Laboratory Analyst (Microbiology Lab)

Alpha Laboratories; Howick; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Alpha Laboratories is seeking a detail-oriented Laboratory Analyst to join our internal Microbiology laboratory. You will conduct routine microbiological testing on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products and environmental samples to ensure materials, products and processing environments comply with quality and regulatory standards.

This role suits an experienced analyst with hands-on microbiology lab experience who thrives in a fast-paced, high-compliance manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in Microbiology or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 2 years hands-on microbiology testing.
• Experience in commercial/manufacturing QC laboratory preferred.
• Precise data handling, sampling, and documentation.
• Ability to prioritize under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Self-starter with ability to work independently within a team.
• Proficient written and verbal communication and basic software use.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiological testing on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products and environmental samples.
• Conduct environmental sampling in manufacturing and microbiology labs.
• Report and release results within established turnaround times with accuracy.
• Support QA with validation testing, reports and equipment calibration as needed.
• Ensure operations comply with cGMP and internal quality standards.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Self-motivation

Time management

Independence

Communication

Tech literacy

Education

Microbiology degree

Tools

LIMS

MS Office

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and self-motivated Laboratory Analyst to join our internal Microbiology laboratory. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting routine microbiological testing on raw material, in-process sample, finished product and environmental sample to ensure our materials, products and processing environment comply with stringent quality and regulatory standards.

This position is ideal for an experienced laboratory analyst with strong foundational knowledge in microbiological testing and hands-on laboratory experience who thrives in a fast-paced, high-compliance manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Routine Microbiological Testing: Perform accurate pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbiological testing including but not limited to total aerobic plates count, yeast and mould, salmonella, listeria, coliforms, enterobacteria, E.coli, BTGNB, Staphylococcus aureus.
• Environmental Sampling and Testing: conduct environmental sampling in both the manufacturing facility and microbiology laboratory and perform microbiological testing on the environmental samples.
• Release & Turnaround: Report and release accurate test results within established turnaround times while maintaining precision under pressure.
• Quality & Technical Support: Assist with laboratory issues, validation-related testing and preparing reports for validation samples, and equipment maintenance/calibration as needed.
• Lab Operations & Compliance: Perform daily laboratory tasks to ensure full compliance with cGMP, safety protocols, and internal quality standards.

Qualifications & Required Experience

• Education: Tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience in Microbiology.
• Hands-on Experience: A minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in conducting microbiological testing. Prior experience as Key Technical Personnel in ISO17025 accredited lab is highly regarded.
• Commercial Laboratory Background: Proven experience in a commercial or manufacturing quality control laboratory.
• Methodical Precision: High attention to detail with a disciplined approach to sample preparation, testing, data integrity, and documentation.
• Time Management & Resilience: Proven ability to prioritize tasks, meet tight testing deadlines, and deliver consistent and accurate results under operational pressure.
• Initiative & Autonomy: Self-starter capable of working independently while maintaining strong integration with the wider laboratory team.
• Communication & Tech Literacy: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, paired with proficiency in standard laboratory software and computer systems.