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Laboratory Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Manage laboratory equipment lifecycle including procurement, installation, calibration, preventive maintenance, repairs, and retirement. * Maintain equipment inventories and calibration records.

The Field Operations Manager (FOM) is responsible for daily operational oversight of Protective ... Ensure Contractor compliance with DOE and Laboratory safety requirements and the Contractor ...

Core Laboratory Director

Evanston, IL · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

... management, quality assurance programs, regulatory compliance, and continuous operational improvement 2) collaborates closely with the Laboratory Medical Director, Technical Supervisors, hospital ...

The QC Laboratory Coordinator supports daily operations in QC Chemistry and Microbiology labs by managing sample logistics, documentation, and laboratory supplies within a GMP environment. The role ...

Operations Manager LOCATION: Loves Park, Illinois NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1 CATEGORY: BP - Physical ... to laboratory management or product compliance, to fulfill the following tasks at our office ...

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Laboratory Operations Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$30K

$61.5K

$114.8K

How much do laboratory operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory operations manager in Illinois is $61,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $75,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory Operations jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Laboratory Operations jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Laboratory Operations Manager jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Laboratory Operations Manager jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Laboratory Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Laboratory Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Laboratory Operations Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,491 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Biologics Laboratory Operation Manager

Chicago, IL • On-site


Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers


Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you'll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You'll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none - one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You'll play a role in something that's never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes - as we Advance Human Ability, together.
Job Description Summary
The Biologics Laboratory Operations Manager (Lab Manager) will support the safe, efficient, and compliant day-to-day operations of the Biologics laboratory and Scientific Hub to Accelerate Rehabilitation (SHARE) biorepository infrastructure. Working under the direction of the Director of Biologics Laboratory, this role coordinates laboratory operations, shared resources, equipment maintenance, biorepository system, supplies, and laboratory safety and compliance activities, including Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) functions.
The Lab Manager will support biomedical researchers conducting molecular, cellular, and organismal biology studies and interact with research scientists, clinicians, trainees, core research staff, administrative staff, safety personnel, and partners within and outside Shirley Ryan Abilitylab.
Job Description
Biologics Laboratory Operations Manager will:
  • Coordinate daily operations and shared resources supporting biomedical researchers conducting molecular, cellular, and organismal biology studies; Coordinate purchasing and assist the Director in monitoring operational expenses;
  • Assist the Director and/or Safety Officer in implementing regulatory requirements for laboratory access, procedures, and operational policies for employees, contractors, collaborators, and visitors;
  • Assist in developing, updating, and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory workflows in coordination with the Director and applicable safety/regulatory personnel;
  • Serve as a Biologics Laboratory representative to the Institutional Biosafety Committee and support regulatory compliance activities, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC) protocols as needed;
  • Coordinate laboratory safety training, onboarding of new personnel, and maintain safety training documentation;
  • Coordinate procurement, installation, and service of shared laboratory equipment; manage vendor relationships, service agreements, and preventative maintenance contracts;
  • Provide technical troubleshooting of commonly used laboratory equipment and serve as the local resource or liaison for specialized platforms shared instruments (e.g. flow cytometry, microscopes, cryostats, incubators, etc.);
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Biologics Lab and/or Chief Scientific Officer and in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Biorepository Responsibilities:
  • Oversee operation and maintenance of the biorepository infrastructure, including ultra-low temperature freezers and cloud-based environmental monitoring systems;
  • Serve as the primary contact point for freezer alarms, equipment failures, and emergency response activities affecting stored biospecimens;
  • Coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, and vendor service for biorepository equipment;
  • Participate in biorepository operational planning, meetings, and continuous process improvement initiatives;
  • Support business continuity and operational reliability to ensure long-term preservation of research specimens;

Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) Responsibilities:
  • Maintain and periodically revise the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) and associated laboratory safety policies and procedures;
  • Implement and monitor compliance with the Chemical Hygiene Plan, laboratory safety policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct regular inspections of the laboratories and chemical storage areas, documenting findings and submitting inspection reports to administration;
  • Maintain required safety records, including laboratory inspections, personnel training documentation, and chemical inventories;
  • In collaboration with the Biologics Laboratory Safety Office implement and monitor laboratory safety protocols governing the procurement, storage, handling, use, and disposal of hazardous chemicals and other regulated laboratory materials;
  • Serve as a laboratory safety resource to personnel by providing guidance on chemical safety practices and assisting with corrective actions identified during inspections or incident reviews.;
  • Attend quarterly Environment of Care Committee meetings to remain informed on institutional safety initiatives and support continuous laboratory safety improvement.

Reporting Relationships
  • Reports directly to the Director of Biologics Lab.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Physiology, or a related field.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience required. Experience as a lab tech preferred. Two years of supervisory experience preferred.
  • Familiarity with molecular biology research activities such as cell culture, protein purification, microscopy, sequencing, histology, husbandry, etc.
  • Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and people management skills;
  • Experience and proficiency with both qualitative and quantitative research outcomes;
  • Analytical abilities necessary to understand and resolve complex problems through the application of appropriate technologies;
  • Ability to structure time to meet deadlines and be flexible to changing design requirements and deliverables;
  • Accuracy, attention to detail, and highly organized skills.

Working Conditions
  • Work is performed in both office and laboratory environments. The position requires regular work in a biologics laboratory, including exposure to biological specimens, laboratory reagents, chemicals, and scientific equipment. Compliance with laboratory safety protocols and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are required. The office environment is a typical climate-controlled setting with standard administrative working conditions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Pay and Benefits*:
Pay Range:
$71,200.00 - $124,500.00
Benefits:
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits
*Benefits and benefits' eligibility can vary by position. Actual compensation will be determined by equity and qualifications of the role.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law.
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.


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