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Director Lab Operations Jobs in Castro Valley, CA

Biohub

Lab Manager

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$106K - $133K/yr

Laboratory Operations is central to the research conducted at the Biohub, and we're looking for ... Demonstrated ability to lead programs and drive change across teams without direct authority

Archer

Sr. Lab Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $158K/yr

Direct and coordinate integrated lab operations from pre-test preparation through execution, serving as the focal for test sequencing, anomaly response, and troubleshooting efforts * Utilize lab test ...

Specter

Engineering Lab Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

PPE detection, injured people), to operational efficiency (e.g. material tracking, congestion ... As the team grows, you'll direct technicians and set the standards they work to. Responsibilities:

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All JobsLab Operations JobsDirector Lab Operations JobsDirector Lab Operations Jobs in Castro Valley, CA

Director Lab Operations information

See Castro Valley, CA salary details

$39.2K

$124.3K

$207.1K

How much do director lab operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for director lab operations in Castro Valley, CA is $124,255.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $156,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of lab operations do?

A Director of Lab Operations oversees the daily management and strategic direction of laboratory facilities. Their responsibilities include supervising lab staff, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, managing budgets, and optimizing workflow efficiency. They also play a key role in implementing new technologies, maintaining equipment, and collaborating with other departments to support research or clinical goals. This position typically requires strong leadership skills and experience in scientific or clinical laboratory environments.

What are some of the biggest challenges a director of lab operations might face in managing multidisciplinary teams?

A Director of Lab Operations often oversees teams with diverse scientific backgrounds and expertise, which can present challenges in ensuring effective communication and collaboration. Balancing competing priorities, such as meeting research goals while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards, is also common. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing technologies and regulatory requirements requires strong leadership and the ability to foster ongoing professional development within the team. Building a cohesive culture and aligning team efforts with broader organizational objectives are key to success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of lab operations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Lab Operations, you need a robust background in laboratory science, operational management experience, and typically a relevant advanced degree such as a PhD or MSc. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), regulatory compliance standards (e.g., CLIA, CAP), and quality control protocols is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive team performance and foster a culture of safety and efficiency. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality results, regulatory compliance, and effective lab operations.

What is the difference between Director Lab Operations vs Laboratory Manager?

AspectDirector Lab OperationsLaboratory Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related field, often with advanced degrees and leadership experienceUsually requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related field, with some roles preferring a master's
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple labs or departments, strategic planning, and high-level operationsManages daily lab activities, staff, and workflow within a specific lab or department
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large biotech, pharmaceutical, and research organizationsFound in hospitals, clinical labs, and smaller research facilities

The main difference is that the Director Lab Operations focuses on strategic oversight and high-level management across multiple labs, while the Laboratory Manager handles daily operations and staff within a specific lab. Both roles require strong scientific knowledge, but the director position emphasizes leadership and planning.

What cities near Castro Valley, CA are hiring for Director Lab Operations jobs?

Cities near Castro Valley, CA with the most Director Lab Operations job openings:

Director Lab Operations jobs near you

Laboratory Operations Specialist II / III

Bonneville Labs

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Bonneville Labs is a flexible coworking and traditional lab space operator and developer optimized for a community of Bio-Doers, emerging biotechnology companies, community partners, and life sciences market leaders. Bonneville Labs believes that research and development organizations can innovate faster when their mind-share is freed up from operations to focus on discovery and product development. Bonneville Labs seeks to improve our world and lives by eliminating operational hurdles and reducing the cost of research and development for our member companies and allowing them to go forward, faster toward world changing discoveries and businesses.
The Lab Operations Specialist - Associate Lead plays a pivotal role in managing and improving Bonneville Labs shared laboratory and office facilities. This role combines direct, hands-on lab operations with leadership in project execution, vendor management, and customer experience. The individual will be responsible for ensuring that our members have a safe, compliant, and reliable work environment, while also making improvements to processes and supporting the growth of Bonneville Labs' operational excellence.
The ideal candidate has a strong lab operations background, can self-manage with minimal supervision, and thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lab & Facilities Operations
  • Perform and oversee all duties associated with site operations, including those typically carried out by coordinators and technicians.
  • Proactively interact with member scientists to identify, document, and resolve issues with services, equipment, and supplies; use a ticketing system to track and communicate resolution progress.
  • Lead and coordinate with the Bonneville Labs (BVL) team and outside vendors for lab support services, equipment maintenance, and facilities management.
  • Maintain facility and equipment compliance, including:
    • Chemical inventory management, including receiving, tracking, and waste disposal.
    • Autoclaving dishes/media and providing sterilization services.
    • Cleaning and upkeep of common equipment areas (biosafety cabinets, incubators, shared instruments).
    • Performing routine inspections of safety showers, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, and maintaining PPE/safety supply stations.
    • Monitoring and replenishing shared resources such as dry ice and liquid nitrogen.
    • Coordinating medical/biohazardous waste removal and transfer to accumulation areas.
  • Support member onboarding and offboarding processes; track progress using spreadsheets and operational systems.
  • Manage and deliver training for members proper use of shared equipment.
  • Assist with site improvements and cleaning to ensure Bonneville Labs remains an appealing, professional environment.
  • Travel between Bonneville Labs sites and member sites as needed (up to 50%).

Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
  • Contribute to the creation, updating, and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for site operations.
  • Suggest, lead, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, safety, and the overall customer experience.
  • Track and maintain operational quality metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and apply lean methodologies for continuous improvement.
  • Help refine policies and procedures that will serve as templates for current and future Bonneville Labs sites.

Member & Customer Experience
  • Collaborate with the Bonneville Labs team to ensure outstanding experience for member companies.
  • Provide customer-facing support and service, maintaining responsiveness and professionalism at all times.
  • Act as a trusted partner to members, ensuring their operational needs are anticipated and met.
  • Participate and lead customer meetings to support ongoing services.

Other
  • Perform other duties as assigned by management to support the success of Bonneville Labs.

Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field (required).
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in a laboratory operations, facilities management, or research setting.
  • Experience in a customer-facing role (3 years desirable).
  • Project coordination or project management experience strongly preferred.

Skills & Knowledge
  • Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and able to self-manage in a dynamic, fast-changing environment.
  • Proficiency in written and verbal communication in English.
  • Computer skills: proficiency with Microsoft Office/Google Suite; experience with ticketing/tracking systems or project management software desirable.
  • Ability to follow established protocols while also contributing to process improvements.
  • Strong customer service mindset and ability to collaborate across teams.

Certifications & Training
  • No formal certifications required, but training in EH&S, HazMat, and bloodborne pathogens is highly desirable.

Physical & Travel Requirements
  • Must possess a valid driver's license; able to travel between sites up to 50% of the time (including East Bay locations).
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; role requires walking, standing, bending, reaching, and carrying light objects (<10 lbs.) regularly.
  • Must be able to perform all duties with the highest regard for safety, quality, and site protocols.

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