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Science Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Coherent

Sr. Lab Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Plan, design, implement, and manage a customer-facing lab environment showcasing networking ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Sciences, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)

Bannerhealth

Lab Manager - General Lab Core

Sonora, CA

... Sciences of Arizona. This opportunity includes the option to participate in a variety of health ... In addition, this position may be eligible for our Management or Sales Incentive Programs as part ...

New

Amat

Lab Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$158K - $218K/yr

If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation ... Lab Manager supporting SiC EPI systems, test stands and metrology tools. Works closely with product ...

Agendia Inc.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist l/ll

Irvine, CA · On-site

$48 - $53/hr

Consults with the Lab Director, Lab Ops Director or Lab Manager regarding the daily work flow of ... California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist ...

Agendia, Inc

Clinical Laboratory Scientist l/ll

Irvine, CA · On-site

$48 - $53/hr

Consults with the Lab Director, Lab Ops Director or Lab Manager regarding the daily work flow of ... California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist ...

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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 Jul 24, 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,756 per year, or $43.6 per hour.
Lab Manager, Photonics and Semiconductors

Lab Manager, Photonics and Semiconductors

Ayar Labs

San Jose, CA • On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Lab Manager, Photonics and Semiconductors
Location: San Jose, CA (Headquarters) | On-site
Position Overview
Reporting to the Senior Lab Manager, the Lab Manager keeps Ayar's laboratories and cleanrooms running safely, efficiently, and ready for the operations and engineering teams that depend on them.
This is a hands-on role focused on the day-to-day operation of the labs - equipment, supplies, safety, and maintenance - while supporting the Senior Lab Manager on resource planning and lab expansion. You will be the primary point of contact for lab operations across our facilities and will partner closely with engineering, operations, IT, and outside vendors to make sure every lab requirement is met and aligned with company goals.
Responsibilities
  • Run the Labs Day to Day: Own the daily operation, health, and care of Ayar Labs' laboratory and cleanroom facilities, serving as a primary point of contact for lab operations across office locations.
  • Keep Equipment Ready: Coordinate routine preventative maintenance, service, annual calibrations, and certifications for all laboratory and related facility equipment (CDA system, vacuum system, pumps, and more), and manage the acquisition, installation, and qualification of new lab equipment.
  • Manage Supply & Inventory: Run laboratory supply procurement end to end - forecasting, quotations, purchase orders, invoicing, and logistics - and receive, log, and store all incoming supplies and reagents, including bulk compressed gases, chemicals, and consumables.
  • Champion Safety & Compliance: Help facilitate safety committee meetings and ensure compliance with all applicable safety rules and regulations, including the proper handling, secure storage, and timely disposal of chemical and biohazard waste.
  • Build Better Processes: Develop and implement policies, standard operating procedures, training, and standards for lab operations, and maintain the supporting business systems (inventory, asset management, documentation).
  • Support Planning & Growth: Partner with the Senior Lab Manager, finance, and engineering on lab resource planning, fixed-asset forecasting, and the scoping, design, and deployment of new lab equipment and stations.
  • Coordinate Vendors & Facilities: Manage laboratory facilities support work - contractor and vendor services, equipment maintenance, and document retention - liaising with IT and facilities contractors.

Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in the semiconductor industry and laboratory management.
  • Previous industry work experience in a cleanroom and semiconductor laboratory environment.
  • Hands-on experience with electrical and mechanical systems (electrical, CDA, vacuum, pumps, etc.), with the ability to install and maintain lab equipment.
  • A strong commitment to laboratory safety and adherence to compliance and regulatory standards for hazardous materials and waste.
  • Proven ability to manage lab business processes - inventory, asset management, supply procurement, and documentation.
  • Associate's in a technical or science field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively to keep the labs aligned with company goals.

Annual salary range: $120,000 - $135,000
NOTE TO RECRUITERS:
Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don't send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.
Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.

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