1. 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.