Molecular Genetics Technologist | Arabian Gulf University Bahrain

Job Description

Arabian Gulf University is seeking a Molecular Genetics Technician / Technologist for the Princess Johrah Center in Manama, Bahrain.

The role supports the diagnosis of genetic disorders through routine and specialised molecular laboratory procedures, including specimen processing, nucleic acid extraction, molecular testing, sequencing, documentation, quality control and compliance with approved laboratory procedures.

Employer: Arabian Gulf University
Unit: Princess Johrah Center
Position: Molecular Genetics Technician / Technologist
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Employment Type: Full-time
Field: Molecular Genetics / Molecular Diagnostics / Genomics
Closing Date: 1 January 2027

Molecular Genetics Technologist Bahrain – Position Overview

The Molecular Genetics Technologist will perform routine and specialised molecular laboratory procedures within documented training, competency and individual authorisation.

The role includes:

• Specimen processing.
• Nucleic acid extraction.
• Molecular testing.
• Sequencing activities.
• Laboratory documentation.
• Quality control.
• Instrument checks and maintenance.
• Laboratory information management.
• Compliance with approved SOPs.
• Compliance with applicable NHRA requirements.
• Compliance with CAP standards.

Specimen Processing and Traceability

The successful candidate will:

• Receive, verify and process patient specimens according to approved SOPs.
• Check specimen identification.
• Confirm test requests.
• Verify required consent documentation.
• Assess specimen integrity and suitability.
• Apply specimen acceptance and rejection criteria.
• Report discrepancies to the Laboratory Head.
• Maintain specimen identification and traceability.
• Ensure appropriate specimen storage throughout processing, testing and disposal.

Molecular Genetics Procedures

The role includes performing assigned procedures within the approved test menu and individual authorisation, including:

• DNA extraction.
• RNA extraction.
• Nucleic acid quantification.
• Nucleic acid quality assessment.
• PCR.
• Reverse transcription PCR.
• Real-time PCR.
• Gel electrophoresis.
• Sanger sequencing.
• NGS sample preparation.
• NGS library preparation.
• Sequencing activities.

Reagent and Inventory Management

Responsibilities include:

• Checking reagent identity.
• Monitoring reagent lot numbers.
• Checking expiry dates.
• Verifying storage conditions.
• Maintaining reagent preparation records.
• Maintaining inventory records.

Contamination Prevention

The Molecular Genetics Technologist will follow approved contamination-prevention procedures, including:

• Separation of pre-amplification and post-amplification activities.
• Use of dedicated equipment.

Quality Control and Test Acceptability

The successful candidate will:

• Perform internal quality controls.
• Document quality-control activities.
• Assess run acceptability.
• Hold affected testing or results when acceptance criteria are not met.

Instrument Checks and Maintenance

Responsibilities include:

• Routine instrument function checks.
• Assigned calibration activities.
• Operator preventive maintenance.
• Reporting equipment malfunctions.
• Reporting unresolved technical problems.

Analytical Review and Reporting

The role includes:

• Reviewing analytical data against established technical criteria.
• Submitting results and technical observations for review.
• Supporting result authorisation by designated personnel.
• Maintaining accurate worksheets.
• Maintaining instrument logs.
• Maintaining LIMS records.
• Protecting patient and genetic information.

Turnaround Time and Laboratory Performance

The successful candidate will:

• Complete assigned testing within established turnaround times.
• Report delays promptly.
• Support consistent laboratory performance.

Proficiency Testing and External Quality Assessment

The role includes participation in:

• Proficiency testing.
• External quality assessment.
• Assigned alternative assessments.

These activities should be completed using routine testing procedures.

SOPs, Validation and Audits

Under supervision, the Molecular Genetics Technologist may assist with:

• SOP preparation.
• Method validation.
• Method verification.
• Audits.
• Corrective actions.

Laboratory Safety

The successful candidate must follow procedures relating to:

• Laboratory biosafety.
• Infection control.
• Chemical safety.
• Waste disposal.

Training and Competency

The role requires completion of:

• Required training.
• Continuing education.
• Competency assessments.

New procedures may only be performed following approval, documented training and authorisation.

Minimum Academic Requirements

Applicants should hold qualifications in relevant molecular or laboratory disciplines.

The listed requirements include:

• Master’s degree (MSc) in Molecular Genetics, Molecular Biology, Medical Genetics, Genomics, or a closely related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related field, as a minimum.

Experience Requirement

For non-Bahraini applicants, the listed requirement is:

• Minimum four years of experience post-MSc in Molecular.

NHRA Licensing

For Bahraini candidates:

• A valid NHRA licence as a Medical Laboratory Technologist is required.

Preferred Molecular Diagnostics Experience

Previous hands-on experience is preferred in:

• Nucleic acid extraction.
• PCR-based methods.
• Sequencing.
• Next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Preferred Laboratory Quality Experience

Familiarity with the following is desirable:

• Laboratory quality management systems.
• Standard operating procedures.
• Quality control.
• Documentation requirements.

Experience in a:

• CAP-accredited laboratory

is preferred.

Required Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong technical skills.
• Troubleshooting ability.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Accuracy.
• Commitment to laboratory quality.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary laboratory team.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to handle high sample volumes.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong teamwork abilities.
• Commitment to patient confidentiality.
• Professional ethics.
• Commitment to continuous learning.
• Compliance with laboratory policies.

Computer Skills

Applicants should have good proficiency in:

• Microsoft Office.
• Relevant laboratory software.
• LIMS software.

Recommended Professional Development

🎓 Recommended Course: Genomic Data Science Specialization

The Genomic Data Science Specialization from Johns Hopkins University is relevant to this vacancy’s emphasis on genomics, sequencing, NGS workflows, molecular data and laboratory genetics.

It may be particularly useful for molecular genetics technologists, laboratory professionals, genomics researchers and candidates working with sequencing-based diagnostic workflows.

👉 Explore the Genomic Data Science Specialization on Coursera

Affiliate disclosure: Arab Academic Jobs may receive a commission if you enroll through this link, at no additional cost to you.

Job Summary

Field	Details
Employer	Arabian Gulf University
Unit	Princess Johrah Center
Position	Molecular Genetics Technician / Technologist
Location	Manama, Bahrain
Employment Type	Full-time
Field	Molecular Genetics / Molecular Diagnostics / Genomics
Master’s Requirement	MSc in Molecular Genetics, Molecular Biology, Medical Genetics, Genomics or closely related field
Bachelor’s Requirement	Bachelor’s in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Medical Laboratory Science or related field, as minimum
Experience Requirement	Minimum 4 years post-MSc experience in Molecular for non-Bahraini candidates
Licence Requirement	Valid NHRA Medical Laboratory Technologist licence for Bahraini candidates
Technical Areas	DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, real-time PCR, gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing and NGS
Quality Standards	SOPs, NHRA requirements, CAP standards, internal QC and proficiency testing
Preferred Experience	Molecular diagnostics and CAP-accredited laboratory experience
Systems	LIMS and relevant laboratory software
Core Responsibilities	Specimen processing, molecular testing, sequencing, QC, documentation, instrument checks, validation support and laboratory safety
Closing Date	1 January 2027