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Science Lab Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Until

Lab Manager

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

About the Role We are seeking an organized, proactive, and highly reliable Lab Operations Manager ... Partner with scientific teams to optimize laboratory layouts, bench space, equipment placement, and ...

Contact Government Services, LLC

ALS Lab Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Automated Litigation Support Lab Manager Employment Type: Full-Time, Experienced Department ... science or related field. Only the Contracting Officer can approve a waiver of the degree ...

Northwestern University

Research Lab Manager 1

Evanston, IL · On-site

$56K - $79K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Department of Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences (DEEPS) at Northwestern University is seeking a Department Lab Manager to provide essential and diverse organizational support for teaching ...

Northwestern University

Research Lab Manager 1

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56K - $73K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manages daily operations of a new academic neurotechnology lab focused on targeting brain ... Co-authors scientific papers for presentation and publication and coordinates writing, submission ...

AbbVie

Supervisor I, QC Lab

North Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensures effective and efficient utilization of laboratory resources through management of ... Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in a Scientific field (Chemistry ...

AbbVie

Supervisor I, QC Lab

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensures effective and efficient utilization of laboratory resources through management of ... Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in a Scientific field (Chemistry ...

AbbVie

Supervisor I, QC Lab

North Chicago, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensures effective and efficient utilization of laboratory resources through management of ... Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in a Scientific field (Chemistry ...

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All JobsScience Lab JobsScience Lab Manager JobsScience Lab Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Science Lab Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33.5K

$94.7K

$153.5K

How much do science lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for science lab manager in Chicago, IL is $94,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,100.00 and $114,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Science Lab jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Science Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Science Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Science Lab Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,732 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Lab Manager

Until

Mundelein, IL • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

About the Company 

Until is a moonshot company building a “pause button” for biology. Our near-term focus is organ-scale reversible cryopreservation: preserving donated organs at subzero temperatures without ice formation, then rewarming them uniformly for transplant. By solving this grand challenge, we’re laying the foundation for whole-body reversible cryopreservation, giving patients a bridge to future cures.

To achieve our goal, we are assembling an interdisciplinary team to develop perfusion systems, cryoprotectant formulations, and vitrification and rewarming hardware.

We envision a future where no transplantable organ is lost to logistics, and no terminal diagnosis is final because patients can safely wait for future medicine to arrive.

About the Role

We are seeking an organized, proactive, and highly reliable Lab Operations Manager to own the day-to-day operations of Until's research laboratories. This person will be responsible for ensuring the lab runs efficiently, safely, and smoothly so that scientists can focus on research.

You'll oversee laboratory logistics, facilities, inventory, equipment maintenance, vendor relationships, and operational improvements across our growing research organization. As the company scales, you'll help build the systems, documentation, and infrastructure that enable world-class scientific work.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys creating order from complexity, takes pride in operational excellence, and thrives in fast-paced startup environments.

What You'll Do
Laboratory Operations

  • Ensure the laboratory remains clean, organized, and fully operational on a daily basis.

  • Wash, sterilize, and organize laboratory glassware.

  • Prepare laboratory solutions and buffers according to established protocols.

  • Refill and distribute commonly used laboratory reagents and consumables.

  • Coordinate hazardous and biological waste handling and disposal.

  • Lead recurring lab organization efforts and establish high standards for shared laboratory spaces.

Equipment & Facilities

  • Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of laboratory equipment, including centrifuges and other shared instruments.

  • Coordinate preventative maintenance, repairs, calibrations, and vendor service visits.

  • Partner with scientific teams to optimize laboratory layouts, bench space, equipment placement, and shared infrastructure.

  • Support laboratory expansion projects, renovations, equipment moves, and space planning.

  • Manage offsite storage and warehouse operations, including equipment organization and inventory consolidation.

Inventory & Logistics

  • Own laboratory inventory, ensuring critical supplies remain stocked while minimizing waste.

  • Manage shipping and receiving of laboratory materials, equipment, and biological samples.

  • Establish recurring purchasing processes and identify opportunities for operational cost savings.

  • Coordinate with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of laboratory materials.

Documentation & Process Improvement

  • Build and maintain a comprehensive Lab Operations Handbook documenting laboratory procedures, contacts, permits, certifications, and operational workflows.

  • Develop and maintain SOPs for laboratory operations and logistics.

  • Create documentation for specialized operational workflows, including transplant logistics and other program-specific activities.

  • Continuously improve laboratory systems, workflows, and organizational processes as the company grows.

Cross-functional Support

  • Partner closely with research teams to anticipate operational needs and remove bottlenecks.

  • Coordinate laboratory onboarding for new employees, including laboratory orientation and best practices.

  • Support scheduling and shared resource planning across multiple scientific teams.

  • Lead recurring laboratory cleanups and continuous improvement initiatives.

As You Grow in the Role
You'll have the opportunity to shape the long-term operational strategy for Until's laboratory infrastructure, including:

  • Scaling laboratory operations to support a rapidly growing research organization.

  • Designing inventory management systems and equipment tracking.

  • Evaluating new storage and facilities solutions.

  • Standardizing laboratory organization across teams.

  • Building preventive maintenance programs for laboratory equipment.

  • Improving operational efficiency through automation, process improvements, and thoughtful facility planning.

 
About You

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, or a related scientific discipline (or equivalent laboratory operations experience).

  • 3+ years of laboratory operations, laboratory management, or research support experience.

  • Experience working in a research laboratory, biotech, life sciences, or startup environment.

  • Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

  • Comfortable managing multiple priorities and solving operational problems independently.

  • Experience coordinating vendors, equipment maintenance, purchasing, or laboratory logistics.

  • Excellent written documentation and communication skills.

  • Able to lift and transport laboratory materials (up to approximately 50 lbs).

Nice to Have

  • Experience supporting BSL-2 or similar laboratory environments.

  • Experience with laboratory safety, EHS, or chemical inventory management.

  • Experience supporting laboratory build-outs, moves, or facilities projects.

  • Familiarity with procurement systems or inventory management software.

  • Experience developing SOPs and operational documentation.

Potential to flex for exceptional experience.

Benefits

  • Generous medical, dental and vision insurance coverage

  • Flexible time off and paid holidays

  • Competitive compensation package, including salary and equity

  • Access to a 401(k) retirement savings plan

  • FSA and commuter benefits

  • Daily lunch and dinners, plus a variety of snacks 

  • Monthly learning stipend

  • On-site fitness center

  • Quarterly team social budget

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.