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Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Lab Manager

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

Materials & Testing Associate Lab Manager Job Overview and Responsibilities Be part of a world-class laboratory management team supporting projects that are critical to the success of the Global ...

Lab Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Summary We are seeking an experienced Lab Manager to serve as the backbone of our hardware development environment. You will wear many hats, including help set up lab spaces, navigating EHS ...

As an Electronics Lab Manager, you will be the backbone of our hardware engineering environment, ensuring our teams have everything they need to design, test, and iterate on the next generation of ...

Together with Lab manager, accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing issues and needs, instrument status and content/accuracy of testing data and results. Primary ...

Together with Lab manager, accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing issues and needs, instrument status and content/accuracy of testing data and results. Primary ...

Lab Manager

San Diego, CA

$37.12 - $77.07/hr

As an Electronics Lab Manager, you will be the backbone of our hardware engineering environment, ensuring our teams have everything they need to design, test, and iterate on the next generation of ...

About the role We're looking for a Preclinical Lab Manager to own the day-to-day operations, compliance, and infrastructure of Nudge's preclinical research organization and rodent vivarium. You'll ...

About the role We're looking for a Preclinical Lab Manager to own the day-to-day operations, compliance, and infrastructure of Nudge's preclinical research organization and rodent vivarium. You'll ...

Responsible for operations and supervision of Lab. personnel. Accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing issues and needs, instrument status and content/accuracy of ...

Responsible for operations and supervision of Lab. personnel. Accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing issues and needs, instrument status and content/accuracy of ...

Lab Manager (JP9779) Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Employment Type : Contract Business Unit: Drug Product & Process Development Duration : 3 years Job posting date : 2/8/2022 Rate : $30-33/HR Note:

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Lab Manager information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$90.8K

$147K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab manager in California is $90,756.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lab Manager, you need expertise in laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and scientific analysis, typically supported by a degree in a relevant science field and prior lab experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory software, and regulatory compliance certifications such as OSHA or CLIA is often required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills help manage teams, coordinate projects, and ensure accurate reporting. These abilities are vital for maintaining efficient lab operations, regulatory compliance, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What qualifications do you need to be a lab manager?

A lab manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering, along with several years of experience in laboratory settings. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are essential, and certifications in safety or specific technical areas can be advantageous.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

The highest paying roles in a laboratory setting are often senior positions such as Laboratory Directors or Chief Scientific Officers, who oversee operations and research strategies. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and organization.

What does a Lab Manager do?

A Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a laboratory. Their duties typically include supervising staff, ensuring safety protocols are followed, managing inventory and ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Lab Managers also coordinate experiments and research activities, and may handle budgeting and administrative tasks. Their role is crucial in ensuring the lab runs efficiently and safely.

How much does a lab manager earn?

Lab managers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can be higher in specialized fields or larger organizations, and the role often requires strong organizational and technical skills.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Managers when overseeing a diverse research team?

Lab Managers often encounter challenges related to coordinating schedules, managing conflicting priorities among researchers, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on support requires strong organizational skills and adaptability, especially when unexpected issues arise, such as equipment malfunctions or supply shortages. Effective communication is key to fostering collaboration and maintaining a productive work environment, as Lab Managers frequently serve as the bridge between researchers, technicians, and external vendors.

What does a laboratory manager do?

A laboratory manager oversees daily operations in a lab, including managing staff, ensuring safety protocols, maintaining equipment, and coordinating experiments or research activities. They often handle budgeting, compliance with regulations, and may require knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

What is the difference between Lab Manager vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab ManagerLaboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant science, often with management experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, and ensures compliancePerforms routine tests, prepares samples, and maintains lab equipment
ResponsibilitiesSupervises staff, manages budgets, and coordinates projectsConducts experiments, records data, and maintains lab safety

The main difference between a Lab Manager and a Laboratory Technician lies in their responsibilities and level of oversight. Lab Managers focus on managing lab operations, staff, and compliance, while Laboratory Technicians handle hands-on testing and sample preparation. Both roles require relevant scientific credentials, but Lab Managers typically have more experience and managerial skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Lab jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lab Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Lab Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,756 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Associate Lab Manager

Syensqo

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

Other

Posted 29 days ago


Syensqo rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 90 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Syensqo is all about chemistry. We're not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet's beauty for the generations to come.Job Title: Materials & Testing Associate Lab ManagerJob Overview and Responsibilities

Be part of a world-class laboratory management team supporting projects that are critical to the success of the Global Business Unit (GBU). You'll have the opportunity to engage and collaborate across all functions and levels of the Materials segment. Prove or develop leadership skills and experience in a dynamic team environment that works on developing, qualifying, and maintaining the GBU's composites portfolio.

This position will work closely with the Anaheim Materials & Testing Laboratory and reports to the Laboratory Manager.  The Materials & Testing Associate Lab Manager major responsibilities will include:

  • Interfaces with engineers, scientists, and lab supervisors to make sure customer-specific needs are met.

  • Supports continuous improvement and lean events for the M&T lab.  Manages lab investigations as required.

  • Tracks Key X project testing costs vs. budget.

  • Organize audits as required.  Coordinate with AIR or AERs for all NCAMP projects.  Fulfill AIR or AER responsibilities if possible in the future.

  • Ensure lab testing remains on schedule and forecast future testing demands.

  • Develop and execute a CapEx strategy to maintain or expand the lab's capabilities.

  • Assist project managers with identifying gaps or pertinent information missing from test plans.

  • Assist Lab Manager with developing staff and recruiting.

  • Support project managers by providing testing expertise and effectively managing the appropriate data repositories.

  • Maintains and improves the execution of test methods for high quality, repeatable results (customer-specific formats, consistency, and accuracy).

  • Provides occasional oversight of Technicians and Supervisors when the M&T Lab Manager is out of the office.

You will bring:

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's Degree in Business, Science, Engineering, or Technology

  • 5 plus years experience in advanced materials market in a technical capacity

  • 2 plus years experience in a leadership or managerial position preferred (or demonstrated significant work experience and leading teams).

  • Experienced in leading cross-functional teams in problem resolution - material, customer, commercial, internal, and external.

  • Demonstrated experience in the use of Six Sigma, Lean, and Continuous Improvement tools, techniques, and methodology.

  • Basic knowledge of Syensqo Material Segment products and applications preferred.  Basic to intermediate understanding of the composites industry including resin families, fibers, test methods, and statistics.

  • Ability to develop managerial skills

  • Ability to build project management skills.

Skills
  • Good listening, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

  • Must be a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision

  • Must have a strong sense of urgency and drive (action-oriented).

  • Organizational skills to manage multiple projects, team members, stakeholders, and commitments.

  • Ability to establish good working relationships with Syensqo personnel at all levels of the organization.

  • Ability to effectively lead cross-functional teams engaging and aligning with key business and functional stakeholders.

  • Ability to effectively resolve team conflicts and manage problem solving activities, prioritizing actions based on ROI.

  • Good understanding of LIMS, testing, and lab processes.

  • Highly skilled in the use of G-suite products (Gmail, Sheets, Slides, etc.) and Microsoft 365 products (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

You will get:
   Competitive salary and benefits package. The U.S. base salary range reasonably expected to be paid for this position is $98,720 to $148,800 per year. Since actual compensation packages are based on a variety of factors unique to each candidate we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted base salary range. Total compensation for this role also includes bonus and/or other incentives.
   16, or more, weeks of maternity/paternity and co-parenting leave, according to local regulations
   Training platform for all employees
   Free well-being sessions (physical and psychological)

Additonal information:

  • Location: Anaheim, CA (onsite)
  • Must be a US Citizen or a Green Card holder

About us

  • Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.
  • At Syensqo, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.
  • Syensqo is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

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