Laboratory Analyst (Microbiology Lab)

ALPHA LABORATORIES (NZ) LTD is a leading nutraceutical manufacturer in New Zealand.

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.

Key Competencies & Professional Attributes

• 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.