Senior Molecular Genomics Lab Lead – Onsite

Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi is seeking a Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist for its advanced genomics laboratory. The role involves hands-on work with state-of-the-art molecular platforms, overseeing laboratory workflow optimization, and ensuring compliance with international standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor of Honours in Biomedical Science or a related field and at least 2 years of experience in a senior role. Strong expertise in DNA/RNA extraction and PCR/NGS is required. The position is fully onsite in Abu Dhabi.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience in a senior MLT capacity.
• Proven expertise in DNA and RNA nucleic acid extraction.
• Hands-on experience with PCR, qPCR, and NGS.

Responsibilities

• Perform and troubleshoot DNA/RNA nucleic acid extraction processes.
• Manage PCR and qPCR workflows with quality standards.
• Train, mentor, and oversee junior technologists.

Skills

DNA/RNA nucleic acid extraction

PCR

qPCR

NGS

Troubleshooting skills

Education

Bachelor of Honours degree in Biomedical Science, Biology, or Medical Laboratory Science

Tools

Illumina platforms

Oxford Nanopore platforms

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.