Medical Laboratory Technologist – Abu Dhabi

The Laboratory Technologist will provide routine and specialized diagnostic laboratory testing for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, supporting the health and welfare of its animal population as well as the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue (YSWRR) marine life rescue and rehabilitation program.

The role covers multiple laboratory disciplines, including haematology, biochemistry, microbiology, parasitology, body fluid analysis, and water quality testing. The position is responsible for sample processing, analyzer operation, manual testing, result validation, quality control, laboratory documentation, equipment maintenance, and biosafety compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Sample Management & Accessioning

• Receive, inspect, label, barcode, and accession diagnostic samples.
• Verify sample containers, volumes, labeling, transport conditions, and test requests.
• Prepare smears, aliquots, serum/plasma separations, and samples for referral testing.
• Maintain sample archives for repeat testing, research, and trend analysis.

Diagnostic Testing & Analysis

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain automated analyzers and point-of-care testing systems.
• Perform routine and specialized laboratory testing across multiple disciplines.
• Conduct dilutions, reruns, and manual verification of automated results when required.
• Support validation and documentation of new assays, methods, and laboratory devices.

Result Validation & Data Management

• Validate test results against appropriate reference standards and species-specific expectations.
• Investigate abnormal or clinically significant results and perform repeat testing when required.
• Accurately enter results into laboratory information systems and databases.
• Communicate results to veterinary, clinical, and animal care teams within required turnaround times.
• Maintain laboratory data archives and reference image libraries.

Quality Control & Assurance

• Perform and document standards, blanks, duplicates, and control testing.
• Monitor QC trends and investigate deviations or out-of-range results.
• Report sample quality issues, incidents, non-conformities, and near misses.
• Draft and revise SOPs, work instructions, and risk assessments.
• Support internal and external audits, document control, and CAPA activities.

Equipment, Reagents & Laboratory Operations

• Perform scheduled maintenance of analyzers and laboratory equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and coordinate servicing when required.
• Prepare, replenish, and properly store reagents, calibrators, controls, stains, and cleaning solutions.
• Monitor refrigerators, freezers, incubators, water purification systems, and other laboratory equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory work areas.

Biosafety, HSE & Waste Management

• Follow BSL-2, chemical safety, PPE, and aseptic laboratory practices.
• Handle and dispose of biological, diagnostic, and chemical waste safely.
• Maintain awareness of SDS documentation and chemical risk assessments.
• Participate in safety training, biosafety programs, and competency assessments.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support diagnostic care and health assessments for rescued marine and wildlife species, including dugongs, sea turtles, birds, and cetaceans.
• Assist with field research and special laboratory projects.
• Prepare laboratory reports, workload statistics, and data summaries.
• Support the training of colleagues, interns, students, and externs.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and operational briefings.
• Work flexible shifts, including weekends, public holidays, and on-call duties when required.
• Perform physical duties including walking, standing, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling items weighing up to approximately 20 kg.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, Medical Laboratory Science.
• Formal training in laboratory diagnostics, biosafety, or quality management.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant post-qualification laboratory experience in a diagnostic, medical, veterinary, research, or comparable laboratory environment.
• Experience working across more than one laboratory discipline.
• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining automated laboratory analyzers.
• Experience with manual diagnostic laboratory techniques.
• Strong understanding of laboratory principles, quality control, and result interpretation.

• Ability to identify abnormal results and apply appropriate QC judgment.
• Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and accurate record keeping.
• Ability to follow SOPs and structured laboratory procedures.
• Experience drafting or revising laboratory procedures and documentation.
• Good written and verbal English communication skills.
• Proficiency with laboratory information systems and Microsoft Office.
• Good numerical skills, including calculations, dilutions, and QC statistics.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.

Desirable

• Eligibility to obtain relevant UAE medical or veterinary laboratory technologist licensing/certification, where applicable.
• Membership of or eligibility for a relevant professional body.
• Experience in a veterinary, zoological, wildlife, aquarium, or aquatic animal health laboratory.
• Familiarity with non-domestic or marine animal species.
• Experience working within a structured QMS aligned with ISO 15189 or ISO 17025.
• Experience in equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with method validation, assay verification, or reference interval development.
• Experience with laboratory procurement and inventory management.
• Previous experience training or supervising junior laboratory staff, students, interns, or externs.