Quality Laboratory Consultant - Bee/Honey

• Bee Health Laboratory & Diagnostic Management Develop and oversee laboratory diagnostic programs for monitoring bee health, colony performance, and disease surveillance. Design and implement laboratory testing protocols to identify the causes of colony mortality, abnormal bee behavior, reduced productivity, and other health issues. Coordinate pathological, microbiological, molecular, and toxicological analyses of bee samples to determine the causes of disease, poisoning, or colony collapse. Interpret laboratory results and prepare scientific reports with evidence-based recommendations for corrective and preventive actions. Develop laboratory surveillance programs for early detection of bee diseases, parasites, pathogens, and environmental contaminants. Establish DNA testing and genetic identification programs to verify queen lineage and colony genetics, ensuring breed uniformity, genetic diversity management, and breeding program integrity across the apiary. Review genetic analysis results to support queen selection, breeding decisions, and long-term colony improvement programs. Maintain a laboratory database for bee health records, genetic profiles, disease surveillance, mortality investigations, and trend analysis to support research and continuous improvement. Collaborate with accredited national and international laboratories, universities, and research institutions on advanced diagnostic testing, DNA analysis, and scientific research related to bee health and genetics. 2. Honey Quality Management Develop honey quality standards aligned with Codex Alimentarius, UAE regulations, and international best practices. Monitor honey quality from harvesting through packaging. Review laboratory analysis results and investigate quality deviations. Verify authenticity, purity, moisture, HMF, sugar profile, pollen analysis, and other quality indicators. Support development of premium honey grading systems. 3. Laboratory Management Develop annual laboratory testing plans. Define testing requirements for honey, beeswax, propolis, pollen, royal jelly, and bee venom. Coordinate laboratory sampling programs. Review laboratory reports and approve technical recommendations. Ensure testing methods comply with ISO and international laboratory standards. 4. Research & Development Lead applied research in bee health and honey quality. Evaluate new technologies for disease detection and quality analysis. Conduct research on medicinal and functional properties of bee products. Support development of innovative bee-derived products. Publish technical reports and research findings where appropriate. 5. International Laboratory Coordination Coordinate testing with accredited local and international laboratories. Review laboratory capabilities and recommend approved testing providers. Standardize testing protocols across laboratories. Ensure timely submission and follow-up of laboratory samples. Interpret laboratory findings and advise management on corrective actions. 6. Organic & Regulatory Compliance Support compliance with UAE Organic and EU Organic standards. Ensure laboratory testing supports certification requirements. Review residue analysis, contaminants, and prohibited substances. Assist during regulatory inspections and certification audits. Develop technical documentation for compliance purposes 7. Product Development Support development of new honey and bee-derived products. Recommend quality specifications for premium product lines. Collaborate with processing teams on product stability and shelf-life studies. Evaluate opportunities for functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications. 8. Training & Technical Support Provide technical training to beekeepers, laboratory staff, and processing teams. Develop SOPs related to bee health and laboratory testing. Mentor technical staff in sampling, quality evaluation, and laboratory interpretation. Promote continuous technical development across the project. 9. Reporting & Continuous Improvement Prepare technical reports on bee health and honey quality. Analyze quality trends and recommend improvements. Develop KPIs related to colony health and product quality. Support innovation initiatives that enhance operational excellence.

Desired Candidate Profile

Role Requirements Master's degree or PhD in Apiculture, Entomology, Veterinary Science, Food Science, Agricultural Science, Biology, or a related field. Minimum 8 years of experience in bee health, honey quality, laboratory testing, or apiculture research. Experience working with accredited laboratories and international quality standards. Strong knowledge of honey chemistry, bee diseases, laboratory testing methods, and food safety regulations. Experience in organic certification and research projects is highly desirable. Excellent analytical, technical writing, and presentation skills. Other Professional Certifications ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Systems (Preferred) HACCP Certification ISO 22000 Food Safety Management (Preferred) EU Organic Standards Training (preferred) UAE Organic Standards Training (preferred) Advanced Beekeeping Certification (preferred) Research Methodology or Scientific Publications (Preferred) Special Conditions Regular travel between apiaries, honey processing facilities, and laboratories. Coordination with local and international laboratories for sample testing and technical evaluations. Participation in scientific conferences, technical committees, certification audits, and research collaborations. Availability during honey harvesting seasons and emergency bee health investigations. Employment Type Full-time

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