Laboratory Technologist – Veterinary Diagnostics

A leading marine animal and wildlife care facility in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Laboratory Technologist to support its veterinary diagnostic laboratory and marine life rescue and rehabilitation programmes.

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Veterinary Diagnostics / Marine Animal Health / Laboratory Services
Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant laboratory experience

The successful candidate will perform routine and specialized diagnostic testing across haematology, clinical biochemistry, microbiology, parasitology, body fluid analysis, and water quality testing. The role supports animal health monitoring, clinical decision-making, wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and research activities involving a diverse collection of marine animals and other wildlife.

Working under the supervision of senior laboratory management and veterinary specialists, the Laboratory Technologist will be responsible for sample processing, laboratory analyser operation, diagnostic testing, result validation, quality control, equipment maintenance, documentation, and biosafety compliance. The position also involves maintaining laboratory records, supporting audits, managing inventory, and assisting with the training of junior colleagues and students.

Candidates with experience in veterinary, zoological, wildlife, aquatic animal health, or clinical diagnostic laboratories are encouraged to apply.

Job Responsibilities

Sample Management and Processing

• Receive, inspect, verify, label, accession, and barcode diagnostic samples from clinical, animal care, rescue, and research teams.
• Confirm sample identification, container suitability, volume, labelling accuracy, transport conditions, and requested investigations.
• Prepare blood smears, aliquots, serum, and plasma samples using appropriate laboratory procedures.
• Package and dispatch samples for external referral testing and specialized investigations when required.
• Maintain sample storage and archives to support repeat testing, research, and diagnostic trend analysis.

Diagnostic Testing and Laboratory Analysis

• Perform routine and specialized diagnostic tests across haematology, clinical biochemistry, microbiology, parasitology, body fluid analysis, and water quality.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated analysers and point-of-care diagnostic equipment.
• Carry out manual laboratory techniques, including microscopy, smear preparation, dilutions, and verification of automated results.
• Perform repeat testing and investigate unexpected or inconsistent results according to established procedures.
• Assist with the introduction, verification, validation, and documentation of new laboratory methods, assays, and diagnostic equipment.
• Maintain competency across multiple laboratory disciplines to support continuity of diagnostic services.

Result Validation and Reporting

• Review and validate laboratory results against appropriate reference ranges, species-specific values, quality control criteria, and established laboratory procedures.
• Identify abnormal, inconsistent, or clinically significant findings and repeat testing or escalate concerns to the relevant laboratory or veterinary personnel.
• Enter diagnostic results accurately into laboratory information systems, databases, and associated spreadsheets.
• Communicate results to veterinary, clinical, animal care, and research teams within established turnaround times.
• Maintain laboratory data archives, reference images, and records to support trend analysis, education, and research.

Quality Control and Assurance

• Perform routine quality control checks using appropriate standards, blanks, duplicates, and control materials.
• Monitor quality control trends, investigate deviations, document findings, and implement corrective actions as directed.
• Report sample discrepancies, non-conformities, incidents, near misses, and procedural deviations to laboratory management.
• Assist in preparing, reviewing, and updating standard operating procedures, work instructions, risk assessments, and laboratory records.
• Support internal and external audits, document control, quality management activities, and corrective and preventive action follow-up.
• Follow applicable laboratory quality management requirements and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Equipment and Laboratory Maintenance

• Conduct scheduled daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance of laboratory analysers and associated equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment problems and coordinate servicing or technical support when necessary.
• Prepare, replenish, label, and store reagents, calibrators, stains, controls, and cleaning solutions appropriately.
• Monitor and record refrigerator, freezer, incubator, and other controlled environmental conditions.
• Maintain water purification systems, filters, biosafety cabinets, and other laboratory infrastructure according to established procedures.
• Ensure laboratory benches, glassware, equipment, and storage areas remain clean, organized, and suitable for diagnostic work.

Biosafety, Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Follow biosafety, chemical safety, and laboratory hygiene requirements, including applicable Biosafety Level 2 procedures.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment and maintain aseptic techniques during sample handling and testing.
• Segregate and dispose of biological, diagnostic, sharps, and chemical waste in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Follow safety data sheets, chemical risk assessments, and laboratory emergency procedures.
• Participate in biosafety training, workplace safety activities, and competency assessments.

Wildlife Health and Research Support

• Support diagnostic investigations involving rescued marine wildlife, including sea turtles, dugongs, birds, and cetaceans, as required.
• Assist with laboratory testing associated with animal health assessments, rehabilitation programmes, and field research.
• Contribute to special laboratory projects and initiatives supporting marine animal health and welfare.
• Assist with the collection, organization, and interpretation of laboratory data for research and operational purposes.

Administration and Team Support

• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, inventory records, procurement requests, and reagent usage logs.
• Prepare routine operational reports, workload statistics, and diagnostic data summaries.
• Assist with training and competency development for colleagues, interns, students, and external trainees.
• Attend laboratory meetings, briefings, and technical discussions.
• Work rotating opening, mid, and closing shifts, including weekends, public holidays, and scheduled on-call duties.
• Perform duties involving prolonged standing and walking, repetitive bending, and occasional lifting or carrying of materials weighing up to approximately 20 kg, in accordance with workplace safety procedures.

Job Qualifications

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, Biomedical Science, Veterinary Laboratory Science, Biology, or a related discipline, or an equivalent recognized qualification.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant post-qualification laboratory experience, with demonstrated responsibility across one or more diagnostic disciplines.
• Formal training in laboratory diagnostics, biosafety, quality management, or a related field.
• Practical experience operating and maintaining automated laboratory analysers and performing manual diagnostic techniques.
• Sound knowledge of laboratory principles and procedures across multiple diagnostic disciplines.
• Understanding of biosafety requirements, personal protective equipment, specimen handling, and laboratory waste management.
• Ability to interpret laboratory findings, recognize abnormal results, assess quality control performance, and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, numerical accuracy, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and contribute to the preparation and revision of technical documentation.
• Proficiency in laboratory information systems, databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Good written and verbal English communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time-management abilities, with the flexibility to work in a changing operational environment.

MLT Experience

• Eligibility to obtain relevant UAE professional licensing or certification for medical or veterinary laboratory practice, where applicable to the position.
• Membership of, or eligibility for membership in, a relevant professional organization.
• Previous experience in veterinary diagnostics, zoological laboratories, wildlife rehabilitation, aquariums, marine animal health, or aquatic animal research.
• Familiarity with non-domestic animal species and the diagnostic requirements of diverse wildlife populations.
• Experience working within a structured quality management system aligned with ISO 17025 or ISO 15189 principles.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance monitoring.
• Experience in assay verification, method validation, or the development of species-specific reference intervals.
• Experience with laboratory procurement, inventory management, and reagent stock control.
• Previous involvement in training, mentoring, or supervising junior laboratory staff, students, or interns.

Key Skills

• Veterinary and clinical laboratory diagnostics
• Haematology and clinical biochemistry
• Microbiology and parasitology
• Sample accessioning and processing
• Automated analyser operation and maintenance
• Microscopy and manual diagnostic techniques
• Laboratory quality control and assurance
• Biosafety and chemical safety compliance
• Result validation and laboratory data management
• SOP preparation and document control
• Equipment troubleshooting and inventory management
• Teamwork, communication, and analytical problem-solving