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Lab Manager Jobs in Bloomington, IN (NOW HIRING)

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Lab Manager information

See Bloomington, IN salary details

$30.1K

$85.1K

$137.8K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab manager in Bloomington, IN is $85,063.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,800.00 and $102,700.00 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 like OSHA safety training or specific technical licenses can be advantageous.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

The highest paying jobs in a laboratory setting are often senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Chief Scientific Officers, who oversee operations and research strategies. These positions 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.

Do you need a PhD to be a lab manager?

A PhD is not typically required to be a lab manager; most positions require a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, along with experience in laboratory operations, management skills, and knowledge of lab procedures. Advanced degrees may be preferred for managing research-intensive labs, but practical experience and organizational abilities are often more important.

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 laboratory, 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.

More about Lab Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Bloomington, IN? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Bloomington, IN are:
What cities near Bloomington, IN are hiring for Lab Manager jobs? Cities near Bloomington, IN with the most Lab Manager job openings:
Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in Bloomington, IN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,063 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Environments Lab Manager MACH TB 2.0 with Security Clearance

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

Crane, IN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: The Environments Lab Manager would lead a team responsible for shock, vibration, and environmental durability testing across a range of hypersonic components and flight systems. This role oversees test strategy, operations, personnel development, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure products meet rigorous performance for acceptance or qualification. The manager combines technical expertise with strong leadership to drive reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement within the test organization. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Leadership & Team Management Lead, mentor, and develop a team of environmental test engineers and technicians.
Set priorities, allocate resources, and manage workload across multiple concurrent test programs.
Foster a culture of safety, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
Conduct performance reviews, support career development, and guide hiring decisions.
Technical Oversight Define test strategies, methodologies, and best practices for shock, vibration, and environmental qualification.
Review and approve test plans, setups, instrumentation strategies, and data analysis approaches.
Provide technical guidance on interpreting applicable standards.
Support root-cause investigations and reliability improvement initiatives.
Operations & Program Execution Oversee daily operation of test facilities.
Ensure equipment calibration, maintenance, and readiness.
Manage lab scheduling, capacity planning, and resource optimization.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with design, integration, manufacturing, and program management teams to define test requirements and timelines.
Communicate test results, risks, and recommendations to engineering leadership and stakeholders.
Support customer interactions, audits, and technical reviews.
Strategic & Continuous Improvement Identify opportunities to enhance test capability, throughput, and data quality.
Drive investments in new equipment, software, and process automation.
Develop and maintain documentation, procedures, and training materials. Required Experience: SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Yes. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: Significant hands-on experience with shock, vibration, and environmental testing.
Strong understanding of structural dynamics, vibration theory, and signal processing.
Demonstrated leadership experience (formal or informal) in an engineering or lab environment.
Proficiency with data acquisition and analysis tools.
Excellent communication, organizational, and decision-making skills. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors degree from an accredited college in a technical discipline 10+ years of experience in flight vehicle environment testing

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