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Science Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Lab Manager

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

Interfaces with engineers, scientists, and lab supervisors to make sure customer-specific needs are met. * Supports continuous improvement and lean events for the M&T lab. Manages lab investigations ...

Interfaces with engineers, scientists, and lab supervisors to make sure customer-specific needs are met. * Supports continuous improvement and lean events for the M&T lab. Manages lab investigations ...

Lab Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field * 5+ years in Lab Management or Facilities Management, preferably within the medical device, biotech, or similar industry.

Foster dynamic relationships with scientists to better serve their needs in the lab. * Project manage various business or operations related initiatives. Employee Value Proposition : Career growth ...

You'll work closely with research scientists and lab staff to build and scale the operational systems that support both in vitro and in vivo neuroscience research. As Preclinical Lab Manager at Nudge ...

You'll work closely with research scientists and lab staff to build and scale the operational systems that support both in vitro and in vivo neuroscience research. As Preclinical Lab Manager at Nudge ...

Current certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) by ASCP, AMT, or equivalent certifying agency * Minimum 3-5 years of clinical laboratory ...

Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) Manager - Lab Manager The QA/QC Manager serves as the ... Bachelor's degree in Enology, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field. * 5-8 years of ...

Lab Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$71K - $115K/yr

... experienced Lab Manager to support innovative translational and laboratory research within the ... scientific findings, mentor students and laboratory staff, and contribute to the design and ...

New

Lab Manager

Irvine, CA

$75K - $100K/yr

... science behind the results. The laboratory has an established team and existing processes, with ... The Laboratory Operations Manager is expected to take full ownership of lab operations, proactively ...

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Science Lab Manager information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$90.8K

$147K

How much do science lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for science lab manager in California is $90,756.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Science Lab Manager, you need a strong background in laboratory sciences, leadership experience, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with lab management software, safety protocols, inventory systems, and regulatory compliance certifications is essential. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating teams and ensuring a safe, efficient environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining high laboratory standards, supporting research goals, and ensuring safety and compliance.

How much do Pfizer lab managers make?

Lab managers at Pfizer typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. They oversee laboratory operations, manage staff, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Is lab manager a stressful job?

A lab manager role can be stressful due to responsibilities such as overseeing safety protocols, managing staff, and ensuring experiments are completed accurately and on time. The level of stress varies depending on the size of the lab, workload, and deadlines, but strong organizational and communication skills help manage the pressure.

How much does a lab manager earn?

The average salary for a science lab manager varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Factors such as education, certifications, and the complexity of the laboratory environment can influence earnings.

What is the highest paid lab job?

The highest paid lab jobs are often senior research scientists, laboratory directors, or specialized roles such as clinical laboratory directors, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and management responsibilities in research, healthcare, or industrial laboratories.

What does a Science Lab Manager do?

A Science Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a laboratory, ensuring that it runs efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities include managing lab staff, maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, implementing safety protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They may also assist with budgeting, training new staff, and supporting research activities. Science Lab Managers play a crucial role in enabling scientific research and education by keeping the lab organized and functional.

What is the difference between Science Lab Manager vs Science Technician?

AspectScience Lab ManagerScience Technician
CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in science, management experienceAssociate’s or Bachelor’s degree in science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, ensures safetyPerforms experiments, maintains equipment, supports research
Employer & Industry UsageResearch labs, educational institutions, biotech companiesLaboratories, research facilities, educational settings

The Science Lab Manager primarily oversees lab operations, staff, and safety protocols, requiring management skills and relevant degrees. In contrast, the Science Technician focuses on conducting experiments, maintaining equipment, and supporting research activities. Both roles are essential in scientific environments but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

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

Science Lab Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with hands-on lab supervision, maintaining compliance with safety regulations, and managing inventory within budget constraints. To address these, effective time management, regular communication with staff, and thorough documentation of protocols are essential. Building strong relationships with vendors and fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement within the team can also help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth lab operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Science Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Science Lab jobs in California are:

Associate Lab Manager

Syensqo

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Syensqo rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 91 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Syensqo is all about chemistry. We're not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet's beauty for the generations to come.
Job Title: Materials & Testing Associate Lab Manager
Job Overview and Responsibilities
Be part of a world-class laboratory management team supporting projects that are critical to the success of the Global Business Unit (GBU). You'll have the opportunity to engage and collaborate across all functions and levels of the Materials segment. Prove or develop leadership skills and experience in a dynamic team environment that works on developing, qualifying, and maintaining the GBU's composites portfolio.
This position will work closely with the Anaheim Materials & Testing Laboratory and reports to the Laboratory Manager. The Materials & Testing Associate Lab Manager major responsibilities will include:
  • Interfaces with engineers, scientists, and lab supervisors to make sure customer-specific needs are met.
  • Supports continuous improvement and lean events for the M&T lab. Manages lab investigations as required.
  • Tracks Key X project testing costs vs. budget.
  • Organize audits as required. Coordinate with AIR or AERs for all NCAMP projects. Fulfill AIR or AER responsibilities if possible in the future.
  • Ensure lab testing remains on schedule and forecast future testing demands.
  • Develop and execute a CapEx strategy to maintain or expand the lab's capabilities.
  • Assist project managers with identifying gaps or pertinent information missing from test plans.
  • Assist Lab Manager with developing staff and recruiting.
  • Support project managers by providing testing expertise and effectively managing the appropriate data repositories.
  • Maintains and improves the execution of test methods for high quality, repeatable results (customer-specific formats, consistency, and accuracy).
  • Provides occasional oversight of Technicians and Supervisors when the M&T Lab Manager is out of the office.

You will bring:
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree in Business, Science, Engineering, or Technology
  • 5 plus years experience in advanced materials market in a technical capacity
  • 2 plus years experience in a leadership or managerial position preferred (or demonstrated significant work experience and leading teams).
  • Experienced in leading cross-functional teams in problem resolution - material, customer, commercial, internal, and external.
  • Demonstrated experience in the use of Six Sigma, Lean, and Continuous Improvement tools, techniques, and methodology.
  • Basic knowledge of Syensqo Material Segment products and applications preferred. Basic to intermediate understanding of the composites industry including resin families, fibers, test methods, and statistics.
  • Ability to develop managerial skills
  • Ability to build project management skills.

Skills
  • Good listening, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
  • Must be a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision
  • Must have a strong sense of urgency and drive (action-oriented).
  • Organizational skills to manage multiple projects, team members, stakeholders, and commitments.
  • Ability to establish good working relationships with Syensqo personnel at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to effectively lead cross-functional teams engaging and aligning with key business and functional stakeholders.
  • Ability to effectively resolve team conflicts and manage problem solving activities, prioritizing actions based on ROI.
  • Good understanding of LIMS, testing, and lab processes.
  • Highly skilled in the use of G-suite products (Gmail, Sheets, Slides, etc.) and Microsoft 365 products (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

You will get:
• Competitive salary and benefits package. The U.S. base salary range reasonably expected to be paid for this position is $98,720 to $148,800 per year. Since actual compensation packages are based on a variety of factors unique to each candidate we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted base salary range. Total compensation for this role also includes bonus and/or other incentives.
• 16, or more, weeks of maternity/paternity and co-parenting leave, according to local regulations
• Training platform for all employees
• Free well-being sessions (physical and psychological)
Additonal information:
  • Location: Anaheim, CA (onsite)
  • Must be a US Citizen or a Green Card holder

About us
  • Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.
  • At Syensqo, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.
  • Syensqo is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

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