Senior Microbiologist

Medline; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday leave

Health care discount (BUPA)

EV charging bays at Marsden Park head‑

Job summary

Medline is seeking a microbiology expert to lead environmental monitoring, bioburden testing, and contamination control across sites in Australia. You will guide investigations, validate microbiology methods, and provide input to change controls and regulatory interactions.

The role requires a degree in microbiology or related field with 5+ years in regulated manufacturing, ISO/GMP familiarity, and a hands-on, proactive approach to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in Microbiology, Biomedical Science, Biological Sciences or related discipline.
• 5+ years of microbiology experience in regulated medical device, pharmaceutical, healthcare or GMP/TGA manufacturing.
• Familiarity with ISO 13485, ISO 14644 and ISO 11737 and TGA/GMP/QMS requirements.

Responsibilities

• Act as site SME for microbiology, contamination control, environmental monitoring and sterility aspects.
• Own and deliver microbiological testing and monitoring activities including bioburden and environmental monitoring.
• Monitor and trend microbiological data to identify risks and strengthen controls.
• Lead investigations into excursions, atypical results and non-conformances with risk-based recommendations.
• Support validation, revalidation, cleaning validation, and sterilisation-related activities.
• Provide microbiology input into change controls, risk assessments, and manufacturing changes.
• Oversee external microbiology labs ensuring quality and reporting standards.
• Develop and maintain microbiology procedures, protocols and documentation.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing and Regulatory teams during audits.
• Drive continuous improvement across microbiology programs.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Quality systems

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related field

Job description

About the Role

Medline is the largest provider of medical-surgical products and supply chain solutions serving all points of care. Through its broad portfolio, resilient supply chain and leading clinical solution, Medline helps healthcare providers improve their clinical, financial and operational outcomes. Our culture is built on relentless customer focus, a drive to succeed, and the belief that relationships matter. We're gritty problem solvers who value transparency and show agility and flexibility in everything we do. To learn more about how Medline makes healthcare run better, visit www.medline.com.au

Job Description

• Act as the site subject matter expert for microbiology, contamination control, environmental monitoring and microbiological aspects of sterility assurance.
• Own and deliver microbiological testing and monitoring activities, including bioburden testing, environmental monitoring and review of microbiological results.
• Monitor and trend microbiological and cleanroom data to identify emerging risks, adverse trends and opportunities to strengthen contamination controls.
• Lead investigations into microbiological excursions, atypical results and non-conformances, providing practical, risk-based recommendations and corrective actions.
• Support validation and revalidation activities, including cleaning validation, microbiological test methods and sterilisation-related activities.
• Provide microbiology expertise into new products, change controls, risk assessments and changes to manufacturing processes, facilities, equipment and suppliers.
• Oversee external microbiology laboratories and testing providers, ensuring appropriate technical standards and quality of testing and reporting.
• Develop and maintain microbiology procedures, protocols, reports and technical documentation, ensuring programs remain compliant and audit-ready.
• Partner with Quality, Manufacturing and Regulatory teams, providing technical guidance, training and support during internal, external and regulatory audits.
• Drive continuous improvement across microbiological testing, environmental monitoring and contamination control programs.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• A degree in Microbiology, Biomedical Science, Biological Sciences or a related discipline, with at least 5 years’ relevant microbiology experience in a regulated medical device, pharmaceutical, healthcare or GMP/TGA manufacturing environment
• Commercial awareness and sound judgement, with the ability to understand operational realities and develop proportionate, practical solutions while maintaining appropriate quality and regulatory standards.
• Strong knowledge of relevant TGA, GMP and quality management system requirements, with familiarity with standards such as ISO 13485, ISO 14644 and ISO 11737.
• The confidence to interpret complex microbiological information, assess its significance and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to the business.
• A proactive, hands-on approach, with the confidence to take ownership of issues and drive them through to resolution.

What We Offer

• Learning culture with dedicated in-house training and study assistance
• Enjoy 1 day of birthday leave and volunteer leave per year
• Purchase additional annual leave scheme
• Private health care discount with BUPA
• Free partnership with Sonder - a leader in medical, mental health and safety employee assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Novated leasing
• Free EV charging bays for employees based in Marsden Park head office

Belonging at Medline

We're dedicated to creating a Medline where everyone feels they belong and can grow their career. We strive to do this by seeking diversity in all forms, acting inclusively, and ensuring that people have tools and resources to perform at their best.