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 professional 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 versatile 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

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