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Science Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Biohub

Lab Manager

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$106K - $133K/yr

Our technology powers scientists around the world, translating AI capabilities into tools that ... The Lab Management team is responsible for the day-to-day operations and implementation of ...

Biohub

Lab Manager

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$106K - $133K/yr

Pursue large scientific challenges that cannot be pursued in conventional environments * Enable ... The Lab Management team is responsible for the day-to-day operations and implementation of ...

ZO Skin Health, Inc.

Lab Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

Provide scientific leadership for skincare, OTC and Rx product development programs from concept ... Lab manager is expected to spend 25% on the bench and 75% on managerial tasks Knowledge, Skills ...

ZO Skin Health, Inc

Lab Manager

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

Provide scientific leadership for skincare, OTC and Rx product development programs from concept ... Lab manager is expected to spend 25% on the bench and 75% on managerial tasks Knowledge, Skills ...

Carbon Health

Lab Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

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 ...

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All JobsScience Lab JobsScience Lab Manager JobsScience Lab Manager Jobs in California

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 Aug 13, 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?

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.

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:
What cities in California are hiring for Science Lab Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Science Lab Manager job openings:
Science Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Science Lab Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,756 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Lab Manager

Biohub

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$106K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Biohub is the first large-scale initiative bringing frontier AI models, massive compute, and frontier experimental capabilities under one roof. We're building a general-purpose system to accelerate scientific discovery, integrating frontier AI models, biological foundation models, and lab capabilities, with the ultimate goal of curing disease. Our technology powers scientists around the world, translating AI capabilities into tools that accelerate research everywhere.
The Team
Through our multi-dimensional imaging program, we build imaging tools that capture life across scales - from single proteins to whole organisms - revealing how proteins and cells function, communicate, and assemble into living systems. These observations are laying the groundwork for a new generation of AI models that can predict cellular behavior and guide the development of better treatments for widespread diseases. You can learn more about our work here.
Our work brings together three powerhouse universities - Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco - into a single collaborative technology and discovery engine.
Our Vision
  • Pursue large scientific challenges that cannot be pursued in conventional environments
  • Enable individual investigators to pursue their riskiest and most innovative ideas
  • Facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond

We are a team of passionate individuals powered by technology, guided by scientific research, and driven by collaboration, working toward a mission to cure or prevent all disease.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a self-motivated individual with a scientific background to join the Lab Management team. This role will report to the Senior Lab Manager and support group leaders, platform leaders, and scientists within the Biohub to carry out their role(s). The Lab Management team is responsible for the day-to-day operations and implementation of processes to ensure smooth operation of the laboratory. Laboratory Operations is central to the research conducted at the Biohub, and we're looking for someone who is inspired to contribute to our mission.
What You'll Do
  • Oversee and perform daily wet lab operations, including housekeeping, inventory management, supply restocking, and equipment maintenance to ensure continuous lab readiness.
  • Lead equipment monitoring and incident response, acting on sensor alerts to minimize downtime and protect ongoing experiments.
  • Drive the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of safety protocols and SOPs, setting the standard for compliance and best practice across the lab.
  • Manage chemical inventory, segregation, SOP adherence, and end-to-end waste handling in coordination with EH&S and vendors.
  • Manage biological inventory, biosafety compliance, and biohazardous waste management in coordination with EH&S.
  • Identify operational and safety risks, propose process improvements, and collaborate with other team members on day-to-day tasks and long-term lab planning initiatives.
  • Other related duties as assigned.
What You'll Bring
  • Essential
    • BS/MS in Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field
    • 5-8 years of relevant lab management experience
    • Strong knowledge of laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, and biosafety practices, with a track record of keeping labs aligned with applicable regulations
    • Demonstrated ability to lead programs and drive change across teams without direct authority
    • Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, with the judgment to operate independently in a fast-moving, ambiguous research environment
    • Collaborative and service-oriented mindset, with a history of being a trusted partner to scientific staff

    Nice to have
    • Experience supporting a multi-PI, multi-platform, or multi-site research environment
    • Experience implementing or administering lab management software, inventory systems, or equipment monitoring platforms
    • Experience mentoring or guiding more junior lab operations staff
Compensation
The Redwood City, CA base pay range for a new hire in this role is $106,000 - $133,000. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process.
This position may be eligible to participate in our discretionary annual performance bonus program. Bonus eligibility and targets are determined in accordance with our total rewards philosophy and may vary by role.
Benefits for the Whole You
We're thankful to have an incredible team behind our work. To honor their commitment, we offer a wide range of benefits to support the people who make all we do possible.
  • Provides a generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future.
  • Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice.
  • Funding for select family-forming benefits.
  • Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving

If you're interested in a role but your previous experience doesn't perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.
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