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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 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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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 Jul 13, 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 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 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, 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 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:
Research Lab Technician II

Research Lab Technician II

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$25.71 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


University Of Southern California rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Lab Technician II
The University of Southern California Center for Personalized Brain Health (CPBH) and the Yassine Laboratory are seeking a Research Lab Technician to support NIH-funded research studies focused on Alzheimer's disease, neuroinflammation, lipid metabolism, APOE4-associated risk, biomarkers, and translational therapeutic development. Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory staff, the Research Lab Technician will assist with day-to-day laboratory operations, research coordination, sample processing, data organization, and experimental support activities across multiple active projects.
This position will support both basic science and translational research initiatives by assisting with laboratory workflows, maintaining organized research records, managing biological samples and laboratory inventories, and supporting research documentation and data entry activities. The technician will help ensure accurate and timely execution of research procedures, maintain compliance with laboratory protocols and institutional policies, and contribute to the overall operational efficiency of the lab.
The Research Lab Technician II will work closely with investigators, postdoctoral fellows, students, and multidisciplinary collaborators to support studies involving biomarkers, neurodegeneration, neurovascular inflammation, imaging-related research coordination, and therapeutic discovery efforts. Additional responsibilities may include preparing study materials, coordinating supplies and equipment maintenance, supporting literature reviews and figure preparation, and assisting with general research operations and project coordination activities.
This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced academic research environment. The position involves routine laboratory support, scientific documentation, computer-based data entry, and coordination across research teams.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, neuroscience, chemistry, psychology, public health, or a related scientific discipline
  • Ability to follow laboratory protocols, research procedures, and standard operating practices
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Experience maintaining accurate records, spreadsheets, or research documentation
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment
  • Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and work independently under supervision

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience working in a laboratory, academic research, or clinical research environment
  • Experience handling biological samples, maintaining laboratory inventories, or supporting experimental workflows
  • Familiarity with research databases, REDCap, or basic data management practices
  • Interest in Alzheimer's disease, neuroscience, neuroinflammation, biomarkers, aging, or translational medicine
  • Experience supporting federally funded or NIH-supported research projects
  • Exposure to basic laboratory techniques, scientific literature review, or research reporting activities.

The successful candidate will be motivated, pro-active, resourceful, and detail oriented. The position requires excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to be decisive and adaptable. The candidate must follow established USC and departmental policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the Workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan.
This position is on-site and employee must report to work at the USC Health Science Campus in Los Angeles, CA when scheduled. Work hours may be subject to change depending on business needs.
The hourly budgeted range for this position is $25.71 - $30. 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.
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 the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for 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 at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

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:
https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$149467.htmld

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About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880