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Research Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lab Manager

Redwood City, CA ยท On-site

$106K - $133K/yr

Facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond We are a team ... The Lab Management team is responsible for the day-to-day operations and implementation of ...

Facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond We are a team ... The Lab Management team is responsible for the day-to-day operations and implementation of ...

The Lab Manager is an individual contributor within the Logistics organization responsible for the ... with Engineering, Research, Facilities, Safety, Security, and Logistics teams to ensure ...

... with Engineering, Research, Facilities, Safety, Security, and Logistics teams to ensure ... The Lab Manager oversees space utilization, inventory and consumables management, equipment ...

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Research Lab Manager information

See California salary details

$34K

$66.1K

$91.3K

How much do research lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for research lab manager in California is $66,108.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do research lab managers make in the US?

Research lab managers in the US typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and the size of the institution. Those with advanced degrees or specialized skills in laboratory management or scientific research tend to earn higher salaries.

Is a research lab manager a stressful job?

A research lab manager often faces stress related to managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and ensuring safety and compliance. The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to handle unexpected issues, which can contribute to a high-stress environment at times.

What are the responsibilities of a research lab manager?

A Research Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a scientific laboratory, ensuring that research activities run smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities typically include managing laboratory staff, maintaining equipment and supplies, enforcing safety protocols, and assisting with budgeting and administrative tasks. They also support researchers by coordinating experiments, managing data, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential in this role.

What is a research lab manager?

A research lab manager oversees the daily operations of a laboratory, including managing staff, maintaining equipment, ensuring safety protocols, and coordinating research activities. They often require strong organizational skills, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and experience with project management tools.

What is the difference between Research Lab Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Lab ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; often requires management experienceMaster's or Ph.D. in specific research area
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, administrative offices, overseeing operationsLaboratories, conducting experiments, data analysis
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, universities, biotech companiesResearch institutions, universities, industry R&D
Primary FocusManaging lab operations, budgets, staffDesigning experiments, conducting research, publishing findings

The main difference is that a Research Lab Manager focuses on overseeing lab operations, staff, and budgets, while a Research Scientist concentrates on conducting experiments and advancing scientific knowledge. Both roles are essential in research settings but serve different functions within the research process.

What are some common challenges a research lab manager faces and how can they be addressed?

Research Lab Managers often encounter challenges related to balancing administrative duties with supporting scientific research, maintaining compliance with safety regulations, and ensuring efficient use of resources. Navigating these requires strong organizational skills, clear communication with both researchers and administrative staff, and staying up to date with regulatory changes. Proactively scheduling regular team meetings, investing in ongoing training, and implementing standard operating procedures can help address these challenges and create a productive, compliant lab environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research lab manager?

To thrive as a Research Lab Manager, you need strong scientific expertise, leadership skills, and a relevant degree in the field (often a Master's or PhD). Experience with laboratory management systems, safety protocols, grant writing, and equipment maintenance is crucial, along with certifications such as CLIA or GLP compliance when applicable. Excellent organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help foster teamwork and ensure smooth lab operations. These skills and qualifications are essential for maintaining high research standards, ensuring safety, and achieving project goals efficiently.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Lab Manager jobs in California? For Research Lab Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Lab Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Research Lab Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Research Lab Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Research Lab Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Lab Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,108 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Research Operations Lab Manager

Electra Therapeutics

South San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Research Operations Lab Manager

This is a full-time role requiring onsite presence, Monday - Friday in our South San Francisco, CA office. The Research Operations Lab Manager at Star Tx is responsible for managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of our scientific research laboratory, as well as providing technical direction and support for research and operations activities. This key position develops and maintains effective laboratory policies and procedures with a primary focus on the efficiency and reliability of laboratory operations while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The Research Operations Lab Manager role is instrumental in helping drive success in the laboratory and demonstrates excellent organizational skills to ensure the laboratory runs smoothly.

Responsibilities
  • Partner closely with scientists to anticipate laboratory needs, remove operational barriers to research, and ensure smooth lab operation with minimal disruption to research activities. This includes conducting routine lab walkthroughs to proactively identify equipment, facility, inventory, organization, and workflow issues
  • Serve as primary contact for lab vendors including inventory supply, equipment maintenance, and service visits. Request quotes and work with vendors to provide the best prices and products for the lab
  • Monitor, purchase, and maintain shared inventory of laboratory reagents and consumables and work with accounting to reconcile purchases
  • Provide information to cross-functional teams to properly track lab expenditures
  • Schedule calibration/preventative maintenance checks and services for existing laboratory equipment. Manage the requisition and delivery of new capital equipment and work with vendors/facilities to install and train new users
  • Recommend improvements to laboratory organization, workflows, equipment usage, and inventory management to maximize efficiency and reliability
  • Ensure the correct handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous and biohazardous waste
  • Manage lab safety inspections to ensure the cleanliness and safety of the lab, and coordinate with external collaborators for semi-annual lab safety inspections
  • Serve as primary internal coordinator for the site's EHS program, working closely with EHS consultants to ensure compliance and implementation of best practices with follow-up action plan and documentation
  • Arrange and document laboratory personnel training for safe lab practices and protocols
  • May assist in basic lab activities such as formulating general use buffers and media prep
  • May provide office management support and act as the key contact for facility management needs
Education, Experience & Qualifications
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, stakeholder management, interpersonal, and time management skills
  • Curious, resourceful, and continuously looking for ways to improve laboratory operations
  • Able to work independently, highly organized, thorough, and able to multitask
  • Highly service-oriented with a genuine desire to support scientific teams
  • Builds trust through responsiveness, follow-through, and collaboration
  • Naturally proactive and able to anticipate needs before they arise
  • Knowledge of quality, environment, safety, and health policies. Must be comfortable enforcing lab safety-related practices and protocols
  • Must be on-site during normal business hours
  • Comfortable interfacing with EHS consultants and taking ownership of day-to-day EHS operations
  • B.S. or B.A. required; degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related life sciences discipline preferred
  • Minimum 3-5 years lab manager experience, supporting molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related laboratory research required; strong preference for science research experience
  • Experience in ordering, managing, and stocking supplies, including interfacing with vendors required
  • Experience with inventory management tools and laboratory management systems preferred
Our Core Values

Our core values drive all that we do here at Star. We are looking for like-minded individuals that feel passionately about these same values to join our team.

  • Patients are our Center of Gravity: We partner with patients in unique ways, to uncover and address their unmet needs.
  • Propelled by Data, Guided by Intuition, Informed by Expertise: We boldly explore new diseases, novel biology, and smart ways of working with a sense of urgency.
  • Mission Ready Crew: With courage and agility, we opportunistically challenge conventional wisdom and foster an environment of respect and continuous growth.

About Star Therapeutics

Star Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that aims to discover and develop best-in-class antibody therapies to transform the lives of patients with serious diseases. Founded by former True North executives, Star has built a team with significant scientific expertise that has a demonstrated track record of success and is backed by top-tier biotech investors. We pride ourselves on our collective passion in bringing innovative therapies to the clinic and are committed to patients for whom no or limited treatment options exist.

Star is headquartered in South San Francisco, CA. More information about Star can be found on our website.

Star offers a competitive salary and benefits package, and we take pride on being a Biocom Best Place to Work for small companies. We're also a company where you can flourish and grow your career, learn and explore, and make connections.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We anticipate the base salary for the Research Operations Lab Manager in our South San Francisco, CA office to range from $88,000 to $110,000 annually and will depend on current market data and the candidate's qualifications for the role, including education, experience and geographic location. This position is also eligible for bonus, benefits, and participation in Company's equity plan. The compensation described above is subject to change and could be higher or lower than the range described based on several factors.

Qualified candidates should apply via our careers page.