A leading biobanking and medical research facility in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) to support cord blood banking, stem cell processing, and cellular therapy operations.
The facility supports medical research and innovation by collecting, processing, testing, and storing high-quality biological samples for genomics, precision medicine, drug development, and advanced healthcare research. The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe handling and processing of cord blood units and maternal blood samples, ensuring compliance with laboratory quality standards, regulatory requirements, and established standard operating procedures.
This role is suitable for an experienced laboratory professional with expertise in blood banking, stem cell processing, cellular therapy, and advanced laboratory testing techniques.
Job Responsibilities
- Receive, identify, inspect, and process cord blood units and maternal blood samples in accordance with approved laboratory procedures.
- Perform cord blood volume reduction, cryoprotectant addition, controlled-rate freezing, cryopreservation, and long-term storage of cellular products.
- Conduct laboratory testing, quality control analysis, specimen preparation, and sample evaluation to ensure product quality and safety.
- Perform Flow Cytometry testing and related analytical procedures in accordance with established protocols.
- Support HLA typing activities using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), where applicable.
- Monitor sample integrity, storage conditions, and temperature-controlled environments to maintain the viability and quality of biological materials.
- Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment according to approved procedures.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, donor documentation, sample traceability, test results, and inventory records.
- Ensure proper labelling, identification, storage, retrieval, and tracking of cord blood units and other biological specimens.
- Follow laboratory biosafety requirements, infection prevention measures, and procedures for handling biological materials.
- Maintain compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and international standards, including AABB, FACT, FDA, and NMDP guidelines, as relevant to the facility’s operations.
- Identify deviations, document non-conformances, and support corrective and preventive actions to maintain laboratory quality.
- Participate in internal audits, quality improvement initiatives, and laboratory validation activities as required.
- Collaborate with laboratory scientists, quality teams, and other healthcare professionals to support safe and efficient cellular therapy operations.
- Complete a minimum of 10 hours of annual professional education in cord blood banking, cellular therapy, transfusion medicine, donor safety, or related disciplines.
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or a related scientific discipline.
- Graduation from an accredited Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) programme.
- Valid Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi licence or eligibility in Hematology, Blood Transfusion, Immunology, or a related specialty, as applicable.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant medical laboratory experience.
- Previous experience in cord blood banking, stem cell processing, cellular therapy, blood banking, or transfusion services is preferred.
- Practical experience in Flow Cytometry is required.
- Experience with HLA typing using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is an advantage.
- Knowledge of cryopreservation, controlled-rate freezing, cellular product processing, and biological sample storage procedures.
- Familiarity with laboratory quality management systems, sample traceability, biosafety, and relevant international standards.
- Strong analytical, documentation, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures accurately and work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
- Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Arabic is an advantage.
Recommended Certifications
Candidates may benefit from relevant training or certification in MLT:
- Cord blood banking and stem cell processing.
- Flow Cytometry and advanced laboratory techniques.
- Blood banking and transfusion medicine.
- Cryopreservation and cellular therapy manufacturing.
- Laboratory quality management and biosafety.
- AABB or FACT-related quality and cellular therapy standards.
Qualified candidates with relevant medical laboratory experience and the required technical skills are encouraged to apply through the official recruitment channel. Applicants should ensure that their CV highlights their laboratory experience, DOH licence or eligibility status, Flow Cytometry expertise, and any experience in cord blood banking, stem cell processing, or cellular therapy.
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Job Category: Medical Laboratory / Healthcare / Biotechnology
Specialisation: Cord Blood Banking, Stem Cell Processing and Cellular Therapy