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Lab Head Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NVH Engineer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80 - $93/hr

Utilize experimental data acquisition systems and analysis software (Matlab, LMS Test Lab, HEAD Acoustics ArtemiS, ...). * Conduct experimental Noise, Vibration and Aeroacoustic investigations ...

NVH Engineer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $93K/yr

Utilize experimental data acquisition systems and analysis software (Matlab, LMS Test Lab, HEAD Acoustics ArtemiS, ...). * Conduct experimental Noise, Vibration and Aeroacoustic investigations ...

Sr. NVH Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$98 - $125/hr

Utilize experimental data acquisition systems and NVH analysis software (LMS Test Lab, HEAD Acoustics ArtemiS, ...). * Collaborate with NVH and cross functional teams to develop and execute test ...

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Lab Head information

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How much do lab head jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab head in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab head?

A Lab Head is a senior researcher or scientist who leads a laboratory or research group, typically within an academic, medical, or industrial setting. They are responsible for overseeing research projects, securing funding, managing staff and resources, and setting the scientific direction of the lab. Lab Heads often mentor students and junior researchers, publish findings, and collaborate with other scientists. Their leadership is crucial for driving innovation and ensuring successful project outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Lab Head, you need advanced scientific expertise in your field, a relevant doctoral degree, and a strong background in experimental design and data analysis. Familiarity with laboratory management software, safety compliance systems, and grant-writing platforms is typically required. Outstanding leadership, communication, and team-building skills help foster a productive research environment and guide junior scientists. These skills ensure that the lab operates efficiently, produces high-quality research, and maintains funding and compliance standards.

What are some common challenges faced by lab heads in managing research teams, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Heads often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with hands-on research, managing diverse team dynamics, and securing consistent funding for projects. Effective communication and delegation are vital for keeping projects on track while supporting team members' professional growth. Building a collaborative environment and regularly reviewing goals can help address conflicts and ensure that research objectives are met efficiently. Additionally, staying proactive about grant applications and networking within the scientific community can help sustain funding and foster new opportunities for the team.

What is the difference between Lab Head vs Laboratory Manager?

AspectLab HeadLaboratory Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (PhD, MD)Usually requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentLeads research teams, oversees scientific projectsManages daily lab operations, staff, and resources
Industry UsageCommon in research institutions, universities, biotech companiesFound in clinical labs, industrial labs, research facilities

The main difference between a Lab Head and a Laboratory Manager lies in their focus and responsibilities. A Lab Head primarily leads research efforts, sets scientific direction, and often holds advanced degrees. In contrast, a Laboratory Manager handles operational aspects, staff management, and day-to-day lab functions. Both roles are essential but serve different strategic and operational purposes within laboratory settings.

What cities are hiring for Lab Head jobs?

Cities with the most Lab Head job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs?

The most popular types of Lab jobs are:

What states have the most Lab Head jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lab Head jobs include:

Infographic showing various Lab Head job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Principal Scientist, Lab Head, Metabolism Drug Discovery

Genentech

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$143 - $266/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Genentech rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

The Position

A healthier future. It's what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That's what makes us Genentech.

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about revolutionizing treatments for obesity, cardiovascular, renal and metabolic disorders? Do you want to help build and shape a growing metabolism biology group at Genentech? Are you driven by connecting human biology to therapeutic development?

The CVRM Discovery within Genentech Research and Early Development (gRED) is seeking a Principal Scientist, Lab Head to lead our groundbreaking efforts in metabolic disease research. This is a key role responsible for making significant contributions to the early stage cardiometabolic pipeline, including obesity and its comorbidities.

The successful candidate will drive efforts spanning early target identification through clinical candidate advancement, while expanding disease-area biology. The Principal Scientist will be able to work alongside world-class scientists, computational biologists, therapeutic engineers and clinicians across the Genentech/ Roche organization.

This position reports to the VP and Head of CVRM Research Biology and offers the opportunity to build a lab team focused on key biological questions, functional genomics and transcriptomics, drug pharmacology, and clinical translatability. The incumbent will implement and shape the target and drug discovery portfolio in cardiovascular, renal and metabolic disease.

Key Responsibilities and Attributes of the Principal Scientist:
  • Lab focused and biology driven, building and managing a team (approximately 2-3 direct reports) of expert experimental biologists focused on cardiovascular and renal disease biology, target and drug discovery. The incumbent will conduct experimental biology, with their team, in support of disease biology, target discovery and validation.

  • Apply expertise of biological pathways of cardiovascular and renal physiology, tissue remodeling, and adaptation in disease. The incumbent is able to utilize this knowledge to design, run and interpret experiments at the molecular, cellular and organismal level.

  • Establish and leverage experimental models of disease, including models applicable to genetic or drug screening, to more complex models that capture key aspects of human CVRM diseases.

  • Serve as biology lead in preclinical drug discovery programs, guiding the evaluation and development of novel therapeutics for cardiovascular and renal diseases including heart failure, chronic kidney disease and related comorbidities. Drive biology strategy through a practical understanding of drug discovery optimization and screening cascades, and a hands-on understanding of key biology experiments to conduct in support of go/no-go decisions.

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partner closely with internal teams across departments and disciplines, including Drug Development, Translational Medicine, Transcriptomics/Proteomics, Computational and Clinical Science , to drive innovative therapeutic strategies, formulate new therapeutic hypotheses and advance transformative medicines.

  • Communicate findings to internal meetings and governance boards, author documents including IND reports, and publish impactful scientific discoveries.

  • Manage day-to-day lab operations, ensure best practices and compliance for ELN and documentation, and oversee external collaborations or outsourcing as needed.

  • Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture, mentor and motivate team, and provide career development for scientists and research associates.

Who You Are
  • PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in Metabolism, Cardiovascular Research, Neuroscience, Endocrinology, Physiology or a related discipline.

  • Experience: Minimum 4 years post-Ph.D. of productive postdoctoral training and/or industry experience.

  • Proven track record of driving innovative research in metabolic disease.

  • Strong hands on lab experience in the latest state-of-the-art techniques applied to metabolic disease research.

  • Demonstrated impact through high-quality publications, patents, and/or successful program advancement.

  • Expertise spanning basic and translational research focusing on cardiovascular and renal diseases including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, heart failure, MASH, and related indications.

  • Exceptional leadership potential and a track record of working with multidisciplinary teams, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a collaborative spirit.

Preferred
  • Experience in functional genomics and transcriptomics

  • Application of AI/ML based methodologies to biological research

  • Hands-on experience with in vivo CVRM models and techniques

At Genentech, you'll work alongside world-class scientists in a culture that fosters creativity, innovation, and scientific excellence. Join us in our mission to develop life-changing therapies for patients with metabolic disorders.

Relocation benefits are available for this posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $143,200-$265,900. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.

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About Genentech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A member of the Roche Group, Genentech has been at the forefront of the biotechnology industry for more than 40 years, using human genetic information to develop novel medicines for serious and life-threatening diseases. Genentech has multiple therapies on the market for cancer & other serious illnesses. Please take this opportunity to learn about Genentech where we believe that our employees are our most important asset & are dedicated to remaining a great place to work.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

South San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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