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Research Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The primary function of the lab manager is to ensure the research lab adhere's to Stanford research policies and procedures which include - health and safety protocols, chemical inventory, animal ...

The primary function of the lab manager is to ensure the research lab adhere's to Stanford research policies and procedures which include - health and safety protocols, chemical inventory, animal ...

... lab data management systems as well as high throughput protein screening platforms. At Latent Labs ... You have experience using and improving LIMS, Benchling or similar tools, to manage samples and ...

Lab Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Summary We are seeking an experienced Lab Manager to serve as the backbone of our hardware ... Maintain a rigorous calibration schedule to ensure all R&D and manufacturing equipment meets ...

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$34K

$66.1K

$91.3K

How much do research lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 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.

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

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in California 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:

$25.71/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. USC is consistently ranked among the nation's most prestigious universities, and the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology features one of the world's best degree and research programs in gerontology. The schoolhas an international reputation as a hub of aging research and, with additional strong programs throughout the university, leads the way in defining and advancing the field of gerontology.

The USC Davis School of Gerontology is seeking a Research Lab Technician II to join its team! This person will join a lab working on the molecular basis of aging and age-related diseases. This is an opportunity for a reliable and self-motivated person to participate in cutting-edge aging research. They will be working mainly with African turquoise killifish cells and tissues, and help manage our African fish colony. They will also assist with data generation and analysis derived from aging turquoise killifish, and will make contributions to related research projects in the laboratory. Primary responsibilities are to manage and genotype a colony of African turquoise killifish (including daily husbandry and feeding responsibilities). Secondary responsibilities will be to coordinate with other lab members, including students, to make sure the fish are taken care of according to best animal welfare practices. Other responsibilities include aspects of lab management support (i.e. ordering basic supplies, and maintaining proper lab records).

Job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

  • Manage the husbandry of a small to medium fish colony (30-100 tanks).
  • Perform basic experiments and data analysis to support research lab projects, in collaboration with the PI and other lab members. Maintain detailed records of experiments, analyses, and outcomes.
  • Perform general lab maintenance as needed. Help maintain lab stocks, chemical inventory, and safety records, and provide general lab support, including help placing orders.
  • Help train new lab members in fish husbandry techniques.
  • Contribute to the development of new research protocols and procedures or adaptation of existing protocols to the model.
  • May contribute to the publication of findings and present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.
  • Perform general lab maintenance as needed. Help maintain lab stocks, chemical inventory, and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.

Our ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry or related field. They will be already comfortable working with vertebrate animals (more specifically fish), especially in a laboratory context. They will have experience with PCR and other basic laboratory techniques. This position requires strong organizational skills, and the ability to interact with the PI and others lab members on a daily basis.

The hourly rate for this position is $25.71. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations

This position is funded by a researchcontract/grantand may be funded by a subsequentcontract/grant. Accordingly, your position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequentcontract/grantto continue employment.

Benefits include a competitive salary, and a rich array of USC benefits including healthcare (including dental and vision), 403(b), tuition reimbursement, national holidays, paid vacation, and more. This is a full-time salaried position that will require substantial commitment and flexibility.

If you are interested, please submit your application. Please include a cover letter and resume with references.

Thank you for your interest

Minimum Education: Associate's degree, Specialized/technical training, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 2 years
Minimum Field of Expertise: Working knowledge of laboratory equipment and research protocols. Knowledge of computer analysis techniques and ability to provide routine analysis and interpretation of research data.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

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