Laboratory Services Manager

Micropoint Laboratories; Ryde; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Micropoint Laboratories in Australia seeks a Laboratory Technical Services Manager – Microbiology to lead the microbiology testing operations, ensuring scientific integrity, quality assurance, and ISO/IEC 17025/NATA compliance. A senior role with responsibility for audits, method validation and staff competency.

You will oversee testing methods, QA programmes, and documentation while managing calibration, records and continuous improvement initiatives across the laboratory.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in microbiology, biological sciences, food science or a closely related discipline.
• Substantial practical experience in a commercial microbiological testing laboratory, preferably in food, beverage, water or environmental microbiology.
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and NATA accreditation requirements.

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.
• Oversee accreditation processes, audits and scope extensions.
• Ensure accuracy, reliability, traceability and technical validity of results.
• Supervise personnel, training, competency evaluations and test authorisation.
• Coordinate internal quality control programmes and proficiency testing.
• Drive continuous improvement and document control within the lab.

Skills

Problem solving

Organisation

Communication

Technical report-writing

Education

Tertiary qualification in microbiology or related discipline

Tools

Microbiological testing equipment

Job description

Laboratory Technical Services Manager – Microbiology at Micropoint Laboratories, a NATA-accredited testing laboratory specialising in microbiological testing of food, beverages, water and environmental samples. This is a senior technical leadership position responsible for the laboratory's technical operations, scientific integrity, quality assurance systems and ongoing compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and NATA accreditation requirements.

Key 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.

About you

• 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.
• Sound technical knowledge of microbiological testing methods, including relevant Australian Standards, ISO methods and other recognised analytical procedures.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, training and evaluating the technical competence of laboratory personnel.
• Strong understanding of microbiological testing equipment, laboratory quality assurance programmes and technical documentation.
• Excellent problem-solving, organisational, communication and technical report-writing skills.
• Currently residing in Australia with valid Australian work rights permitting employment without employer sponsorship.

About us

Micropoint Laboratories is a well established NATA-accredited testing laboratory specialising in microbiological testing of food, beverages, water and environmental samples. We provide analytical testing and technical services to a diverse range of clients across the food manufacturing, hospitality, environmental and related industries.