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Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AENU

Lab Manager

Brisbane, CA · On-site

About the Role Laboratory Manager Are you a lab manager looking to apply your experience to running a complex facility aimed at fighting climate change? Heirloom's laboratory manager will oversee the ...

Heirloom Carbon

Lab Manager

Brisbane, CA · On-site

About the Role Laboratory Manager Are you a lab manager looking to apply your experience to running a complex facility aimed at fighting climate change? Heirloom's laboratory manager will oversee the ...

Heirloom Carbon

Lab Manager

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

About the Role Laboratory Manager Are you a lab manager looking to apply your experience to running a complex facility aimed at fighting climate change? Heirloom's laboratory manager will oversee the ...

AmSpec Group

Lab Manager

Camarillo, CA · On-site

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 ...

Omen AI

Lab Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Lab Manager Location: San Francisco (In-person) Who We Are Omen is miniaturizing lab-grade spectroscopy into field-deployable embedded sensors. Our systems deliver PPM-level trace analysis reports on ...

AmSpec Group

Lab Manager

Signal Hill, CA · On-site

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 ...

Dental Rite

Dental Lab Manager

Los Angeles, CA

$75K - $80K/yr

Dental Lab Management, EXOCAD experience, crown/bridge designing is a requirement** Your tasks will include, but not be limited to: working as "Admin" on our dental portal with dentists to finalize ...

Amspec LLC.

Lab Manager

Signal Hill, CA

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 ...

Amspec LLC.

Lab Manager

Camarillo, CA

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 ...

Apple

PCB Materials Lab Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

We're looking for a PCB Materials Lab Manager to lead the team and capabilities behind it - someone who sets the standard for quality, anticipates where our engineering needs are heading, and keeps ...

Socket.dev

R&D Lab Manager

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Lab Manager is an individual contributor within the Logistics organization responsible for the day-to-day operational management of Neuralink's South San Francisco laboratory and engineering ...

Neuralink

R&D Lab Manager

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Lab Manager is an individual contributor within the Logistics organization responsible for the day-to-day operational management of Neuralink's South San Francisco laboratory and engineering ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLab JobsLab Manager JobsLab Manager Jobs in California

Lab Manager information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$90.8K

$147K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 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 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.

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 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 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.

How much does a lab manager make?

The average salary for a lab manager in California ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the industry sector. Salaries may also vary based on the size of the laboratory and specific responsibilities, such as overseeing staff, managing budgets, or ensuring compliance with safety standards.

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 experience in laboratory operations. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are essential, and certifications like OSHA safety training or specific technical certifications can be advantageous.
More about Lab Manager jobs

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:

Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,756 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Lab Manager

Brisbane, CA • On-site

AENU
See more jobs at AENUexternal

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the personnel and functions of the laboratory to ensure high analytical throughput, safety, organization, and instrument capabilities.

  • Perform routine analyses, support characterization studies, and contribute to the laboratory's research and development activities.

  • Manage laboratory technicians and research associates, and work directly with research and engineering teams.

Job description

About the Role

Laboratory Manager

Are you a lab manager looking to apply your experience to running a complex facility aimed at fighting climate change? Heirloom’s laboratory manager will oversee the personnel and functions of the laboratory that generate the data we use to develop and scale our Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. This role ensures the lab maintains high analytical throughput, strong organization of samples and supplies, all safety requirements, morale and staffing of the lab team, and functioning and growing instrument capabilities.

You will have the opportunity to be hands-on in the laboratory, as well as oversee laboratory technicians and research associates, and work directly with both our research and engineering teams. You and your team will contribute to Heirloom’s R&D program through performing routine analyses, supporting characterization studies, improving our lab information management systems, and managing our external analytical vendor relationships.

What you will bring

You bring a passion for being in the laboratory and leading a team to improve analytical capabilities and throughput. Your excitement for science and technology is only matched by a commitment to safety and care for people working in the lab. You have a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and 3+ years of experience managing a lab with several instruments, multiple direct reports, and a laboratory data management system.

Most of all, you are energized by the prospect of guiding a lab in a fast-paced start-up environment!

You don’t have to have every listed requirement and skill to be a great fit.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We encourage you to apply if you identify as Black, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Hispanic or Latino, LGBTQ+ – or with any other underrepresented group – even if you don’t tick all the boxes in the description below.

Perks and Benefits for Eligible Employees

  • Excellent health, dental and vision insurance covered up to 100% by Heirloom. FSA option.

  • 16 weeks paid parental leave for all Heirloom employees.

  • Generous stock options.

  • Unlimited PTO for exempt (salaried) employees & 120 hours for full time non-exempt (hourly) employees.

  • 401(k).

  • Monthly health and wellness reimbursement.

  • Annual education and conference budget.

Our Principles

  • Radical Honesty. We strive to foster an inclusive environment premised on transparency and respect. We push for excellence, yet always remain thoughtful when challenging each other.

  • Persistent Optimism. We show up to work with optimism and don’t shy away from a challenge. We recognize that the ambitious nature of our mission requires hopefulness, dedication, and persistence.

  • Maximize Learning. Compounding knowledge is our key to victory - we continuously hone our crafts, seek the fastest paths to improve, and are quick to absorb and apply new insights.

Why you should join Heirloom

  • We are solving the challenge of our generation. Climate change is an existential threat, and we need as many of the world’s motivated minds as possible to help. There is no greater challenge or opportunity than fighting climate change.

  • We are a world-class team. We are engineers, scientists, and concerned humans from a variety of backgrounds and experiences who are pooling our knowledge and skills to collectively build a more equitable, prosperous future for all.

  • We remain united, resilient, and optimistic. We recognize the magnitude of the challenge ahead of us, yet believe that we can contribute to mitigating the worst effects of climate change. It won’t be easy, but we won’t quit.

We are backed by credible climate partners. We’re well funded by investors from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Ahren Innovation Capital, Carbon Direct, Microsoft, Lowercarbon Capital, ARPA-e and the National Science Foundation. Our early customers include Stripe, Shopify, and Klarna, and we’re building durable partnerships that enable us to tackle this decades-long problem.

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