An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Laboratory Manager with a strong microbiology background to lead the daily operations of a growing environmental water testing laboratory based in Brisbane's north.
SEQ Laboratories is a privately owned laboratory specialising in microbiological and chemical analysis for healthcare, environmental and industrial clients. The laboratory is currently progressing through the final stages of its initial NATA accreditation under ISO/IEC *****.
We are seeking a hands-on Laboratory Manager who can lead by example, oversee technical and operational delivery, support staff development and maintain a strong quality-driven culture.
The successful applicant will have primary technical responsibility for the laboratory's microbiology function while overseeing the broader laboratory operation. The role will be supported by dedicated chemistry resources.
This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in shaping laboratory systems, technical processes and future growth within a developing organisation.
An immediate start is preferred. Applications from experienced Laboratory Managers seeking an interim, fixed-term or contracting arrangement will also be considered.
Key Responsibilities
Manage the daily operation of the laboratory, including scheduling, staffing, workflow and testing priorities.
Provide hands-on technical leadership.
Perform, review and oversee microbiological testing, including:
Total Viable Counts using membrane filtration methods.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Legionella.
Atypical Mycobacteria.
Endotoxin testing.
Contact and settle plates.
Environmental monitoring and microbial identification activities.
Review analytical data, quality-control results and technical records before result release.
Investigate unusual, atypical or out-of-specification results.
Oversee sample receipt, preparation, testing, incubation, interpretation and reporting.
Maintain laboratory compliance with ISO/IEC ***** and NATA requirements.
Coordinate accreditation activities, assessments, corrective actions and ongoing compliance.
Maintain staff training, competency-assessment and technical-authorisation records.
Write, review and update SOPs,



technical procedures, worksheets and quality documentation.
Oversee laboratory equipment, calibration, maintenance and service requirements.
Monitor media, reagent, consumable and reference‐culture requirements.
Manage nonconformances, investigations, corrective actions and continuous‐improvement activities.Support internal audits, management reviews and proficiency-testing programs.
Mentor and support laboratory staff while fostering a collaborative and accountable culture.
Ensure laboratory safety, contamination-control and biosecurity procedures are followed.
Liaise professionally with clients, assessors, suppliers and internal stakeholders regarding technical matters and laboratory results.
Work collaboratively with dedicated chemistry personnel to ensure effective delivery of the laboratory's chemical testing services.
Essential Criteria
Bachelor's degree or higher in Microbiology, Biological Science, Medical Laboratory Science or another directly relevant scientific discipline.
Minimum five years' experience working in a commercial, environmental, medical, food, pharmaceutical or water‐testing laboratory.
Demonstrated hands‐on microbiology experience, including culture‐based methods and interpretation of microbiological results.
Previous leadership, supervisory or laboratory‐management experience.
Practical working knowledge of ISO/IEC ***** and NATA laboratory requirements.
Experience reviewing laboratory results, quality‐control data and technical records.
Experience with method development, verification or validation.
Experience training staff and assessing technical competency.
Strong problem‐solving capability and the ability to investigate technical or quality issues.
Excellent time management, documentation and communication skills.




Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and lead a small laboratory team.
Unrestricted Australian working rights.
Highly Desirable
Environmental or water microbiology experience.
Experience with membrane filtration methods.
Experience testing for TVC, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella or Atypical Mycobacteria.
Endotoxin‐testing experience.
Experience participating in NATA assessments or accreditation submissions.
Experience establishing, commissioning or expanding a laboratory.
Experience managing a laboratory quality management system.
Experience with proficiency testing, internal audits and corrective‐action management.
Experience using LIMS or electronic laboratory‐reporting systems.
Experience authorising or releasing laboratory results.
General understanding of water chemistry and multidisciplinary laboratory operations.
What's on Offer
Competitive salary of $115,000–$130,000 plus superannuation, commensurate with experience.
High degree of autonomy and influence over laboratory operations.
Dedicated chemistry support rather than sole responsibility for all chemistry testing.
Opportunity to lead a laboratory through its initial NATA accreditation and future expansion.
Modern laboratory facilities and specialist equipment.
Small, cooperative and growing team.
Direct access to company leadership and the ability to influence operational decisions.
Opportunity to shape laboratory processes, technical systems and team culture.
Genuine long‐term career growth as the laboratory expands its services and national client base.
About SEQ Laboratories
SEQ Laboratories is a privately owned Australian environmental water testing laboratory based in Clontarf, Brisbane.
We provide specialised microbiological and chemical testing services supporting healthcare, environmental and industrial water‐quality requirements.
Our objective is to deliver technically defensible results, responsive service and practical water‐quality expertise through a strong culture of scientific integrity, quality and continuous improvement.
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Laboratory Manager – Environmental Water Testing (Queensland)
🏢 SEQ Medical
📍 Queensland