Head of Microbiology Technical Services

Micropoint Laboratories; Ryde; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Micropoint Laboratories, a NATA-accredited testing laboratory, seeks a Laboratory Technical Services Manager – Microbiology to lead microbiological testing activities and ensure ISO/IEC 17025 and NATA conformity. You will supervise staff, drive quality assurance programs and coordinate audits to maintain the accreditation scope.

The role requires a tertiary microbiology qualification, extensive practical lab experience, and a strong track record in accreditation readiness and technical

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in microbiology, biological sciences, food science or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Substantial practical experience in a commercial microbiological testing laboratory, preferably specialising in food, beverage, water or environmental microbiology.
• Demonstrated understanding and practical application of ISO/IEC 17025 and NATA accreditation requirements.
• Previous responsibility for laboratory technical supervision, method verification, quality control and analytical result review.
• Experience preparing for and participating in NATA accreditation audits and implementing corrective actions arising from audit findings.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall technical leadership and supervision of the laboratory's microbiological testing activities.
• Maintain compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, applicable NATA accreditation criteria and relevant microbiological testing standards.
• Manage and maintain the laboratory's NATA accreditation, including preparation for surveillance and reassessment audits, implementation of corrective actions and coordination of accreditation scope extensions.
• Oversee microbiological testing methods, including method selection, verification, validation and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Ensure the accuracy, reliability, traceability and technical validity of laboratory testing results.
• Supervise laboratory personnel, including technical training, competency evaluations, performance monitoring and authorisation of testing activities.
• Manage internal quality control programmes, proficiency testing, interlaboratory comparisons and investigation of unsatisfactory analytical performance.
• Coordinate internal audits, technical investigations, corrective actions, root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain laboratory equipment calibration, maintenance, verification and performance monitoring programmes.
• Oversee laboratory quality management documentation, standard operating procedures, technical records and compliance requirements.

Skills

Technical leadership

ISO/IEC 17025

NATA accreditation

Quality assurance

Laboratory supervision

Training and competency

Analytical report writing

Education

Tertiary qualification in microbiology or related

Job description

Micropoint Laboratories, a NATA-accredited testing laboratory, seeks a Laboratory Technical Services Manager – Microbiology to lead microbiological testing activities and ensure ISO/IEC 17025 and NATA conformity. You will supervise staff, drive quality assurance programs and coordinate audits to maintain the accreditation scope.

The role requires a tertiary microbiology qualification, extensive practical lab experience, and a strong track record in accreditation readiness and technical