colony genetics ensuring breed uniformity genetic diversity management and breeding program integrity across the apiary
• Review genetic analysis results to support queen selection breeding decisions and long-term colony improvement programs
• Maintain a laboratory database for bee health records genetic profiles disease surveillance mortality investigations and trend analysis to support research and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with accredited national and international laboratories universities and research institutions on advanced diagnostic testing DNA analysis and scientific research related to bee health and genetics

Honey Quality Management

• Develop honey quality standards aligned with Codex Alimentarius UAE regulations and international best practices
• Monitor honey quality from harvesting through packaging
• Review laboratory analysis results and investigate quality deviations
• Verify authenticity purity moisture HMF sugar profile pollen analysis and other quality indicators
• Support development of premium honey grading systems

Laboratory Management

• Develop annual laboratory testing plans
• Define testing requirements for honey beeswax propolis pollen royal jelly and bee venom
• Coordinate laboratory sampling programs
• Review laboratory reports and approve technical recommendations
• Ensure testing methods comply with ISO and international laboratory standards

Research Development

• Lead applied research in bee health and honey quality
• Evaluate new technologies for disease detection and quality analysis
• Conduct research on medicinal and functional properties of bee products
• Support development of innovative bee-derived products
• Publish technical reports and research findings where appropriate

International Laboratory Coordination

• Coordinate testing with accredited local and international laboratories
• Review laboratory capabilities and recommend approved testing providers
• Standardize testing protocols across laboratories
• Ensure timely submission and follow-up of laboratory samples
• Interpret laboratory findings and advise management on corrective actions

Organic Regulatory Compliance

• Support compliance with UAE Organic and EU Organic standards
• Ensure laboratory testing supports certification requirements
• Review residue analysis contaminants and prohibited substances
• Assist during regulatory inspections and certification audits
• Develop technical documentation for compliance purposes

Product Development

• Support development of new honey and bee-derived products
• Recommend quality specifications for premium product lines
• Collaborate with processing teams on product stability and shelf-life studies
• Evaluate opportunities for functional foods nutraceuticals cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications

Training Technical Support

• Provide technical training to beekeepers laboratory staff and processing teams
• Develop SOPs related to bee health and laboratory testing
• Mentor technical staff in sampling quality evaluation and laboratory interpretation
• Promote continuous technical development across the project

Reporting Continuous Improvement

• Prepare technical reports on bee health and honey quality
• Analyze quality trends and recommend improvements
• Develop KPIs related to colony health and product quality
• Support innovation initiatives that enhance operational excellence

Role Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Apiculture, Entomology, Veterinary Science, Food Science, Agricultural Science, Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in bee health, honey quality, laboratory testing, or apiculture research.
• Experience working with accredited laboratories and international quality standards.
• Strong knowledge of honey chemistry, bee diseases, laboratory testing methods, and food safety regulations.
• Experience in organic certification and research projects is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, technical writing, and presentation skills.

Other Professional Certifications

• ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Systems (Preferred)
• HACCP Certification
• ISO 22000 Food Safety Management (Preferred)
• EU Organic Standards Training (preferred)
• UAE Organic Standards Training (preferred)
• Advanced Beekeeping Certification (preferred)
• Research Methodology or Scientific Publications (Preferred)

Special Conditions

• Regular travel between apiaries, honey processing facilities, and laboratories.
• Coordination with local and international laboratories for sample testing and technical evaluations.
• Participation in scientific conferences, technical committees, certification audits, and research collaborations.
• Availability during honey harvesting seasons and emergency bee health investigations.