Senior Scientist Microbiology

Requisition Number: 1365

Salary Range: $112,043.37 - $120,402.98 per annum

Position Type: Full-Time Permanent

Location: MacNamara Street, Cairns

Application Close Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 11.30pm AEST

Are you a microbiology expert looking to make a lasting impact through leadership and innovation? We are seeking a Senior Scientist Microbiology to join our Laboratory Services Unit.

What You’ll Be Doing:

As the Senior Scientist Microbiology, you will be responsible for leading the Microbiology Section, overseeing staff, workflows, quality systems, and technical operations to ensure the delivery of accurate, timely, and high-quality microbiological testing services. You will provide strategic and technical leadership across microbiology operations while contributing to laboratory-wide planning, continuous improvement initiatives, accreditation activities, and organisational objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

- Actively contribute to laboratory leadership, planning, quality management and strategic improvement initiatives as a member of the Laboratory Senior Leadership Team.
- Supervise and manage the staff of the Microbiology Section, including leave management, training, competency assessment and operational support.
- Lead and coordinate routine and non-routine microbiological testing programs to meet operational objectives, customer requirements and laboratory performance targets.
- Provide specialist technical advice, data interpretation and skilled judgement for internal and external stakeholders
- Ensure the quality and integrity of analytical results through review of quality control data,



proficiency testing performance, trends and method performance.
- Identify, evaluate and implement improvements to laboratory methods, workflows, quality systems and customer service outcomes.
- Coordinate the calibration, servicing and maintenance of Microbiology Section instrumentation.

What We are Looking For:

- Degree qualification in a science discipline relevant to the position.
- Demonstrated experience in microbiology analysis of water, wastewater and solids. Including a detailed knowledge of relevant guidelines for drinking water and wastewater licence requirements.
- Demonstrated experience in the development and validation of microbiology testing methodologies Comprehensive knowledge of QA/QC systems applicable to a NATA accredited laboratory.
- Demonstrated high level time management skills and the ability to prioritise and organise the workload of a Laboratory unit to achieve efficient high quality outcomes.
- Knowledge of computing as related to laboratory operations particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and Laboratory Information Management Systems.
- Previous experience and proven aptitude for the supervision and training of scientific and technical staff in a laboratory environment.




- Demonstrated high-level written and oral communication skills to develop and maintain a positive relationship with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Proven willingness and ability to promote a team approach to the achievement of customer focussed goals.

Some benefits we offer:

- Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements
- Fitness Passport - subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
- Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave
- Up to 3 weeks personal leave
- Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
- Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
- Salary sacrifice opportunities
- Relocation assistance may be available for preferred candidates.

We are committed to:

- Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
- Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support

Now we want to hear about YOU! Applications MUST be submitted online through the 'Apply' button and include a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria and Resume outlining previous academic and work experience and if requested include attachments of the relevant qualifications and licenses, relating to the role.

For further information about this role please download the Position Description which includes the Key Duties, Responsibilities and Selection Criteria.

Council’s Recruitment Team can be contacted via:

Phone: (07) 4044 3310

Email: [email protected]

Website: Employment at Council | Cairns Regional Council

📌 Senior Scientist Microbiology (Cairns)
🏢 Cairns Regional Council
📍 Cairns