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Laboratory Operations Manager Jobs in California

Abbott

Laboratory Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

The person hired in this role will be responsible for managing laboratory operations within a multi-disciplinary R&D environment supporting development of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products. Ensures ...

Abbott

Laboratory Manager

San Diego, CA

$100K - $200K/yr

The person hired in this role will be responsible for managing laboratory operations within a multi-disciplinary R&D environment supporting development of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products. Ensures ...

Abbott

Laboratory Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

The person hired in this role will be responsible for managing laboratory operations within a multi-disciplinary R&D environment supporting development of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products. Ensures ...

Microbac

Operations Manager

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

The Operations Manager will be responsible for leading department managers and supervisors ... While laboratory experience is valuable, success in this role will be driven by leadership ...

Aequita

Operations Manager

San Carlos, CA · On-site

The Operations Engineer will play a critical role in supporting laboratory operations by managing equipment, inventory, procurement, facilities coordination, and operational workflows. This position ...

New

Aequita

Operations Manager

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

The Operations Engineer will play a critical role in supporting laboratory operations by managing equipment, inventory, procurement, facilities coordination, and operational workflows. This position ...

New

PACE - Advanced Water Engineering

Be Seen First

Field and Laboratory Operations Technician

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$31 - $38/hr

PACE is seeking a Field and Laboratory Operations Technician with 3-5 years of start-up experience ... Excellent time management, organizational, and technical communication skills; * Strong problem ...

SaphoBio

Operations Manager

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

The Operations Engineer will play a critical role in supporting laboratory operations by managing equipment, inventory, procurement, facilities coordination, and operational workflows. This position ...

New

CareDx, Inc.

Laboratory Services Manager

Brisbane, CA · On-site

Under the general direction of the Sr. Director, Laboratory Operations, the Laboratory Services Manager is responsible for managing technical and outreach activities related to collection, processing ...

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Laboratory Operations Manager information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$62.6K

$116.9K

How much do laboratory operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory operations manager in California is $62,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Laboratory Operations Manager vs Laboratory Supervisor?

AspectLaboratory Operations ManagerLaboratory Supervisor
CredentialsBachelor’s degree in science or related field; certifications may be preferredAssociate’s or Bachelor’s degree; relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple labs or departments, strategic planningSupervises daily lab activities, direct team oversight
ResponsibilitiesManaging operations, budgets, compliance, staff managementSupervising technicians, ensuring quality control, daily task management

The Laboratory Operations Manager focuses on overall lab management, strategic planning, and compliance, while the Laboratory Supervisor handles daily supervision of lab staff and operational tasks. Both roles require relevant science credentials, but the manager role involves broader responsibilities and higher-level decision-making.

What does a Laboratory Operations Manager do?

A Laboratory Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of a laboratory, ensuring that all processes run efficiently and safely. They are responsible for managing staff, maintaining compliance with regulations, overseeing budgets, and ensuring quality control. Their role also involves coordinating with other departments, implementing new procedures, and troubleshooting operational issues to keep laboratory activities on track.

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

To thrive as a Laboratory Operations Manager, you need a solid background in laboratory science, management experience, and typically a bachelor's or advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), quality assurance protocols, and regulatory compliance certifications like CLIA or CAP accreditation is crucial. Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills, along with effective communication, set top performers apart. These competencies ensure efficient laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and high-quality results critical to scientific and healthcare outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by Laboratory Operations Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Laboratory Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards, managing diverse teams, and optimizing workflow efficiency. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on problem-solving and ensuring all staff are properly trained on protocols are also common issues. Addressing these challenges typically involves ongoing staff training, implementing robust quality management systems, and fostering clear communication between team members and other departments. Proactively staying updated on industry regulations and creating a culture of safety and collaboration can greatly help in overcoming these operational hurdles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory Operations jobs in California? The most popular types of Laboratory Operations jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Laboratory Operations Manager jobs in California? For Laboratory Operations Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Laboratory Operations Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Laboratory Operations Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Laboratory Operations Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Laboratory Operations Manager job openings:
Laboratory Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laboratory Operations Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,625 per year, or $30.1 per hour.
Laboratory Manager

Laboratory Manager

Abbott

San Diego, CA • On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Abbott rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

156th of 528 rated manufacturers

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You'll also have access to:
  • Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
  • Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
  • An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
  • Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor's degree.
  • A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
  • A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity
This position works out of our San Diego, CA location in the Abbott Infectious Disease Unit.
We're empowering smarter medical and economic decision-making to help transform the way people manage their health at all stages of life. Every day, more than 10 million tests are run on Abbott's diagnostics instruments, providing lab results for millions of people.
The person hired in this role will be responsible for managing laboratory operations within a multi-disciplinary R&D environment supporting development of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products. Ensures laboratories operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with Abbott Quality System requirements, including FDA Quality System Regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and ISO 13485, as well as applicable biosafety standards.
What You'll Work On
  • Uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex laboratory operational issues in creative and effective ways
  • Applies comprehensive knowledge of laboratory operations to support R&D objectives in a regulated environment
  • Ensures compliance with Abbott Quality Systems, FDA QSR, and ISO 13485 requirements
  • Leads biosafety and laboratory compliance programs consistent with CDC, NIH, and OSHA regulations
  • Establishes and enforces proper PCR laboratory workflow design (e.g., unidirectional workflow, physical segregation of pre- and post-amplification areas, contamination control practices) to minimize risk of amplicon contamination
  • Implements and monitors controls such as dedicated equipment, consumables, cleaning protocols, and environmental monitoring to prevent cross-contamination in molecular workflows
  • Works on complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors
  • Maintains laboratories in an inspection-ready state and supports internal and external audits
  • Manages lifecycle, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory equipment including freezers, centrifuges, PCR systems, analytical instruments, balances, and pipettes
  • Coordinates equipment qualification, preventive maintenance, and vendor service contracts
  • Oversees sample handling, biorepository operations, and chain-of-custody controls
  • Supports compliant shipment and receipt of biological materials per IATA and DOT regulations
  • Drives 5S implementation to maintain an organized, efficient, and safe lab environment supporting R&D Excellence.
  • May determine methods and procedures on new assignments and provide guidance to staff
  • Collaborates cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, EHS, and Facilities
  • Drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and compliance

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in related field
  • 7 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications
  • Laboratory operations experience in regulated environments such as IVD, medical device, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industries.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of FDA QSR and ISO 13485 and their application to laboratory operations.
  • 3 years of experience with biosafety programs and laboratory equipment management required.

Apply Now
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: https://abbottbenefits.com/
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.
Connect with us at abbott.com, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AbbottCareers.
The base pay for this position is
$100,000.00 - $200,000.00
In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
JOB FAMILY:
Research and Discovery
DIVISION:
ID Infectious Disease
LOCATION:
United States > San Diego : 4545 Towne Center Court
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:
WORK SHIFT:
Standard
TRAVEL:
Yes, 5 % of the Time
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:
No
SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:
Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Exposure to temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit/16 degrees Celsius or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit/28 degrees Celsius on a regular basis, Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday), Lift, carry, push or pull weights of more than 20 pounds/9 kilos on a regular/daily basis, Routine work with chemicals, Work at heights, e.g. ladders, scaffolds, catwalks, etc., Work in a clean room environment, Work requiring repeated bending, stooping, squatting or kneeling, Work with human blood or other potentially infectious materials, Work with infectious organisms or known infectious materials, Work with or near radiation sources and/or radioactive material
Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.
EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf
EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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