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Lab Manager Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Quality Control Technician

Carpinteria, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.25/hr

That's why our Operations, Lab Services, Sales, and many other Avantor teams rely on our talent ... Good communication skills, Time-management skills * Preferred: technical writing, critical thinking

Sr. Quality Control Technician

Carpinteria, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.25/hr

That's why our Operations, Lab Services, Sales, and many other Avantor teams rely on our talent ... Good communication skills, Time-management skills * Preferred: technical writing, critical thinking

Sr. Quality Control Technician

Carpinteria, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.25/hr

That's why our Operations, Lab Services, Sales, and many other Avantor teams rely on our talent ... Good communication skills, Time-management skills * Preferred: technical writing, critical thinking

That's why our Operations, Lab Services, Sales, and many other Avantor teams rely on our talent ... Time-management skills. Critical thinking. Attention to detail. Team-player: ability to work ...

That's why our Operations, Lab Services, Sales, and many other Avantor teams rely on our talent ... Time-management skills. Critical thinking. Attention to detail. Team-player: ability to work ...

That's why our Operations, Lab Services, Sales, and many other Avantor teams rely on our talent ... Time-management skills. Critical thinking. Attention to detail. Team-player: ability to work ...

Special Procedures Tech

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$52.36 - $79.85/hr

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital seeks a Special Procedures Technologist for their Cardiac Cath Lab ... Manager and above positions may participate in Cottage Health's annual management incentive program.

Showing results 21-40

Lab Manager information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$36.2K

$102.3K

$165.8K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab manager in Santa Barbara, CA is $102,322.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,900.00 and $123,500.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Santa Barbara, CA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Lab Manager jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Lab Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,322 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Sr. Quality Control Technician

Avantor Inc.

Carpinteria, CA • On-site

$19 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Avantor rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 102 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

The Opportunity:

At Avantor, people are the most important part of our success because they drive our global performance. That's why our Operations, Lab Services, Sales, and many other Avantor teams rely on our talent acquisition initiatives to attract, engage and hire the right talent. Avantor's Quality control & Validation vertical is a crucial part of this mix, enabling all our internal teams worldwide to grow beyond their limits.

The QC Sr. Technician supports day-to-day manufacturing processes by independently doing hands-on lab duties, including pre-established material qualifications. In specific, running prescribed tests and inspections for releasing materials to the next step in the process. This role also does basic troubleshooting when needed and runs infrequent test as per prescribed methods.

What we're looking for:

  • Education: High School Diploma or GED required. AS in Chemistry (or related field) preferred.
    • Preferred: Six Sigma Yellow Belt
  • Experience: 3+ years of Quality Lab experience if High School Diploma obtained OR + 1 year of Quality Lab experience If AS obtained.
    • Experience handling chemicals safely
    • Experience with basic physical chemistry parameters (pH, pressure, temperature)
    • Experience in a good laboratory practices environment
    • Basic experience using calibrated instruments
    • Experience executing calibrations independently

Preferred:

  • Experience with basic troubleshooting and upkeep of testing instruments (viscosity, pH, and loss on drying.)
  • Experience providing training to other associates on test methods
  • Basic experience under an Organizational Excellence system (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, Toyota System, Avantor Business System)

Who you are:

  • Basic Computer Skills (Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Basic math and statistics skills.
  • Good communication skills, Time-management skills
  • Preferred: technical writing, critical thinking
  • Team-player: ability to work effectively in a team environment
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to read, understand, and follow procedures
  • Able to work under limited supervision by following clear instructions
  • Proficient in Good Documentation Practices (GDP)
  • Experience in a lab environment

How will you thrive and create an impact:

  • Ensure compliance with company quality standards and industry regulations to maintain quality within the scope of the job description. This includes documentation and reporting.
  • Follows applicable safety procedures.
  • Performs routine cleaning and housekeeping duties ensuring instruments and workstations are clean and properly maintained.
  • Assist with Hazardous Waste disposal, including discarding expired supplies as per SOPs.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Independently performs basic routine testing. This may include: appearance, viscosity, pH, loss on drying, uncured, uncured/mixed, cured, and post cured routine testing.
  • Independently performs routine testing. This may include acid/base titrations, tensile testing, heat/moisture curing, intermediates, final product, and shelf life reinspections.
  • Performs standardized Test Methods for validation purposes.
  • Under supervision investigates unexpected testing results at the QC and/or Analytical Lab level.
  • Updates team on current testing status and instrument readiness during the shift change.
  • Supports laboratory inventory upkeep, ensuring supplies are properly stocked, labeled, and accessible.
  • Login and dispose of retain samples. Keeps the retain sample area clean and organized.
  • Performs daily calibration verifications of testing instruments. This may include GC, GPC, Instron, scales/balances.
  • Provides support with routine testing of materials related to defects, customer complaints, and opportunity analysis projects.
  • Provides support with execution under supervision of non-routine testing of materials related to defects, customer complaints, and opportunity analysis projects.
  • Prepare samples for outside testing by following specified procedures
  • Handles samples from submittal to disposal
  • Handles Test Request samples
  • Perform sample preparation for the testing of samples following approved test method procedures.
  • Works closely with other functional teams and provides Quality technical SME feedback for internal challenges (Ex. Production or development issues).

In addition to:

  • May provide training to other associates on QC Test Methods and Equipment Operating Procedures.
  • May independently investigate and troubleshoot unexpected testing results at the QC and/or Analytical Lab level.
  • May lead shift change meetings and/or present TDM data to the QC team.
  • May ensure logs are completed and conform to GDP.
  • May establish and implement a 6S program, with daily schedule, to ensure best practices for safety, productivity, and cleanliness in the lab space(s).
  • May order supplies and audits laboratory inventory.
  • May create and maintain retain samples inventory schedule based on retain sample disposal date and material availability.
  • May prepare calibration standard solutions for building calibration curves on GC, GPC, UV/Vis, and/or APHA colorimetry. Verifies calibration standards and curves are properly prepared.
  • May generate change orders related to QC (i.e. SOP, TM, EOP, or other relevant documents)
  • May support internal and external audits.
Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency:

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

$50,000.00 - $80,500.00

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.comand let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

Privacy Policy:

We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role.

Your privacy is important to us. Please click here for our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information. It also explains the rights you have in relation to your information, and how to contact us with any queries or requests.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.


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About Avantor

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Avantor, our ICARE Values are our core set of principles that guide and focus the Company's strategy.: Innovation; customer centric; accountability; respect; excellence! Avantor is committed to creating a fully inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and provides equitable opportunities for all associates to grow and succeed. While setting science in motion our employees can join employee focus groups.

Industry

Chemical manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Radnor, PA, US

Year founded

1904

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