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Lab Manager Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

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Lab Manager information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$29.3K

$82.9K

$134.4K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab manager in Rio Rancho, NM is $82,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,100.00 and $100,100.00 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 Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Lab Manager jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Lab Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,939 per year, or $39.9 per hour.
Clinical Lab Assistant / Rust, (1320)

Clinical Lab Assistant / Rust, (1320)

TriCore Reference Laboratories

Rio Rancho, NM โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Schedule: Sunday-Wednesday 1300-1800 with weekends, rotating holidays, on-calls, and other shifts as needed.

Location: Rust Hospital

Salary/Hourly: Hourly Position

JOB SUMMARY:
The Clinical Lab Assistant is able to work independently and with minimal supervision and/or oversight. Successful candidates have the experience and skillset to perform one or more identified modalities. Compensation is dependent on the number of modalities performed. Candidates without experience may be considered for a paid apprenticeship level. Regular in-person attendance during scheduled work hours is essential.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
The following items are requirements for all individuals.
1. Performs duties in a professional and courteous manner.
2. Maintains supplies and inventory necessary to perform departmental functions.
3. Observe students and\or new staff as needed.
4. Exhibit basic problem solving skills to ensure exceptional customer and patient care service levels.
5. Responsible for hospital communication responsibilities as assigned, including on-call responsibilities during scheduled hours (cell phone) by location.
6. Demonstrates effective telephone and verbal communication skills
7. Actively demonstrates professional judgment when dealing with clients, patients and co-workers.
8. Perform clerical functions as needed by the department, including, but not limited to documenting critical communication such as call-ins in the absence of a supervisor.
9. Responsible for maintaining levels of confidentiality associated with position and access to personal and confidential information.
10. Participate in and maintain coverage levels for on call as needed/required to meet service levels.
11. Participate in coverage for holidays, evenings, and weekends as needed or required.
12. Basic P.C. skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

MINIMUM EDUCATION:
H.S. diploma or equivalent.
PREFERRED:
PBT (ASCP) or equivalent certification.
Completion of a relevant Clinical Lab Assistant or comparable program

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS:
Prove Immunity to Hepatitis B, or be immunized, or sign a waiver refusing Hepatitis immunization. Provide documentation of a PPD test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire, or have a PPD test conducted through TriCore.
IN DEPARTMENTS/LOCATIONS WITH DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT: Prove immunity or be eligible to receive rubella, rubeola and varicella immunization.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Valid driver's license. Good driving record. Must be insurable by lab insurance carrier as required by location.
2. Eligible to work in a health care facility as provided by the New Mexico Caregivers Criminal History Screening Act or other applicable law.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:
Candidates with no training or experience may be considered for an apprenticeship.
Selected Candidates will be placed into CLA Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 based on the number of modalities (listed below) completed on a regular basis. Assigned modalities are determined by the department leadership.

Modalities:
1. Check-in and Order Entry\Reconciliation- (Modality per system- Clinical, Anatomic, Research, Referral Testing) Including, but not limited to:
a. Identifying patient in system
b. Reconciling electronic orders
c. Manual Entry when necessary
d. Insurance\payment when necessary
2. General Phlebotomy (ages 10 and above) includes vacutainer , butterfly and syringe collections.
3. Special Collections and/or external shipping certification. Special Collections include but are not limited to arterial blood gas, pediatric and infant draws, sweat collection, breath collections, occ health/drug screen collections, MRSA and Covid collections, therapeutic phlebotomies)
4. Assisting provider performed procedures, including but not limited to FNA, Bone Marrow, EBUS, Bronchial lavage.
5. Specimen Processing (includes Specimen receipt, specimen sorting , specimen delivery\loading, decanting and retrieval for send out testing and surgical sample triage, Specimen storage and disposal functions)
6. Non-conformity investigation\Problem Resolution (examples Problem Desk aka Portal, TLC, NCE responses, client service) includes proper documentation.
7. Lab Equipment Maintenance and\or support (superuser), to include chemical and biohazard waste management for non-testing instrumentation (cryostats and stainline)
8. Sample Testing (waived to moderate) including appropriate instrument maintenance, including biohazard disposal, and QC.
a. Reviews results to see if they are within defined parameters. Identifies and resolves technical specimen problems. Report out results.
b. Identifies, researches and resolves specimen, QC, or instrument problems.
9. Consistent training and\or assisting in competency assessments of modalities to employee and\or students with completing initial training documentation. This may include N95 FIT Testing,
10. Department specific skilled technical assistance:
a. BB-Product prep: irradiating units, thaw cryo and plasma, splitting plasma and platelets
b. Infectious Disease- Planting patient specimens that includes: Tissue and Bone processing (grinding and cutting), Plate Inoculation, Knowledge of anaerobic versus aerobic incubation requirements
c. Genetics and Cytometry Nucleic acid extraction, cell culture and harvesting, renal transplant kit oversight and patient testing scheduling and monitoring
d. Histology and Cytology Cytology specimen processing, slide preparation and staining, Histology specimen processing, including bone marrow grossing and knowledge of processing for each tissue type.
e. TRI Honest Broker
11. Department specific clerical or support functions
a. Organization of AP/HP cases and slide distribution
b. FFPE Block and slide filing and material retrieval
c. Consult Case management (ordering, material retrieval, billing, Client on the Fly, report upload)
d. Client Material return
e. Unit allocation & issue: cryo, plasma, platelet, bone and tissue
12. Skilled Inventory management: (ordering, receiving, monitoring par levels, end of month reconciliations, includes blood supply, reagents, supplies, TriBuy training and competency)

TriCore is New Mexicos largest laboratory, employing more than 1,400 individuals who serve in a broad range of positions. We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our communities, and also our employees. We foster a culture of integrity, are dedicated to excellence, and are looking for passionate individuals with a desire to have an impact in patient care, the core of our strategy. We offer excellent benefits including, medical, dental, vision and life insurances, 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, PTO, and paid holidays, as well as opportunities for continuous learning, education assistance, wellness programs, career advancement, and the ability to share in our genuine commitment to the health of our communities. We offer a variety of shifts at multiple locations.