Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist, Molecular & Genomics Applications

Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 150,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cutting-edge platforms

Pioneering team

Collaborative culture

Professional growth

Ongoing training

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi is seeking a Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist, Molecular & Genomics Applications, to lead molecular diagnostics efforts in Abu Dhabi. The role combines hands-on bench work with supervision of junior staff, ensuring compliance with CAP, ISO 15189, CLSI/CLIA, and GMP standards in a fully onsite genomics lab.

You will optimize workflows, train technologists, and drive KPI improvements while maintaining high quality data from Illumina and Oxford

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in biomedical sciences or equivalent is required.
• Minimum 2 years in a senior MLT role, preferably in molecular/genomics.
• Proven expertise in DNA/RNA extraction and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with PCR, qPCR, and NGS library prep.
• Proficiency with Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms.
• Strong troubleshooting across molecular/genomics workflows (end-to-end).
• Advanced LIMS usage and understanding of QC metrics.
• Knowledge of CAP, ISO 15189, CLSI/CLIA, DoH, and GMP environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform DNA/RNA extraction and troubleshoot as needed.
• Set up assays, implement new workflows, and support expansion.
• Undertake manual NGS library preparation for short and long read sequencing.
• Manage PCR and qPCR workflows ensuring data accuracy.
• Validate and verify assays per international standards.
• Utilize and optimize the LIMS for process improvements.
• Track and report laboratory KPIs; drive process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Fluency in English

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science / Biology / MLS

Tools

Thermo Fisher SampleManager LIMS

Job description

Role Overview

As a Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist, Molecular & Genomics Applications, you will play a crucial role within our advanced genomics laboratory. Based in Abu Dhabi, you'll join our team in a fully ONSITE environment, supporting our leading-edge molecular diagnostics and genomics capabilities. You will work hands-on with state-of-the-art molecular platforms, lead laboratory workflow optimization, supervise junior staff, ensure compliance with international laboratory standards, and foster a culture of continual improvement and excellence in laboratory practice.

Responsibilities

• Perform and troubleshoot DNA/RNA nucleic acid extraction processes.
• Set up new assays, implement novel laboratory services/workflows, and support laboratory expansion initiatives.
• Undertake manual NGS library preparations for short and long read sequencing using industry-standard platforms (Illumina, Oxford Nanopore).
• Manage PCR and qPCR workflows, ensuring high quality standards and data accuracy.
• Validate and verify molecular/genomics assays according to CAP, ISO 15189, CLSI, CLIA, and GMP standards.
• Utilize and optimize LIMS, driving improvements in laboratory operations and workflow traceability.
• Track, report, and drive improvement on relevant laboratory KPIs.
• Ensure effective incident management and safety compliance within the laboratory.
• Train, mentor, and oversee the competency of junior technologists and laboratory personnel.
• Supervise small teams or dedicated laboratory functions, ensuring ownership and accountability within service lines.
• Champion ongoing quality and operational improvement with respect to DoH, CAP, ISO 15189, CLSI/CLIA, and GMP requirements.
• Promote a collaborative, multicultural, and team-oriented laboratory environment.

Must have requirements

• Bachelor of Honours degree in Biomedical Science, Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years experience in a senior MLT capacity, ideally within a molecular/genomics laboratory environment.
• Proven expertise in DNA and RNA nucleic acid extraction, with a focus on troubleshooting and optimization.
• Hands-on experience with PCR, qPCR, and NGS (manual library prep for both short and long read technologies).
• Proficiency on Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across molecular and genomics workflows (end-to-end).
• Familiarity with molecular/genomics QC metrics: cT values, sequencing coverage/depth, quality scores.
• Demonstrated ability to validate/verify assays to international laboratory standards.
• Advanced LIMS utilisation and comprehension.
• Knowledge and experience in Quality Management, CAP, ISO 15189, CLSI/CLIA, DoH, and GMP environments.
• Track record of continuous improvement and KPI management in laboratory settings.
• Experience training, mentoring, and tracking the competency of junior staff.
• Proven leadership, communication, and management abilities.
• Eligibility for (or possession of) DoH and/or DHA Medical Laboratory Technologist licensure.
• Fluency in English and demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a diverse team.

Nice to have requirements

• Recent evidence of continued professional development or continuing medical education.
• Experience with Thermo Fisher SampleManager LIMS.
• Background in a GMP-approved or reference clinical diagnostics laboratory.
• Experience conducting internal quality assurance audits.
• Exposure to multi-disciplinary laboratory environments (chemistry, haematology, microbiology, blood transfusion, HLA, immunology).
• Experience applying artificial intelligence techniques in laboratory contexts.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines or tools.
• Expertise in DNA primer design.
• Exposure to translational research projects and workflows.
• Arabic language fluency.

Perks and Benefits

• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge genomic and molecular diagnostic platforms.
• Be part of a pioneering laboratory team driving healthcare innovation in Abu Dhabi.
• Collaborative and diverse team environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Professional growth, development, and mentorship opportunities.
• Access to ongoing training and career advancement initiatives.
• Competitive compensation package and recognition for excellence.